Top 10 Illuminated Monuments in Český Krumlov

Walking through the town at night feels like stepping back in time. The yellow glow of the street lamps highlights the medieval architecture perfectly. You can easily walk between these sites in a single evening. Here are the top picks for your nighttime itinerary.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Český Krumlov Castle Tower
• Best for families: Lazebnický Bridge
• Best rainy-day: St. Vitus Church (exterior)
• Best free: Square of Concord

1. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Tower Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the symbol of the city and glows brightly against the dark sky. Best for: Classic photography. Where: Castle District (Latrán). Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Walk up the ramp from Latrán street. Tip: The tower is best viewed from the riverbank near the barber's bridge.
2. Name: The Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Viewpoint/Architecture Why go: This massive multi-level bridge looks stunning when lit from below. Best for: Grand architectural views. Where: Between the second and fourth castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main path through the castle complex. Tip: Stand directly under the arches for a sense of its massive scale.
3. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: Religious monument Why go: Its slender neo-Gothic spire dominates the skyline and is beautifully floodlit. Best for: History lovers. Where: Kostelní street, Inner Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: The view from the Seminary Garden across the street is the best angle.
4. Name: Lazebnický Bridge (Barber's Bridge) Type: Sight/Experience Why go: It connects the old town with the castle district and offers views of the glowing Vltava river. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Connecting Latrán and the Inner Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location, impossible to miss. Tip: Look for the statue of St. John of Nepomuk glowing on the bridge railing.
5. Name: Square of Concord (Náměstí Svornosti) Type: Market/Plaza Why go: The Renaissance town hall and the plague column are elegantly lit. Best for: Soaking up the local atmosphere. Where: Center of the Inner Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow any main street into the center. Tip: Visit after 9 PM when the crowds have vanished.
6. Name: Castle Courtyards Type: Experience Why go: The painted walls of the State Castle and Chateau take on a mysterious look at night. Best for: Quiet exploration. Where: Main Castle complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (courtyards remain open). Getting there: Enter through the Red Gate. Tip: Listen for the castle bears in the moat; they are sometimes active at dusk.
7. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: Cultural complex Why go: This historic monastery offers a peaceful, dimly lit courtyard perfect for reflection. Best for: Escaping the main tourist path. Where: Latrán district. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the grounds. Getting there: Located near the castle entrance. Tip: Check for evening concerts often held in the heated halls.
8. Name: Former Jesuit College Type: Neighborhood/History Why go: The massive facade (now Hotel Růže) is one of the grandest lit buildings in town. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Upper end of the Inner Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located next to the Seminary Garden. Tip: The terrace nearby offers the best panoramic view of the castle.
9. Name: Latrán Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: The entire street is lined with illuminated medieval houses and narrow alleys. Best for: Getting lost in history. Where: Below the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Barber's Bridge toward the castle. Tip: Look for the Budějovice Gate at the end of the street.
10. Name: Křížová hora (Cross Hill) Type: Day trip/Nature Why go: The white chapel on the hill is lit up and visible from the whole town. Best for: Active travelers. Where: On the outskirts of town. Time: 1 hour (round trip). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Krizova hora hike path from the center. Tip: Bring a flashlight for the walk back down the wooded path.

Best Viewpoints for Night Photography

Capturing the best illuminated monuments to see after dark requires finding the right vantage points. The Seminary Garden is the most famous spot. It offers a clear view of the castle and the tower across the river. You should bring a tripod for long-exposure shots to capture the warm glow.

Another great spot is the viewpoint on the Cloak Bridge. From here, you can see the rooftops of the Inner Town sparkling. The riverbank near the Egon Schiele Art Centrum also offers unique reflections. The water adds a shimmering effect to your photos of the town walls.

For a wider perspective, head toward the castle gardens entrance. The elevated path gives you a look down into the winding streets. You can see what time do day trippers leave by watching the crowds thin out. Once they are gone, your photos will look much more professional and serene.

Practical Tips for Seeing Monuments After Dark

Safety is rarely an issue in this town. Many travelers ask, is it safe to walk alone at night in Český Krumlov? The answer is generally yes, as the center is well-lit and small. However, the cobblestone streets can be very slippery when damp or icy.

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip for your night walk. Some areas near the river can be quite dark, so watch your step. Most monuments stay illuminated until midnight or later. This gives you plenty of time for a slow dinner before heading out.

Temperatures drop quickly in the Czech Republic once the sun sets. Even in summer, a light jacket is a good idea. In winter, the town looks magical under snow, but you will need warm layers. Always check the local weather forecast before planning a long walk to the outer viewpoints.