Quick Picks for the Best Views

If you are short on time, these quick picks will help you prioritize your visit. Some spots require a ticket, while others are open to the public for free. Choosing the right time of day is also key for the best lighting. Here are our top recommendations for various traveler types.

• Best Overall: Castle Tower (360-degree town views).
• Best Free View: Seminary Garden (Postcard-perfect castle view).
• Best for Sunset: Fifth Castle Courtyard (Golden hour lighting).
• Best for Families: Castle Garden (Wide open spaces and greenery).

Each of these locations offers a unique angle of the historic center. You can easily reach most of them on foot from the main square. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of every location on our list.

10 Best Viewpoints for Landmarks in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is designed for wandering and discovering hidden angles. The geography of the Vltava River creates natural loops that offer views from every side. Many of the best viewpoints for landmarks are located within the State Castle complex. Others are tucked away in quiet residential neighborhoods or hilltop parks.

When visiting, remember that the town can get crowded during the day. Morning and late afternoon are the best times for a peaceful experience. Most paths are paved with cobblestones, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Here are the top ten spots you should not miss.

1. Name: Castle Tower Type: sight Why go: It is the highest point in the town center for a full panoramic view. Best for: Seeing the entire layout of the Vltava River. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry (approx. 180 CZK). Getting there: Enter through the Red Gate and climb the stairs in the Castle Tower climb and museum. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so go early to avoid two-way traffic.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: This multi-story bridge offers framed views of the town through its stone arches. Best for: Architectural photography. Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main castle path upward from the town. Read more about the Cloak Bridge history and viewpoints. Tip: Walk to the very edge of the bridge for the widest angle.
3. Name: Seminary Garden Type: experience Why go: This is the most famous spot for the "classic" photo of the castle and tower. Best for: Social media photos and couples. Where: Horní Street, across from the Regional Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up Horní Street from the main square. Learn how to find the Seminary Garden viewpoint easily. Tip: The garden has benches, making it a great spot for a quick rest.
4. Name: Castle Garden Type: nature Why go: The upper terraces provide a quiet view of the castle roofs and the surrounding hills. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: The highest level of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the Castle Garden and Revolving Auditorium. Tip: The garden closes in winter, so check seasonal dates before visiting.
5. Name: Church of St. Vitus Entrance Type: sight Why go: The small plaza in front of the church offers a close-up view of the old town's medieval rooftops. Best for: Seeing the historic town center details. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short, steep walk from Svornosti Square. Explore the Church of St. Vitus architecture while there. Tip: Look back toward the castle for a great vertical photo.
6. Name: Fifth Castle Courtyard Type: viewpoint Why go: It has several balcony-like openings in the wall that frame the town perfectly. Best for: Sunset views and the golden hour. Where: Just past the Cloak Bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking uphill through the castle complex. Check the best places to photograph the castle at sunset for more tips. Tip: This area is open even when the castle interiors are closed.
7. Name: Lazebnický Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers a low-angle view of the castle towering over the river water. Best for: Seeing the scale of the castle walls. Where: Connecting the Latrán district to the Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk downhill from the main square toward the river. Tip: Watch for the wooden rafts passing underneath the bridge.
8. Name: Křížová hora (Cross Hill) Type: day trip Why go: This hilltop chapel offers the most distant and complete view of the entire UNESCO site. Best for: Hikers and panoramic landscape photographers. Where: Southern edge of town. Time: 2 hours (round trip). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green-marked hiking trail from the town center. Tip: Bring water as the uphill walk can be tiring in summer.
9. Name: Regional Museum Terrace Type: museum Why go: The terrace provides a structured view of the town's geography and the river loop. Best for: History buffs. Where: Horní Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free access to the terrace area. Getting there: Located next to the Hotel Ruže. Tip: Visit the museum inside to see a detailed ceramic model of the town.
10. Name: Latrán Street Vistas Type: neighborhood Why go: You can find narrow alleys that offer "peek-a-boo" views of the colorful castle tower. Best for: Street photography and finding hidden gems. Where: The Latrán district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at the Budějovice Gate and walk toward the castle. Find more free panoramic views over the old town here. Tip: Look for the small wooden bridge near the former brewery.

Planning Your Photography Walk in 2026

To make the most of the best viewpoints for landmarks, timing is everything. In 2026, tourism is expected to be high, so planning ahead is wise. The best light for the castle is usually in the mid-to-late afternoon. During this time, the sun illuminates the tower and the stone walls of the Cloak Bridge.

For those who prefer a quiet experience, sunrise is the best option. The town is often covered in a light mist during autumn mornings. This creates a magical atmosphere for photography. Most of the free viewpoints are accessible 24 hours a day. However, the castle courtyards may have specific closing times in the evening.

You can find more travel inspiration on the Visit Czechia website. They offer updates on local events and seasonal openings. Always check the weather before heading to hilltop spots like Cross Hill. A clear day will ensure you see the distant mountains beyond the town.