10 Best Views From the Cloak Bridge Arches

Finding the perfect angle on this massive bridge can be tricky. There are several levels to explore, each offering a different perspective. Most visitors stay on the main open-air walkway. However, lower paths and upper corridors provide unique frames for your pictures. Here are our top picks for the most scenic spots.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall – The central arch overlooking the Vltava horseshoe bend.
• Quick Pick: Best for Families – The wide lower level walkway with safe stone walls.
• Quick Pick: Best Free Spot – The main bridge level between the 4th and 5th courtyards.

1. Name: The Vltava River Horseshoe Bend Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous view in town. You see the river curve around the historic center. Best for: Panoramic landscape photos. Where: The center of the main bridge level. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the Fourth Courtyard. Tip: Visit at sunset for a golden glow on the water.
2. Name: St. Vitus Church Skyline Type: Sight Why go: The gothic spire of the church stands out against the red roofs. It creates a classic European skyline. Best for: History lovers. Where: The eastern side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Cloak Bridge walking guide path. Tip: Use the stone arch to frame the church spire.
3. Name: The Castle Tower Framing Type: Icon Why go: You can see the colorful Hrádek tower from a high angle. It looks like a fairy tale illustration. Best for: Iconic castle shots. Where: The entrance of the bridge near the castle side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Second Courtyard. Tip: Look back toward the town to see the tower rising.
4. Name: Latrán District Rooftops Type: Neighborhood Why go: You get a bird's eye view of the medieval houses. The orange tiles look beautiful in any weather. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: The lower bridge level. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the pedestrian path from the castle moat. Tip: This spot is less crowded than the main bridge.
5. Name: The Lower Bridge Arches Type: Experience Why go: You can see the massive scale of the stone pillars from below. It is a great spot for artistic photos. Best for: Scale perspective. Where: The ground level path below the bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from the main castle entrance. Tip: This area is very cool and shady on hot days.
6. Name: The Fifth Courtyard Overlook Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers a panoramic view of the entire castle complex. You can see the bridge and the town together. Best for: Wide-angle shots. Where: Just past the bridge toward the gardens. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the bridge from the castle side. Tip: This is the best spot for night photography.
7. Name: The Baroque Theatre Exterior Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the world's best-preserved theaters. The building itself is a work of art. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: The west end of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path toward the gardens. Tip: Check the official castle site for tour details.
8. Name: The Southern Castle Moat Type: Nature Why go: You can see the castle bears and lush greenery. It feels very peaceful and secluded. Best for: Families with children. Where: Looking down from the bridge's northern side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via the main bridge walkway. Tip: Be quiet so you don't startle the bears below.
9. Name: The Upper Covered Corridor Type: Tour Why go: This is a private passage used by the lords. It offers high-altitude views through small windows. Best for: Rainy days. Where: The top level of the bridge. Time: 45 minutes (tour). Cost: Paid tour fee. Getting there: Book the Castle Tour B. Tip: This level is only open during the main season.
10. Name: The Castle Garden Entrance Type: Walk Why go: It leads to the beautiful fountain and lawns. The view looking back at the bridge is stunning. Best for: Relaxing. Where: The western end of the bridge complex. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking uphill from the bridge. Tip: Visit in spring to see the flowers in bloom.

How to Reach the Best Viewing Points

Getting to the bridge is easy from the town center. Most people start at the main square, Náměstí Svornosti. From there, walk toward the castle gate. You will pass through several courtyards before reaching the bridge. This is part of the best walks in Cesky Krumlov route. The walk is slightly uphill but paved and safe.

If you prefer a quieter route, try the lower path. Start at the river level near the Latrán district. You can walk under the bridge to see its massive arches. This path leads you up to the castle gardens. It is a great way to avoid the main tourist crowds. Many visitors miss this lower perspective entirely.

Accessibility is generally good on the main bridge level. The stone floor is relatively flat and wide. However, the upper corridors require climbing stairs. If you have mobility issues, stick to the main walkway. You will still see the Cesky Krumlov old town walking route from above. The views from here are truly world-class.

Photography Tips for the Cloak Bridge

Timing is everything for great bridge photos. The morning light hits the town perfectly. This makes the orange roofs look vibrant and bright. If you visit in the afternoon, the castle will be in shadow. However, sunset brings a beautiful warm glow to the Vltava. Many photographers prefer the blue hour just after sunset.

A wide-angle lens is your best friend here. It allows you to capture the bridge arches and the town. If you want to focus on the church, use a zoom. Be careful with your tripod on the bridge. It can get very crowded during the day. Small, flexible tripods are often easier to use on the stone walls.

Don't forget to look for unique frames. The stone windows on the bridge act as natural frames. You can also photograph the bridge from the river. Rent a kayak or raft for a unique low-angle shot. This shows the true height of the bridge pillars. It is a perspective most tourists never see.