Must-See Sights in the Castle Garden

The garden covers roughly 11 hectares of land. It is divided into several distinct sections. Each section reflects a different era of landscape design. You will see formal French styles near the entrance. Further back, the garden transitions into a more natural English park style.

This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre listing for the town. The preservation of the original Baroque layout is quite remarkable. Walking through the gates feels like stepping back into the 1700s. The paths are wide and lined with ancient trees that provide ample shade.

Most visitors start their journey near the Baroque Theatre guided tours entrance. From there, you can walk uphill toward the main garden gate. The climb is gentle but offers great views of the castle towers. It is a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Experience the Revolving Auditorium

The Revolving Auditorium is a marvel of modern stagecraft. It was first built in 1958 as an experimental theater project. The entire seating area rotates 360 degrees during the show. This allows the actors to use the surrounding garden as a natural stage. It is a truly immersive way to watch a play.

Performances usually take place from June through September. You can watch operas, ballets, and fairy tales under the stars. The sound quality is excellent because of high-tech wireless headphones. This ensures every guest hears the dialogue clearly. It is a highlight for anyone visiting the Castle Garden and Revolving Auditorium.

Tickets for the auditorium sell out very quickly each year. It is wise to book several months in advance for 2026 shows. The atmosphere at night is magical with subtle lighting on the trees. Even if you do not see a show, the structure is impressive to view. It stands as a symbol of the town's creative spirit.

Top 10 Highlights of the Castle Garden and Revolving Auditorium

To make the most of your trip, follow this list of top attractions. These items cover the best spots within the park and nearby. Each entry includes practical details to help you navigate the grounds. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Revolving Auditorium
• Best for families: The Hedge Maze
• Best rainy-day: Castle Museum
• Best free: The Cascade Fountain

1. Name: The Revolving Auditorium Type: experience Why go: To see a unique 360-degree theatrical performance in a natural setting. Best for: Culture seekers and couples. Where: Central Garden area. Time: 2-3 hours for a show. Cost: Usually 600-1200 CZK. Tip: Bring a warm jacket even in summer as nights get cold.
2. Name: The Cascade Fountain Type: sight Why go: It is a stunning example of Baroque water architecture with statues of deities. Best for: Photography. Where: Between the upper and lower gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The water is usually turned on from May to October.
3. Name: Bellarie Summer Palace Type: sight Why go: This Rococo building serves as a beautiful backdrop for the revolving stage. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Adjacent to the auditorium. Time: 10 minutes (exterior view). Cost: Free to view from outside. Tip: Look for the unique "magic table" mechanism used for dining.
4. Name: The Castle Pond Type: nature Why go: A quiet spot at the far end of the garden filled with water lilies. Best for: Relaxation and quiet walks. Where: Rear section of the garden. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is the most peaceful part of the complex.
5. Name: The Music Pavilion Type: sight Why go: A charming small building once used for garden concerts. Best for: History buffs. Where: Lower garden terrace. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Check the ceiling for beautiful original frescoes.
6. Name: Upper Garden Terraces Type: viewpoint Why go: Offers a grand perspective of the entire park layout. Best for: Seeing the garden design. Where: Southern end of the park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in late afternoon for the best lighting.
7. Name: The Hedge Maze Type: activity Why go: Fun for children and adults to navigate the tall green walls. Best for: Families. Where: Near the main entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The hedges are usually trimmed in early summer.
8. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: sight Why go: A massive multi-story bridge connecting the castle to the garden. Best for: Scenic views of the town. Where: Between the castle courts and the garden. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Tip: Stop at the windows for the best town panoramas.
9. Name: Castle Tower Type: sight Why go: The most iconic symbol of the city with a steep climb to the top. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually 150-200 CZK. Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the museum to save money.
10. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: museum Why go: To see world-class modern art in a historic brewery building. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Town center, short walk from the castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Usually 200 CZK. Tip: The gallery cafe is a great place to rest.

Planning Your Visit to the Castle Garden

Visiting the Castle Garden and Revolving Auditorium requires some preparation. The garden is open daily from April to October. During winter, the gates are usually closed for safety. Check the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov site for exact dates. Entrance to the garden itself is free for all visitors.

Wear comfortable walking shoes when you visit. The paths are made of gravel and can be uneven. There are many benches where you can sit and rest. If you want to see the town from above, look for the best viewpoints for landmarks along the garden walls. These spots offer clear sights of the Vltava River.

Please respect the local rules while on the grounds. Do not pick the flowers or walk on the formal grass beds. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Bicycles are generally not allowed inside the garden area. These rules help keep the park beautiful for everyone to enjoy.