Understanding Cloak Bridge history and viewpoints

The Cloak Bridge, or Plášt’ový most, dates back to the late 1700s. Its name comes from the "cloak" fortifications that once protected the castle. The current stone bridge replaced an older wooden drawbridge. It stands on four massive pillars. These pillars support three levels of vaulted arches. This design allowed the lords to move safely. They could walk from their private rooms to the gardens.

The bridge serves a very specific purpose in the castle layout. It links the residential palace to the theater and the park. You can see this clearly when looking at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre records. Each level of the bridge had a different function. The lowest level is open to the public. The upper levels were once private corridors for the nobility. Today, these levels are part of special Cesky Krumlov castle tour options.

Architecturally, the bridge is a rare example of Baroque engineering. It uses local stone to blend with the rocky cliffs. The statues on the bridge add a religious touch. They represent local saints and protectors. Walking across the bridge feels like stepping back in time. You can feel the history in every stone. It remains one of the most photographed spots in Central Europe.

10 essential Cloak Bridge history and viewpoints

To truly enjoy this site, you must see it from different angles. Here are the top spots to explore the bridge and its surroundings.

• Best overall view: Seminary Garden
• Best for families: The Lower Pedestrian Passage
• Best rainy-day spot: The Upper Covered Gallery
• Best free view: The 5th Courtyard Terrace

1. Name: The Lower Pedestrian Passage Type: sight Why go: This is the main walkway everyone uses. It offers a direct look at the statues and the height of the bridge. Best for: General sightseeing. Where: Between the 4th and 5th courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up through the castle courtyards. Tip: Stop in the middle to look down at the town rooftops.
2. Name: The Upper Covered Gallery Type: experience Why go: This private corridor connects the palace to the Baroque Theatre guided tours. It is fully enclosed and offers unique framed views. Best for: History buffs. Where: Top level of the bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Requires a tour ticket. Getting there: Join a specific castle interior tour. Tip: Look through the small windows for a "secret" view of the town.
3. Name: Seminary Garden Viewpoint Type: viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous spot for photos. You can see the entire bridge and the castle tower together. Best for: Photography. Where: Horní Street, opposite the Museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Visit at sunset for the most beautiful golden light.
4. Name: The Riverside Path (Myší díra) Type: nature Why go: Seeing the bridge from below is breathtaking. You realize how massive the stone pillars actually are. Best for: Perspective. Where: Along the Vltava riverbank. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs down from the castle entrance. Tip: This is a great spot to see rafters passing under the arches.
5. Name: The 5th Courtyard Terrace Type: viewpoint Why go: This terrace sits right at the end of the bridge. It offers a panoramic view of the river bend and the old town. Best for: Panoramas. Where: Just past the bridge heading toward the gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the Cloak Bridge from the palace. Tip: There are small holes in the wall designed for historic defense; look through them.
6. Name: The Castle Tower Gallery Type: viewpoint Why go: Climbing the castle tower climb and museum gives you a bird's eye view. You can see the bridge's layout from above. Best for: Aerial views. Where: 2nd Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Entry fee required. Getting there: Follow signs for the Castle Tower. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so go early to avoid the crowds.
7. Name: Latrán Street Archway Type: sight Why go: Walking through Latran Street historic buildings leads you under the bridge. It is the best way to feel the scale of the structure. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: The road leading to the castle. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the town center toward the castle. Tip: Look up at the decorative paintings on the underside of the arches.
8. Name: St. Vitus Church Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: The church terrace offers a side-on view of the bridge. It highlights how the bridge connects to the rocky cliffs. Best for: Quiet moments. Where: Next to St. Vitus Church. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main square. Tip: This spot is usually much less crowded than the Seminary Garden.
9. Name: The Castle Garden Balustrade Type: nature Why go: Exploring the castle garden and revolving auditorium reveals distant views. You can see the bridge nestled in the valley. Best for: Relaxation. Where: The far end of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (gardens). Getting there: Walk through the 5th courtyard and up the hill. Tip: The gardens are closed in winter, so check the dates before visiting.
10. Name: The Mantle Bridge Statues Type: experience Why go: These Baroque statues are part of the bridge's soul. They tell stories of the town's religious history. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Along the main pedestrian level. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk directly onto the bridge. Tip: Each statue has a plaque; use a translation app to read the names.

Planning your visit to the Cloak Bridge

Visiting the bridge requires a bit of planning to avoid the largest crowds. Most tour buses arrive between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you want a quiet photo, arrive before 9:00 AM. The bridge is accessible 24 hours a day on the lower level. However, the upper galleries follow the castle's opening hours. You should check the official castle site for the latest schedule. This is especially important for the 2026 season.

The walk to the bridge is steep in some places. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be slippery. If you have mobility issues, the lower town views are easier to reach. For the best photography, the light is best in the late afternoon. This is when the sun hits the front of the bridge and the castle tower. You can find more tips in our guide to the best viewpoints for landmarks.

Safety is also important while exploring. The walls on the bridge are high, but you should still be careful. Do not climb on the stone ledges for photos. The bridge is a historic monument and should be treated with respect. Most visitors spend about 30 to 60 minutes in this specific area. This gives you enough time to see the bridge from both the top and the bottom.