Iconic Castle Perspectives

The castle complex dominates the skyline and offers the most dramatic scenery. You will likely spend hours exploring its courtyards and corridors. These two spots provide the classic, high-altitude vantage points that define the town.

• Name: The Castle Tower (Zámecká věž) Type: Sight/Landmark Why go: This is the absolute highest point accessible to the public. You get a complete 360-degree panorama of the red roofs and winding river. It allows you to trace the horseshoe shape of the Old Town. Best for: The comprehensive “map-like” view of the city. Where: Second Courtyard of the Castle complex. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 180 CZK (check current prices). Getting there: Walk up from Latrán street into the castle complex. Tip: Stairs are steep and narrow; go immediately at opening time to avoid squeezing past crowds. Climbing the Castle Tower is a workout but worth every step.
• Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Sight/viewpoint Why go: This massive multi-story bridge connects the castle courtyards. The open arches frame the city beautifully without any glass barriers. It provides a stunning straight-on shot of the inner town. Best for: Architectural framing and moody sunset photos. Where: Between the 4th and 5th Castle Courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking uphill through the castle past the tower. Tip: Look through the "balconies" on the left side for the best angle of the church spire. Find more angles in our guide to Cloak Bridge scenic viewpoints.
• Name: 5th Courtyard Viewing Platform Type: Viewpoint Why go: Located just past the Cloak Bridge, this small terrace is less crowded. It offers a cleaner view of the river bend than the bridge itself. You can see the weirs in the river clearly from here. Best for: A quiet moment to admire the layout of the town. Where: Just before the iron gates to the Castle Gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the very end of the main castle route uphill. Tip: There is a small wall here that is perfect for resting your camera for stability.

Best Free Photo Spots in Town

You do not need to buy tickets to see incredible vistas. Some of the most famous images of the town come from public spaces. These spots are open 24/7 and are perfect for early morning walks.

The Seminar Garden, in particular, attracts photographers from around the world. It provides that specific angle where the castle rises dramatically above the colorful houses. Arriving here at sunrise guarantees you have the view to yourself.

4. Name: Seminar Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Park/Viewpoint Why go: This is arguably the single most famous photo spot in Český Krumlov. The terrace faces directly towards the castle complex and tower. It is elevated just enough to see over the rooftops. Best for: The classic postcard shot used on travel brochures. Where: On Horní street, opposite the Hotel Růže. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the Old Town, next to the Regional Museum. Tip: Visit at blue hour (just after sunset) when the castle lights turn on. Check our tips for Seminar Garden terrace photography.
5. Name: Lazebnický Bridge (Barber's Bridge) Type: Landmark Why go: This wooden bridge connects the Old Town with the Latrán castle district. It offers a low-angle view looking straight up at the towering castle walls. The sound of the rushing water adds to the atmosphere. Best for: Selfies with the castle looming in the background. Where: Connecting Radniční and Latrán streets. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the main central crossing over the Vltava. Tip: Watch out for cars; although it is mostly pedestrian, service vehicles do cross here.
6. Name: Monastery Gardens (Klášterní zahrady) Type: Garden/Relaxation Why go: A peaceful retreat that fewer day-trippers find. You get a unique side-angle view of the castle and the Red Gate. It is usually quiet, filled with herbs, vines, and benches. Best for: A hidden escape from the busy main streets. Where: Inside the Monasteries Český Krumlov complex off Latrán street. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free (gardens only). Getting there: Enter through the large archway near the Tramín gate. Tip: Great in spring when the fruit trees are blossoming.

Nature & Panoramic Hiking Spots

If you want to escape the cobblestones, head for the hills or the water. The surrounding geography creates natural amphitheaters looking down on the city. These spots require a bit more effort but reward you with solitude.

The unique shape of the Vltava River means you can view the city from the water's surface too. Seeing the walls tower above you from a raft is a humbling experience. It is a perspective most walking tourists miss completely.

• Name: Křížová Hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Hike/Viewpoint Why go: This hill offers a distant, sweeping view of the entire town and surrounding countryside. It features a historic chapel at the summit. The distance makes the town look like a miniature toy village. Best for: Sunsets and hikers who love nature. Where: South of the town center, about 2km walk. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours round trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green hiking trail markers from Horní street. Tip: Bring water and a flashlight if you stay for sunset. See our guide on the hike to Křížová Hora viewpoint.
• Name: Castle Gardens (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Park Why go: These expansive 17th-century Baroque gardens sit high above the castle buildings. While the main view is of trees and fountains, the edges offer glimpses down to the town. It is vast, flat, and perfect for walking. Best for: Families and picnics. Where: Uphill from the 5th Courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk all the way up through the castle complex. Tip: Walk to the far end near the pond for total silence. Read more about Castle Gardens vantage points.
• Name: Vltava River Surface Type: Activity/Experience Why go: Rafting through the town center gives you a "duck's eye" view. You float right under the Cloak Bridge and the castle rock. The perspective emphasizes just how massive the fortress really is. Best for: Adventure seekers and summer visitors. Where: Various rental shops along the river. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 400-800 CZK for rental. Getting there: Start upstream and float back into town. Tip: Choose a wooden raft cruise if you prefer not to paddle yourself. Check Vltava River raft city views for details.

Dining and Drinks with a View

Sometimes the best way to enjoy a view is with a drink in hand. Český Krumlov has many riverside terraces, but only a few offer truly exceptional scenery. Securing a table by the water often requires a reservation in peak season.

For more options, check reputable lists like the Český Krumlov Official Tourism portal. Locals know which terraces get the golden hour sun. A riverside dinner is the perfect way to end your trip.

• Name: Parkán Street Terraces Type: Dining Why go: Several restaurants here have back terraces that hang directly over the Vltava. You look across the water at the Barber's Bridge and the castle cliffs. It feels intimate and surprisingly quiet despite being central. Best for: Romantic dinners. Where: Parkán street, Old Town. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 400-800 CZK per person. Getting there: Parallel to Horní street on the river side. Tip: Book a table at sunset for the magical light reflections on the water. Browse our list of restaurants with a view in Český Krumlov.