Planning Your Cloak Bridge Walking Guide Route

The Cloak Bridge is part of the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov. It stands over a deep dry moat. This structure was built to replace a wooden drawbridge. It took its current stone form in the 18th century. Most visitors enter the castle from the Latrán district. You should know how to access Cloak Bridge on foot before you arrive. The walk involves some steep inclines and cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes to handle the uneven surfaces.

Timing is very important for a good experience. The bridge can get very crowded during the day. Large tour groups often arrive by mid-morning. We recommend starting your walk before 9:00 AM. This allows you to enjoy the silence of the arches. Evening walks are also magical when the stone is lit. You can find more details in our best walks in Český Krumlov guide. The castle grounds are open late, but interiors have specific hours.

The bridge itself is free to walk across. You only need a ticket for specific museum areas. This makes it a great activity for budget travelers. The bridge connects the fourth and fifth courtyards. It serves as a literal bridge between different eras of history. You will see statues of saints lining the top level. These statues add a religious feel to the grand architecture. It is a masterpiece of Baroque engineering and design.

10 Essential Stops on Your Cloak Bridge Walking Guide

Follow this list to see the best parts of the bridge and its surroundings. Each stop offers a different perspective on the castle. This is the core of your Cloak Bridge walking guide experience.

1. Name: The Lower Arches. Type: Sight. Why go: This is the classic view from the bottom of the moat. You can see the sheer height of the stone pillars. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: The dry moat area below the bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look up to see the covered corridors high above you.
2. Name: The Fourth Courtyard. Type: Experience. Why go: This is the entrance to the bridge from the Upper Castle. The walls are covered in beautiful Renaissance paintings. Best for: History lovers. Where: Upper Castle area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Check out the sundials painted on the courtyard walls.
3. Name: The Main Bridge Path. Type: Sight. Why go: This is the open-air walkway that most tourists use. It offers a 180-degree view of the town. Best for: General views. Where: Level 3 of the bridge. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Learn about best views from the Cloak Bridge arches to find the best photo spots.
4. Name: The Fifth Courtyard Terrace. Type: Viewpoint. Why go: This terrace is located immediately after crossing the bridge. It provides the best angle for the town square and church. Best for: Photography. Where: Just past the bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is a popular spot for sunset photos.
5. Name: The Baroque Theatre. Type: Experience. Why go: One of the best-preserved theatres in the world. The bridge was built specifically to reach this venue. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Fifth Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid tour required. Tip: Book tickets weeks in advance as tours are very small.
6. Name: The Upper Corridor. Type: Sight. Why go: This is the enclosed top level of the bridge. It was used by royals to move unseen. Best for: Hidden history. Where: Top level of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Part of the castle tour. Tip: You can only enter this area with a guided castle tour.
7. Name: Castle Gardens Entrance. Type: Nature. Why go: The path continues from the bridge into grand gardens. It is a peaceful escape from the town crowds. Best for: Relaxing. Where: End of the castle complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Follow the Cesky Krumlov castle gardens walk for a full loop.
8. Name: The Bear Moat. Type: Sight. Why go: Before reaching the bridge, you pass the bears. They have lived in the castle moat since the 16th century. Best for: Families. Where: Between first and second courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Please do not feed the bears or drop items into the moat.
9. Name: Latrán Street. Type: Neighborhood. Why go: This historic street leads you up to the castle. It is full of shops and old houses. Best for: Shopping. Where: Below the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Use our Latran Street walking tour to find the best cafes.
10. Name: The Castle Tower. Type: Viewpoint. Why go: For an aerial view of the Cloak Bridge itself. You can see how it fits into the landscape. Best for: Bird's eye views. Where: Second courtyard. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Tip: There are 162 steps to the top, so be prepared.

Photography Tips for the Cloak Bridge Walk

Capturing the perfect photo of the Cloak Bridge requires some strategy. The stone arches change color throughout the day. In the morning, the light hits the side facing the town. This is the best time for wide shots of the bridge and castle. You can find excellent angles from the best viewpoints walking guide locations. Try the Seminary Garden for a framed shot of the bridge arches.

Don't just take photos from the bridge itself. Walk down to the riverbank for a different perspective. The reflection of the arches in the Vltava River is stunning. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the structure. If you have a tripod, evening shots are very rewarding. The castle lights create a dramatic look against the dark sky. The town is recognized by UNESCO for its preserved beauty.

Be aware of the crowds when framing your shots. If the bridge is full of people, try focusing on the details. The statues of Saint Felix and Saint John of Nepomuk are great subjects. You can also use the arches as frames for the town below. This technique adds depth to your travel photos. If you are walking from Upper Castle to Baroque Theatre, stop at the small windows. These offer unique, framed views of the red rooftops.

Practical Details for Your 2026 Visit

Visiting the Cloak Bridge in 2026 is easy with some planning. The castle grounds generally stay open until sunset. However, the castle museum and tower have shorter hours. Always check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal changes. Most of the walking route is outdoors. This means you should dress for the weather. Winters in Bohemia can be very cold and icy.

The surfaces are mostly stone and gravel. This can be difficult for strollers or wheelchairs. Some areas have ramps, but the bridge path is narrow. If you need help, look for the visitor center in the second courtyard. They provide maps and accessibility information. There are several small kiosks near the bridge. You can buy water, snacks, or local souvenirs there. Prices are slightly higher than in the town square.

Respect the historic nature of the site. Do not climb on the stone railings of the bridge. It is a protected monument with centuries of history. Keep your voice down when walking through the courtyards. People still live and work within parts of the castle complex. Follow the signs to stay on the public paths. This ensures the bridge remains in good condition for future visitors. Enjoy the walk and take your time to see the details.