Quick Picks for Your Garden Visit

Are you short on time? Use these quick recommendations to plan your walk through the castle grounds. This list highlights the best spots based on your interests. The gardens are quite large, so focus is key.

• Best for Photos: The Cascade Fountain offers a perfect Baroque backdrop.
• Best for Families: The Castle Pond at the far end is quiet and great for kids.
• Best for History: Bellaria Summer Manor showcases incredible Rococo architecture.
• Best Free View: The terrace near the entrance overlooks the entire Old Town.

Before you head up, check the visiting guide for the state castle. This helps you coordinate your garden walk with a palace tour. The gardens are located on a hill above the main complex. Wear comfortable shoes as the paths are mostly gravel and grass.

10 Must-See Spots in the Castle Gardens

The gardens are divided into several distinct sections. Each area reflects a different era of landscape design. You will see formal French styles and wilder English parkland. Follow this list to see the most iconic features.

1. Name: The Cascade Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous Baroque monument in the park. Best for: Art lovers and photographers. Where: Between the Lower and Upper Gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the Cloak Bridge entrance. Tip: Look for the statues representing the four seasons.
2. Name: The Revolving Theatre Type: Experience Why go: It is a world-unique open-air stage that rotates during performances. Best for: Culture seekers and families. Where: In front of the Bellaria Manor. Time: 10 minutes (for viewing the structure). Cost: Free to see; ticket prices vary for shows. Getting there: Follow the main central path into the Upper Garden. Tip: Book theater tickets months in advance for summer shows.
3. Name: Bellaria Summer Manor Type: Sight Why go: This Rococo gem is one of the most valuable garden buildings in the country. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Adjacent to the Revolving Theatre. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Exterior is free; interior tours are limited. Getting there: Located in the heart of the Upper Garden. Tip: The "magic table" inside could be raised from the kitchen to the dining room.
4. Name: The Castle Pond Type: Nature Why go: It is a serene spot at the very end of the garden grounds. Best for: A quiet break and bird watching. Where: The westernmost tip of the park. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the main fountain. Tip: Look for the water lilies that bloom in the summer months.
5. Name: The Castle Riding School Type: Sight Why go: A massive Baroque building once used for winter horse training. Best for: History fans. Where: Near the garden entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside; often used for private events. Getting there: Located right next to the main gate. Tip: The building now hosts major concerts and gala evenings.
6. Name: The Lower Garden (Parterre) Type: Sight Why go: This section features perfectly manicured flower beds and geometric hedges. Best for: Relaxed strolling. Where: The first section you enter from the castle. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the bridge from the 5th courtyard. Tip: This area is best visited in late spring when flowers are in full bloom.
7. Name: The Upper Garden Type: Nature Why go: It offers a more natural, forest-like atmosphere compared to the formal parterre. Best for: Shaded walks on hot days. Where: Beyond the Cascade Fountain. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the fountain up the slight incline. Tip: Great for spotting local squirrels and forest birds.
8. Name: The Terrace of the Five-Petalled Rose Type: Viewpoint Why go: It provides a stunning panoramic view of the Vltava River and the town. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: Near the Riding School. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Turn left immediately after entering the garden gate. Tip: This is a prime spot for sunset photos.
9. Name: The Music Pavilion Type: Sight Why go: A charming small structure used for historical garden parties. Best for: Romance and quiet reflection. Where: Tucked away in the Upper Garden woods. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the side paths away from the main central alley. Tip: It is often very quiet here even when the town is busy.
10. Name: The Kitchen Garden Type: Sight Why go: See where the castle residents once grew their fresh produce. Best for: Gardeners. Where: Near the southern wall of the park. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the southern perimeter path. Tip: Many historical fruit tree varieties are still preserved here.

Planning with Your Český Krumlov Castle Gardens Guide

Visiting the gardens requires a bit of timing. They are usually open from April through October. During winter, the gates remain closed to protect the statues and paths. Opening hours typically follow daylight, from 8:00 AM until sunset. Always check the official castle website for current updates. Entry to the park grounds is free for all visitors.

The walk from the town center is steep. You will pass through several castle courtyards first. Most people enter via the 5th courtyard near the Baroque Theater. This route takes you across the high bridge. The views from the bridge are world-famous. Plan for at least two hours to see the entire garden properly.

Accessibility is a consideration for some visitors. The main paths are gravel and mostly flat. However, the incline from the town can be tiring. There are benches located throughout the park for resting. Public restrooms are available near the Riding School. You can also find a small seasonal cafe for refreshments.

Top Attractions Near the Castle Gardens

The gardens are just one part of a massive complex. You should explore the surrounding areas to see the full history. The Cloak Bridge is the most direct link. It connects the castle residential quarters to the garden entrance. This multi-story bridge is a feat of 18th-century engineering. It offers the best views of the Vltava River below.

Below the castle lies the Latrán district. This area was once home to castle staff and craftsmen. It is filled with colorful Gothic and Renaissance houses. You can find many local restaurants and shops here. It is the perfect place to eat after your garden walk.

For a different perspective, visit the castle tower. You can learn about climbing the tower for a bird's-eye view. From the top, you can see the layout of the gardens. You will also see many other historical places in Český Krumlov. If you have extra time, the Minorite Monastery is also nearby. It offers a peaceful atmosphere similar to the gardens.