Quick Picks for Sunset Photography

If you are short on time, these quick picks will help you choose the right spot. Each location offers a different perspective of the fortress. Some are easy to reach, while others require a short walk.

• Best Overall: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada)
• Best for Families: Regional Museum Terrace
• Best Rainy-Day: Cloak Bridge (covered sections nearby)
• Best Free View: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross)

These spots are popular in 2026 for their clear sightlines. Most are free to access at any time of day. Make sure to check the weather before heading out for your shoot.

Top 9 Best Places to Photograph the Castle at Sunset

Capturing the perfect shot requires knowing exactly where to stand. Here are the most iconic and hidden spots for your photography journey.

1. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous spot for a postcard-perfect view. It perfectly aligns the castle tower with the church spires. Best for: Classic wide-angle shots. Where: Horní street, next to the Hotel Růže. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main square. Tip: Use the stone arches to frame your shot. Learn how to find the Seminary Garden viewpoint for the best angles.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Sight Why go: This massive multi-story bridge offers incredible height. You can look down on the Old Town roofs while the sun sets. Best for: Dramatic architectural depth. Where: Between the second and fourth castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main path up into the castle complex. Tip: Visit the upper levels for a less crowded experience. Read more about the Cloak Bridge history and viewpoints before you go.
3. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Nature/Viewpoint Why go: It provides a bird's-eye view of the entire town loop. The castle looks majestic against the rolling hills of South Bohemia. Best for: Panoramic landscape photography. Where: A hill south of the town center. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours (including the hike). Cost: Free. Getting there: A 20-minute uphill walk from the town outskirts. Tip: Bring a telephoto lens to compress the town and castle.
4. Name: Lazebnický Bridge (Barber's Bridge) Type: Experience Why go: This wooden bridge sits right over the Vltava River. You get a great low-angle view of the castle tower rising above the water. Best for: River reflections and street life. Where: Connects Latrán with the Old Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the main pedestrian bridge in town. Tip: Long exposures can blur the river for a dreamy effect.
5. Name: Fifth Castle Courtyard Type: Sight Why go: This area is right near the Baroque Theater. It offers a unique side-on view of the castle's massive walls. Best for: Catching the last rays on the stone textures. Where: The western end of the castle complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle past the Cloak Bridge. Tip: Look for the small windows in the wall for framed views.
6. Name: Castle Tower (Hrádek) Type: Museum/Sight Why go: This is the highest point you can climb. You can see 360 degrees around the entire region. Best for: High-altitude sunset vistas. Where: Second courtyard of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (check official site). Getting there: Enter the tower through the castle museum entrance. Tip: Check the official castle site for seasonal closing times.
7. Name: Latrán Riverbank Type: Nature Why go: There is a small park area near the wooden bridge. It offers a peaceful view of the castle reflected in the Vltava. Best for: Quiet, low-angle photography. Where: Along the river in the Latrán district. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down to the water near the Parkán street entrance. Tip: This spot is often less crowded than the main bridges.
8. Name: Regional Museum Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: Located right next to the museum, this terrace is easy to access. It offers a stable platform for tripods and great lighting. Best for: Night photography after the sun goes down. Where: Next to the Český Krumlov Regional Museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the top of the hill near the main bus stop. Tip: The museum building itself is also very photogenic.
9. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: If you love castles, this white neo-Gothic masterpiece is nearby. It is often called the most beautiful castle in the country. Best for: A different castle style for your portfolio. Where: 30 kilometers north of Český Krumlov. Time: 4-5 hours (including travel). Cost: Free for gardens; paid for tours. Getting there: Take a direct bus or drive for 30 minutes. Tip: The white walls glow beautifully during the golden hour.

Photography Tips for Golden Hour in Český Krumlov

To get the best results, you need to plan ahead. The sun sets behind the hills, which can cut the golden hour short. Arrive at your chosen spot at least 30 minutes early. This gives you time to set up and find the best angle. In 2026, many photographers use filters to manage the high contrast of the sky. A tripod is essential if you want to capture the blue hour after sunset. The castle lights usually turn on shortly after the sun disappears.

Pay attention to the direction of the light. In the evening, the sun illuminates the eastern side of the castle tower. This creates a warm glow on the painted murals and stone. If you are shooting from the river, watch for ripples in the water. Calm evenings provide the best reflections of the illuminated landmarks. Always respect the local residents by staying on public paths and keeping noise levels low.