Top Viewpoints for the Best Photo Spots in Český Krumlov

The best photo spots Český Krumlov features often involve elevated views. The town sits in a deep loop of the Vltava River. This geography creates many natural balconies and high towers. You can capture the entire town from several different angles. These spots are perfect for wide-angle lenses and panoramic shots.

Most viewpoints are located within or near the castle complex. The castle is the second largest in the country. It towers over the medieval Old Town below. You should visit these spots at different times of the day. The afternoon sun lights up the red roofs perfectly. Morning light provides a softer glow over the river.

• Quick Picks:
• Best Overall: Seminární zahrada
• Best High Angle: Castle Tower
• Best for Sunset: Mount of the Cross
• Best Free Spot: Cloak Bridge

1. Name: Seminární zahrada Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous postcard view of the town and castle. Best for: Panoramic skyline shots. Where: Latrán, opposite the Regional Museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main square toward the museum. Tip: This is where the Seminarni Zahrada viewpoint is located for the best morning light.
2. Name: Castle Tower Type: sight Why go: It is the highest point in the city center. Best for: 360-degree views of the entire region. Where: First Courtyard of the Castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually around 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Enter the castle from Latrán street and follow signs for the tower. Tip: Consider climbing the castle tower right when it opens to avoid the narrow stair crowds.
3. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: sight Why go: This massive multi-story bridge offers unique framed views through its arches. Best for: Framing the town through stone windows. Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Follow the main path through the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov. Tip: Check out the views from Cloak Bridge at dusk for a romantic atmosphere.

Architectural Gems and Historic Streets

The streets of Český Krumlov are a maze of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Every building has a story and a unique facade. You can find beautiful details like sgraffito and colorful murals. These spots are ideal for street photography and close-up architectural shots. The textures of the old walls add depth to your photos.

Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets are narrow and winding. You will find many small shops and cafes that look great in pictures. Don't forget to look up at the chimneys and gables. The craftsmanship from centuries ago is still visible today.

1. Name: Svornosti Square Type: neighborhood Why go: The main square is surrounded by colorful Renaissance houses. Best for: Classic European town square vibes. Where: Old Town (Vnitřní Město). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the central hub of the city. Tip: Stand near the Plague Column to get the best angle of the Town Hall.
2. Name: Latrán Street Type: neighborhood Why go: This historic street leads to the castle and is lined with beautiful buildings. Best for: Leading lines and colorful street scenes. Where: Latrán district. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the Barber's Bridge from the Old Town. Tip: Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum nearby for artistic inspiration and industrial textures.
3. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: sight Why go: The Gothic spire is a major part of the town's silhouette. Best for: Dramatic vertical shots and interior details. Where: Kostelní street in the Old Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main square. Tip: The exterior terrace offers a great view of the river below.

Riverside Views and Garden Landscapes

The Vltava River is the lifeblood of Český Krumlov. It flows in a horseshoe shape around the historic center. This creates many opportunities for reflection shots and water-based perspectives. You can see the castle reflected in the calm parts of the river. The riverbanks are also great places to relax between photo sessions.

In addition to the water, the town has lush green spaces. The castle gardens are vast and well-maintained. They provide a different color palette for your photography. You will find fountains, statues, and manicured hedges. These areas are much quieter than the busy streets of the center.

1. Name: Castle Garden Type: nature Why go: It is a massive Baroque garden with a revolving theater and fountains. Best for: Symmetrical shots and greenery. Where: Upper part of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the fifth courtyard and up the hill. Tip: A walk through the castle gardens is best in late spring when flowers are blooming.
2. Name: Vltava Riverbank (near Barber's Bridge) Type: experience Why go: You can capture the wooden bridge with the castle in the background. Best for: Iconic river scenes and long exposures. Where: Near Lazebnický most. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the bridge connecting the Old Town and Latrán. Tip: Get low to the water level for a more dramatic perspective of the bridge.
3. Name: Minorite Monastery Courtyard Type: experience Why go: A peaceful and historic complex with beautiful cloisters. Best for: Quiet, atmospheric shots and religious architecture. Where: Klášterní street in Latrán. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Some areas are free; exhibitions have a fee. Getting there: Follow the signs for Monasteries Český Krumlov. Tip: Use our Minorite Monastery complex guide to find the best hidden corners.

Nearby Scenic Escapes and Sunset Vistas

If you want to escape the crowds, head slightly out of the center. There are several spots that offer a wider view of the valley. These locations are perfect for capturing the town within its natural landscape. You can see how the forest surrounds the medieval buildings. These spots require a bit more walking but are worth the effort.

Sunset is the most magical time in South Bohemia. The sky often turns shades of pink and orange. The town lights begin to flicker on, creating a golden glow. These final spots are the best photo spots Český Krumlov has for evening photography. Make sure to bring a tripod for the best results.

1. Name: The Fifth Courtyard Type: viewpoint Why go: It provides a unique angle of the castle buildings and the town roofs. Best for: Close-up details of the castle architecture. Where: Past the Cloak Bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking through the castle toward the gardens. Tip: Look through the small openings in the wall for framed "spy" shots.
2. Name: Hrádek (Little Castle) Type: sight Why go: The oldest part of the castle complex with a charming courtyard. Best for: Medieval atmosphere and intimate shots. Where: Near the castle entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the courtyard. Getting there: It is the first building you see when entering the castle from Latrán. Tip: The ivy on the walls changes color beautifully in autumn.
3. Name: Mount of the Cross (Křížová hora) Type: day trip Why go: A hilltop chapel with the best distant view of the town. Best for: Sunset photography and landscape shots. Where: Southern outskirts of the town. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours (including walking). Cost: Free. Getting there: A 20-minute uphill walk from the town center. Tip: This is the best place to watch sunset in Cesky Krumlov for a panoramic finish.