Planning Your Visit to the Castle Complex

Before you arrive, you must decide which parts of the castle you want to enter. The exterior courtyards are open to everyone, but the interiors require a guide. If you want to see the royal apartments, you should check the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov official site for current times. Most tours last about 60 minutes and focus on specific historical periods. If you prefer flexibility, consider using a Cesky Krumlov Card city pass to save on multiple entries.

Decision Guide: If you love history, choose Tour Route I. If you prefer art and 19th-century life, choose Tour Route II. For those with limited mobility, the Castle Gardens and the first two courtyards are the easiest to access. Families with children usually enjoy the Castle Tower and the bear pit near the entrance.

• Checklist:
• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are everywhere).
• Water bottle (refill stations are limited).
• Printed or digital tour tickets.
• Camera with extra battery.
• Light jacket (castle interiors stay cool even in summer).

Always check the weather before you head out. The Castle Gardens are beautiful in the sun but offer little shelter during rain. For a broader look at the town, read our Cesky Krumlov sightseeing guide. This will help you fit the castle into a full day of exploring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exploring the Castle

Follow these steps to ensure you see the best parts of the complex without getting lost. The castle is built on a long ridge, so the path is linear. Start your journey at the Red Gate entrance near the Latran district walking itinerary path.

1. Step 1: Buy or Collect Tickets. Visit the ticket office in the second courtyard. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 200–300 CZK per tour. Common Mistake: Waiting until the tour start time to pick up tickets.
2. Step 2: Climb the Castle Tower. Head to the tower entrance next to the ticket office. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: ~150 CZK. Common Mistake: Forgetting your camera; the view is the best in town.
3. Step 3: Join a Guided Interior Tour. Meet your guide at the designated courtyard. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Included in tour ticket. Common Mistake: Arriving late; tours start exactly on time.
4. Step 4: Cross the Cloak Bridge. Walk through the upper courtyards to reach this massive stone bridge. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Common Mistake: Not looking down; the view of the river is stunning.
5. Step 5: Explore the Castle Gardens. Continue uphill past the bridge to reach the formal gardens. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (usually closed in winter). Common Mistake: Turning back before reaching the revolving theater at the far end.

This route covers about two kilometers of walking. Most people spend between three and five hours at the castle. If you are visiting in 2026, expect higher crowds in July and August. Morning visits are usually quieter and cooler.

Essential Highlights: The Tower, Theatre, and Gardens

The Castle Tower is the most iconic symbol of the city. It features a colorful Renaissance exterior and a steep spiral staircase. You should prepare for a Castle Tower climb to see the Vltava River from above. The belfry contains massive bells that still ring today. It is the oldest part of the castle complex.

Another world-class site is the Baroque Theatre. This is one of the best-preserved theaters of its kind in the world. You must join a Baroque Theatre tour to see the original stage machinery. These wooden gears and pulleys still work to change scenery in seconds. Because it is fragile, only a few people can visit each day.

Finally, the Castle Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the busy town. You will find a large fountain, manicured hedges, and a summer manor. The gardens are a great place to rest after your interior tours. Don't miss the chance to see the Cloak Bridge and Castle Gardens during the golden hour for the best light.

Navigating the Five Courtyards and Cloak Bridge

The castle is divided into five distinct courtyards. The first courtyard was once used for stables and workshops. Today, it houses the tourist information center and a small lapidarium. As you move to the second courtyard, you will see the mint and the tower. This area is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The third and fourth courtyards feature incredible Renaissance murals. These paintings use a technique called trompe l'oeil to look like real stone carvings. Take a moment to look at the details on the walls. This is one of the best photo spots in Cesky Krumlov. The light hits the murals beautifully in the late afternoon.

The Cloak Bridge connects the fourth and fifth courtyards. It is a three-story stone bridge supported by massive pillars. It was built to provide a covered passage for the lords to reach the theater and gardens. The bridge offers several viewing platforms. From here, you can see the entire historic center and the river below.

Troubleshooting and Common Visitor Problems

Even with a good Český Krumlov Castle complex guide, issues can happen. The most common problem is sold-out tour tickets. If the main tours are full, you can still enjoy the tower and the museum. These usually have more availability than the guided interior routes. Always book at least two weeks in advance during the peak summer season.

• Tours are full: Visit the Castle Museum instead; it is self-guided and very detailed.
• Physical limits: The castle has many stairs and steep ramps. Use the lift in the museum if needed.
• Weather: The gardens close during heavy rain or strong winds for safety.
• Language: Most tours are in Czech or English. Audio guides are sometimes available for other languages.
• Bears: The castle bears may be sleeping or inside during very hot weather.
• Closures: Most castle interiors are closed on Mondays, even in summer.
• Footwear: High heels are dangerous on the uneven stones of the courtyards.

If you find the castle too crowded, try visiting early in the morning. Most tour buses arrive after 10:00 AM. A sunset walk through the courtyards is also very peaceful. The castle grounds remain open late even after the interiors close.