Essential Tips for Exploring Český Krumlov Castle Gardens

The garden area is very large. It covers about 11 hectares of land. You should prepare for plenty of walking. Most paths are gravel or paved. Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill trek. The gardens are usually open from April to October. They often close during the cold winter months. Always check the official castle website for current hours. Entry to the main garden grounds is typically free. Some specific buildings may require a paid ticket. This makes it one of the best free things to do in Český Krumlov. Use these quick picks to plan your route:

• Best for families: The Castle Pond and the maze area.
• Best for views: The Upper Garden Terraces.
• Best for history: The Summer Manor Bellarie.
• Best for couples: The Cascade Fountain at sunset.

The garden is divided into several sections. You will see the lower parterre and the upper grove. Each area has a different style. Some parts look like a formal French garden. Other areas feel like a wild English park. This variety makes exploring the city very exciting. Give yourself at least two hours here. You do not want to rush through the scenery.

10 Best Sights When Exploring Český Krumlov Castle Gardens

There is so much to see in this historic park. From grand fountains to secret ponds, every corner tells a story. Here are the top ten sights you should not miss.

1. Name: The Cascade Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It is the garden's most famous landmark. This Baroque masterpiece features statues of water deities. Best for: Photography lovers. Where: Between the upper and lower gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the fifth courtyard. Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light on the statues.
2. Name: The Revolving Auditorium Type: Experience Why go: It is a unique open-air theater. The entire seating area rotates during performances. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Near the Summer Manor Bellarie. Time: 2-3 hours for a show. Cost: Ticket prices vary by performance. Getting there: Follow the main path to the center of the garden. Tip: Book tickets months in advance as they sell out fast.
3. Name: Summer Manor Bellarie Type: Sight Why go: This Rococo building is a rare architectural gem. It served as a place for garden parties. Best for: History buffs. Where: Adjacent to the Revolving Auditorium. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Located in the middle of the upper garden. Tip: Look for the unique "flying table" mechanism inside if tours are available.
4. Name: The Castle Pond (Zámecký rybník) Type: Nature Why go: It is a peaceful spot at the very end of the garden. You can see water lilies and island trees. Best for: A quiet break. Where: The furthest point from the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the far western edge of the park. Tip: This is a great spot for visiting with kids who need space to run.
5. Name: The Cloak Bridge Type: Sight Why go: This massive multi-story bridge connects the castle to the gardens. It offers incredible views of the town. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: Connecting the fourth and fifth courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: You must cross it to reach the gardens from the castle. Tip: Spend time walking the Cloak Bridge to see the different levels.
6. Name: The Upper Garden Terraces Type: Viewpoint Why go: These levels offer some of the best viewpoints in Český Krumlov. You can see the castle tower and the river. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: The eastern side of the garden. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via the main garden stairs. Tip: Bring a zoom lens to capture the details of the town below.
7. Name: The Castle Riding School (Jízdárna) Type: Sight Why go: A grand Baroque building once used for horse training. It now hosts concerts and balls. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Near the entrance to the gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Usually free to see the exterior. Getting there: It is the first large building you see when entering. Tip: Check the local schedule for evening classical music concerts here.
8. Name: The Rococo Garden Maze Type: Experience Why go: These tall hedges create a playful atmosphere. It reflects the 18th-century love for garden games. Best for: Families and couples. Where: Near the northern garden wall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the side paths off the main central alley. Tip: Visit in late spring when the hedges are most lush.
9. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: It is often called the most beautiful castle in the country. The white facade looks like a fairy tale. Best for: A full day out. Where: 35 km north of Český Krumlov. Time: 4-6 hours. Cost: Paid tours; grounds are free. Getting there: Take a bus or drive toward České Budějovice. Tip: Visit the castle kitchen for a unique look at historic cooking.
10. Name: Holašovice Historical Village Type: Day Trip Why go: This village is a UNESCO site. It features unique "South Bohemian Folk Baroque" architecture. Best for: Culture and history. Where: 25 km from the city. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk around. Getting there: Best reached by car or local tour bus. Tip: Read more on Wikipedia about the region's history before you go.

Best Times and Seasons for Your Visit

Timing is everything when exploring Český Krumlov Castle Gardens. The park changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring is a wonderful time to visit. You will see thousands of tulips and flowering trees. The air is fresh and the crowds are smaller. Summer is the most popular season. This is when the Revolving Theatre is active. You can enjoy long evenings in the park. However, it can get quite hot in the open areas.

Autumn brings a different kind of magic. The leaves on the old trees turn gold and red. This creates a stunning contrast with the castle walls. It is a perfect time for photography. Most garden features close by the end of October. In winter, the gardens are usually locked. This is to protect the statues and plants from frost. You can still enjoy the town's atmosphere. The national tourism board often lists winter events. Always check the weather before you climb the hill.

How to Reach the Gardens from the Old Town

Getting to the gardens is a bit of a climb. Most visitors start in the Old Town square. You must walk across the barber's bridge first. Then, enter the castle through the Red Gate. Walk through the first four courtyards of the castle. You will pass the bear moat along the way. After the fourth courtyard, you reach the Cloak Bridge. Cross this bridge to enter the fifth courtyard. From there, a steep path leads up to the garden entrance.

The walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the center. It is a steady uphill incline. If you have mobility issues, take it slow. There are benches along the way to rest. There is no direct public bus to the garden gate. However, some local taxis can drop you near the Riding School. This saves you from the steepest part of the walk. Once you arrive, the main paths are relatively flat. This makes exploring the grounds much easier for everyone.