Planning Your Trip to the Castle

Getting ready for your visit is easy with a little help. The castle is located right above the old town. You can walk there from almost any hotel. Most visitors arrive by bus or train from Prague. The walk up the hill is steep but very scenic. You should wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.

The castle grounds are open daily. However, the museum and interiors have specific hours. You should check the official castle website for current times. Some tours are only available in summer months. Winter visits are quiet and very romantic. Always try to arrive before 10:00 AM to beat the tour groups.

You can see many parts of the castle for free. This includes the courtyards and the famous Cloak Bridge. You only need a ticket for the museum, tower, and guided tours. Booking online is the best way to save time. This is especially true for the rare Baroque Theater tours.

11 Must-See Sights When Visiting Český Krumlov Castle

When visiting Český Krumlov Castle, you will find many unique areas. The complex is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles perfectly. Here are the top eleven sights you cannot miss during your trip.

• Quick picks: Best view (Castle Tower), Best history (Baroque Theater), Best free activity (Castle Gardens), Best for kids (Bear Moat).

1. Name: Castle Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the symbol of the city with 360-degree views. Best for: Photographers and first-time visitors. Where: Second Courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 180 CZK. Getting there: Walk through the main castle gate and turn left. Tip: Climb the 162 steps early in the morning for the best light.
2. Name: Baroque Castle Theater Type: experience Why go: It is one of the world's most complete 18th-century theaters. Best for: History buffs and theater lovers. Where: Fifth Courtyard. Time: 45-minute guided tour. Cost: High (around 300 CZK). Getting there: Follow the path across the Cloak Bridge. Tip: You must book this tour weeks in advance as spots are very limited.
3. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: sight Why go: This massive multi-story bridge offers incredible views of the town. Best for: Everyone looking for a great photo spot. Where: Between the Fourth and Fifth Courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the upper castle courtyards. Tip: Visit at sunset to see the town glow in golden light.
4. Name: Castle Garden Type: nature Why go: A large, manicured park with a beautiful fountain and lake. Best for: A relaxing walk away from the crowds. Where: At the very top of the castle complex. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the uphill path past the theater. Tip: Check out the Revolving Auditorium located inside the garden grounds.
5. Name: Bear Moat Type: experience Why go: Bears have lived in the castle moat since the 16th century. Best for: Families traveling with children. Where: Between the First and Second Courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: You pass over it when entering the main castle area. Tip: Look for the bears near the shaded areas during hot afternoons.
6. Name: Castle Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn about the noble families who lived here for centuries. Best for: Those interested in local history and art. Where: The Little Castle in the Second Courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid (usually combined with the tower). Getting there: Enter the Second Courtyard from the town side. Tip: Look for the 19th-century model of the entire castle complex.
7. Name: Masquerade Hall Type: sight Why go: Famous for its stunning 1748 murals of people in costumes. Best for: Art lovers and fans of Baroque interior design. Where: Inside the Upper Castle (Tour Route I). Time: Part of a 1-hour tour. Cost: Paid guided tour. Getting there: Only accessible via a guided castle tour. Tip: Notice the painted figures that look like they are leaning over balconies.
8. Name: Wenceslas Cellars Type: indoor Why go: Vast Gothic cellars that now host modern art exhibitions. Best for: Rainy days and art enthusiasts. Where: Fourth Courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Look for the entrance signs in the Fourth Courtyard. Tip: The temperature inside is very cool, even during the summer.
9. Name: The Lapidarium Type: museum Why go: See the original stone statues from the Castle Garden. Best for: People who enjoy sculpture and quiet spaces. Where: Near the Fifth Courtyard. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Included with some tickets or small fee. Getting there: Located in the basement areas near the garden entrance. Tip: It is a great place to escape the midday heat.
10. Name: Vltava River Raft Trip Type: experience Why go: See the castle from a unique perspective on the water. Best for: Adventure seekers and couples. Where: River banks surrounding the castle. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Moderate (rental fees apply). Getting there: Rent a raft at local river shops in town. Tip: Paddle under the Cloak Bridge for the most dramatic view of the castle walls.
11. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: experience Why go: Modern art in a historic building very close to the castle. Best for: Fans of Expressionism and modern culture. Where: Siroka street, just below the castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Around 200 CZK. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the castle entrance. Tip: Visit the official museum site for details on current temporary exhibits.

Practical Tips for Visiting Český Krumlov Castle

When you are visiting Český Krumlov Castle, timing is everything. Most people visit as a day trip from Prague. This means the castle is very busy from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you stay overnight, you can enjoy the courtyards in the evening. The castle looks magical when the crowds leave and the lights come on.

There are two main guided tour routes. Route I focuses on Renaissance and Baroque rooms. Route II explores the history of the Schwarzenberg family. Both are worth doing if you have time. Remember that you cannot take photos inside the guided tour rooms. You can take as many as you want in the courtyards and the tower.

Accessibility can be a challenge here. The castle sits on a rocky hill with many stairs. The courtyards use rough stones that are hard for strollers. If you have mobility issues, focus on the lower courtyards. You can also find some of the best viewpoints without climbing the tower. Always carry a bottle of water during the summer months.