Top 11 Best Photo Spots in Český Krumlov

Finding the best photo spots in Český Krumlov is easy because the town is so compact. You can walk from the castle to the river in just a few minutes. Most locations are accessible on foot throughout the day. However, early morning light is usually best for avoiding crowds.

The castle complex is the focal point for most photographers. It offers high vantage points over the orange-tiled roofs. The river level provides a different perspective with beautiful water reflections. Here are the top locations you should not miss during your visit.

• Best overall: Castle Tower
• Best for families: Castle Garden
• Best rainy-day: Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Best free view: Seminární Zahrada

1. Name: Castle Tower Type: sight Why go: It provides the most iconic 360-degree view of the entire town. Best for: Panoramic cityscapes. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually around 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Walk through the main castle gate from Latrán. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the river loop and the town together. Check the official castle site for seasonal hours.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: This massive stone bridge features multiple levels of arches and statues. Best for: Architectural shots and framing the town. Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Follow the main path through the castle complex. Tip: Head to the lower river path to photograph the bridge's height from below.
3. Name: Seminární Zahrada Type: viewpoint Why go: This terrace offers the classic postcard view of the castle and the tower. Best for: Sunset photos and romantic portraits. Where: Next to the Regional Museum in the Old Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main square (Náměstí Svornosti). Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure a spot at the stone wall.
4. Name: Latrán Street Type: neighborhood Why go: This historic street is lined with colorful medieval and Renaissance houses. Best for: Street photography and local atmosphere. Where: The district directly below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter from the Budějovická Gate or the river bridge. Tip: Follow our Latrán district walking itinerary to find hidden murals.
5. Name: Vltava Riverbank Type: nature Why go: You can capture the reflection of the castle in the slow-moving water. Best for: Reflections and action shots of rafters. Where: Near the wooden Barber's Bridge or the park by the brewery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down any of the small alleys leading to the water. Tip: If you want to be in the photo, try sightseeing rafting for a unique angle.
6. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: sight Why go: The tall Gothic spire is a major landmark that balances the castle in photos. Best for: Gothic architecture and interior details. Where: Kostelní street in the Old Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free, but donations are welcome. Getting there: Walk up from the main square toward the higher ground. Tip: Photograph the church from across the river for the best scale.
7. Name: Castle Garden Type: nature Why go: It features a beautiful Rococo fountain and perfectly manicured hedges. Best for: Nature photography and quiet moments. Where: The highest point of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the Cloak Bridge and continue uphill. Tip: Visit in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
8. Name: Barber's Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: experience Why go: It is the main wooden bridge connecting the two halves of the city. Best for: People watching and shots of the Castle Tower. Where: Connecting Latrán and the Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is the main thoroughfare for pedestrians. Tip: Look for the wooden statues of St. John of Nepomuk and Jesus.
9. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: unique local Why go: This gallery is housed in a stunning 16th-century brewery building. Best for: Industrial-meets-Renaissance aesthetics. Where: Široká street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (approx. 200 CZK). Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: The interior courtyard has unique textures and lighting for portraits.
10. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: day trip Why go: Often called the most beautiful castle in the country, it looks like a white wedding cake. Best for: Fairytale castle photography. Where: 30 kilometers north of Český Krumlov. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate for tours; grounds are free. Getting there: Take a local bus or a 30-minute drive. Tip: Visit during the week to avoid large wedding parties on weekends. Visit the national tourism site for transport info.
11. Name: Kleť Mountain Type: day trip Why go: It offers a view of the Bohemian Forest and sometimes the distant Alps. Best for: Landscape photography and hiking shots. Where: 10 kilometers north of the city. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Low (cost of the chairlift). Getting there: Drive or take a train to Holubov, then walk to the chairlift. Tip: Check the mountain webcam before you go to ensure clear skies.

Photography Gear and Planning Tips

When visiting the best photo spots in Český Krumlov, gear choice is important. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is perfect for the narrow streets. You will also want a zoom lens (70-200mm) to capture details on the castle walls. Tripods are useful for night shots but can be bulky in crowded areas.

Weather in South Bohemia can change quickly. Overcast skies are actually great for photography here as they soften shadows. If it rains, the cobblestones glisten, which adds a magical touch to your images. Always carry a small micro-fiber cloth to wipe your lens.

Respecting the local environment is key for 2026 travel. Avoid blocking narrow doorways or private entrances while setting up your shot. Most museums do not allow flash photography inside. Always check for signs before you start clicking away in religious sites.