Quick Picks for Your Castle Visit

Short on time? These quick picks highlight the very best of the castle grounds. You can see these highlights in just a few hours. Many travelers enjoy the mix of architecture and nature here. These spots offer the best value for your time.

• Best Overall: The Castle Tower for 360-degree town views.
• Best for Families: The Castle Gardens and the Bear Moat.
• Best Rainy-Day: The Castle Museum and the main interior tours.
• Best Free Activity: Walking through the five castle courtyards.

For more details on local culture, check our guide on cultural attractions in Český Krumlov. You can often combine the castle with other nearby museums. Most visitors spend at least half a day at the castle.

10 Essential Stops in This Visitors Guide

The castle complex is the second largest in the Czech Republic. It consists of forty buildings and five courtyards. Each section offers a unique glimpse into the past. Follow this list to ensure you do not miss the iconic sights.

1. Name: The Castle Tower Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: It is the symbol of the city with incredible views. Best for: Photographers and first-time visitors. Where: Second Courtyard. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee (included in some passes). Tip: Climb the 162 steps early in the morning to avoid crowds.
2. Name: Baroque Theatre Type: Unique Experience Why go: It is one of the world's best-preserved 18th-century theaters. Best for: History buffs and theater fans. Where: Fifth Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes (guided tour only). Cost: Higher than other sections. Tip: Book Baroque Theatre tours weeks in advance as spots are limited.
3. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This multi-story stone bridge offers stunning vistas of the Vltava River. Best for: Scenic walks and free views. Where: Between the Fourth and Fifth Courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look through the small windows for framed views of the town.
4. Name: Castle Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the noble families like the Rosenbergs and Schwarzenbergs. Best for: Understanding the region's deep history. Where: Second Courtyard (Little Castle). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Use the Český Krumlov Card for better value here.
5. Name: Castle Gardens Type: Nature/Park Why go: A massive Baroque garden with a fountain and rotating theater. Best for: Relaxing and escaping the town's bustle. Where: Beyond the Fifth Courtyard. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free (except for special events). Tip: Visit the Bellarie summer manor located deep inside the gardens.
6. Name: The Bear Moat Type: Unique Sight Why go: Bears have been kept in the castle moat since the 16th century. Best for: A quick, quirky stop for all ages. Where: Between the First and Second Courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view from above. Tip: The bears are most active during morning feeding times.
7. Name: Renaissance Interiors (Tour I) Type: Guided Sight Why go: See the lavish lifestyle of the former castle lords. Best for: Lovers of art and period furniture. Where: Upper Castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (Guided tour only). Tip: Wear warm layers as the thick stone walls keep interiors cool.
8. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: The historic area right below the castle walls. Best for: Dining and shopping after your castle visit. Where: Just outside the Red Gate. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free to explore. Tip: Follow a Latrán historical walk to see hidden courtyards.
9. Name: Monasteries Complex Type: Cultural Experience Why go: A beautifully restored series of religious buildings near the castle. Best for: A peaceful atmosphere and medieval art. Where: Latrán area, near the castle entrance. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Visit the Monasteries complex for craft workshops.
10. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: A world-class gallery dedicated to the famous expressionist painter. Best for: Modern art enthusiasts. Where: Short walk from the castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Plan an Egon Schiele Art Centrum visit for a change of pace.

Essential Český Krumlov Castle Visitors Guide Tips

Planning your logistics is key to a smooth trip. Most tours operate from April through October. Some parts of the castle close during winter months. Always check the official castle site for current hours. Booking tickets online is highly recommended for the Baroque Theatre. It sells out very quickly every day.

Wear sturdy walking shoes for the cobblestone paths. The castle involves many steep ramps and stairs. Accessibility can be a challenge in the older interior sections. However, the courtyards and gardens are mostly accessible. You should also consider the attractions pass if visiting multiple sites. It saves money on the tower and museum.

The town is very popular with day-trippers. Try to arrive before 10:00 AM to beat the buses. Alternatively, stay overnight to enjoy the castle at dusk. The evening lighting makes the stone walls look magical. Many visitors find the town most peaceful after 6:00 PM.

Top Attractions Near the Castle Grounds

Your Český Krumlov Castle visitors guide is not complete without the surroundings. The town itself is an extension of the castle's history. You can walk from the castle to the main square in minutes. Here you will find the Church of St. Vitus. This Gothic church is a landmark of the city skyline.

For more local history, visit the Regional Museum. It offers a great look at South Bohemian traditions. Nature lovers should head to the Vltava River banks. You can rent a raft for a unique castle view. This is a very popular activity in the summer months.

If you enjoy photography, visit the Seidel studio. This museum preserves the history of early local photography. It is located a short walk from the town center. You can learn about it at the Museum Fotoateliér Seidel. These sites provide a full picture of life in Bohemia.