Quick Picks: The Best Viewpoints in Český Krumlov

Are you in a hurry to find the perfect photo spot? This quick list highlights the top choices for every type of traveler. You can find many free things to do in Český Krumlov that include amazing views. Use these picks to prioritize your walking route through the historic center.

• Best Overall: The Castle Tower (360-degree views).
• Best Free Spot: Seminární Zahrada (Postcard castle view).
• Best for Sunset: The Cloak Bridge (High elevation).
• Best Nature View: Křížový Vrch (Panoramic valley view).

Most of these spots are within a short walk of each other. The town is very compact and easy to navigate on foot. Keep your camera ready as you explore the cobblestone alleys. You will find beauty around every single corner in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

10 Best Viewpoints in Český Krumlov for 2026

Exploring the best viewpoints in Český Krumlov requires a bit of walking. Most spots are located within the castle complex or just across the river. Here are the top ten locations you should not miss during your 2026 visit.

1. Name: Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: It is the highest point in the town center. You get a full 360-degree view of the orange rooftops. Best for: Panoramic photos and history lovers. Where: Second Courtyard of the Castle. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 180 CZK. Getting there: Walk up the ramp from Latrán street. Tip: Buy a combined ticket when visiting Český Krumlov Castle to save money.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: Experience Why go: This multi-story stone bridge offers incredible views of the Vltava River. It frames the town perfectly between its massive pillars. Best for: Sunset views and architectural photos. Where: Between the Fourth and Fifth Castle Courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards toward the gardens. Tip: Walking the Cloak Bridge at night is very romantic.
3. Name: Seminární Zahrada (Seminary Garden) Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous "postcard" view of the castle. The garden terrace sits directly across from the tower. Best for: Group photos and classic castle shots. Where: Horní Street, next to the Regional Museum. Time: 10-20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the main square toward the church. Tip: This is one of the best things to do in Český Krumlov with kids because it is an open space.
4. Name: Fifth Courtyard Lookout Type: Sight Why go: There are small window-like openings in the castle wall. They provide a unique framed view of the river loop. Best for: Creative framing and quiet observation. Where: Just past the Cloak Bridge. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking past the bridge toward the theater. Tip: Look for the "hidden" benches nearby to rest.
5. Name: Castle Garden (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Nature Why go: These massive gardens offer a peaceful escape. You can see the castle buildings from a higher, greener perspective. Best for: Nature walks and garden photography. Where: The highest part of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the steep path past the Cloak Bridge. Tip: Spend time exploring the Castle Gardens to see the revolving theater.
6. Name: Regional Museum Terrace Type: Sight Why go: It offers an unobstructed, low-angle view of the old town. It is less crowded than the Seminary Garden next door. Best for: Avoiding crowds and quiet reflection. Where: Behind the Regional Museum building. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter the museum courtyard from Horní street. Tip: Check the museum hours as the gate sometimes closes at dusk.
7. Name: Křížový Vrch (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Experience Why go: This hill provides the best distant view of the entire city. You can see how the river wraps around the town like a horseshoe. Best for: Hikers and panoramic landscape shots. Where: South of the town center. Time: 1.5 hours (including the hike). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue trail markers from the bus station. Tip: Bring water as the uphill walk is steep.
8. Name: Lazebnický Bridge Type: Sight Why go: It is a wooden bridge right in the heart of the town. You can look up at the castle and down at the water. Best for: Action shots of river life. Where: Connects the Old Town with the Latrán district. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the main street from the square toward the castle. Tip: This is a great spot to watch people rafting on the Vltava River.
9. Name: Vyšehrad Viewpoint Type: Experience Why go: A quiet spot mostly known to locals. It offers a side view of the castle that most tourists miss. Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers. Where: Near the Vyšehrad residential area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the train station and follow the side paths. Tip: This spot is perfect for morning photography when the light hits the castle front.
10. Name: Kleť Mountain Type: Day trip Why go: It is the highest peak in the Blanský Forest. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Alps. Best for: Day trippers and mountain views. Where: About 10km from the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Small fee for the chairlift or tower. Getting there: Take a local bus or train to Holubov, then hike or use the chairlift. Tip: Visit the observatory at the top for a unique experience.

Photography Tips for the Best Viewpoints

To capture the best viewpoints in Český Krumlov, timing is everything. The town becomes very crowded with day-trippers between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. For the best light, aim for the "Golden Hour" shortly before sunset. The soft light makes the orange roofs glow beautifully. You should also consider visiting during the "Blue Hour" just after the sun goes down.

Wide-angle lenses are great for the tight streets and large castle courtyards. However, a zoom lens is helpful for capturing the details of the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov. Many of the best shots come from zooming in on the tower's frescoes. Don't forget to bring a tripod if you plan on taking night photos. The town is safely lit and looks magical after dark.

Weather can also change the mood of your photos. A misty morning along the Vltava River adds a mysterious feel to the town. In winter, the snow-covered roofs look like a scene from a holiday card. No matter the season, the town offers endless visual rewards. Always respect local residents by keeping noise levels down in residential areas.

Planning Your Visit to These Scenic Spots

Most of the best viewpoints in Český Krumlov are easily accessible on foot. However, the town is full of steep hills and uneven cobblestones. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip to avoid slipping. If you have mobility issues, the main square and riverbank are the easiest to reach. The castle courtyards are also relatively flat once you get up the initial ramp.

Check the official Český Krumlov Official Tourism portal for seasonal closures. Some garden areas and the tower may have shorter hours in the winter months. If you visit in December, the views are paired with festive lights. It is a great time to find the best spots for holiday photos. Plan to spend at least two full days to see every viewpoint on this list.

Consider booking a guided tour if you want to learn the history behind the views. Local guides know secret spots that aren't on most maps. They can also tell you stories about the noble families who lived in the castle. After a long day of walking, reward yourself with some local food. You can find many options for best things to do in Český Krumlov after your photo sessions.