Top 10 Sights Near Cloak Bridge and Castle Gardens

The castle complex is huge and full of surprises. You should start your walk at the lower courtyards. Then, move upward toward the bridge. The views get better as you climb higher. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones.

Here are the top things to see during your visit:

• Quick picks: Best overall is the Cloak Bridge view. Best for families is the Castle Gardens. Best for history is the Baroque Theatre. Best free activity is walking the garden paths.

1. Name: Cloak Bridge (Most Na Plášti) Type: Sight Why go: It is a unique three-story bridge with incredible stone arches. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Between the IV and V courtyards. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Tip: Check the best viewpoints from the Cloak Bridge arches for the perfect photo.
2. Name: Castle Gardens (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Nature Why go: This 17th-century park features beautiful flower beds and a large pond. Best for: A relaxing afternoon stroll. Where: At the top of the castle hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free entrance. Tip: Look for the free entrance to Český Krumlov Castle Gardens near the back gate.
3. Name: Revolving Auditorium Type: Experience Why go: An outdoor theater where the seating area rotates during the show. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Inside the Castle Gardens. Time: 2-3 hours for a show. Cost: Varies by performance. Tip: Book tickets months in advance for 2026 summer shows.
4. Name: Baroque Theatre Type: Museum Why go: One of the world's best-preserved Baroque theaters with original machinery. Best for: Art and theater fans. Where: V courtyard, near the bridge. Time: 45-minute guided tour. Cost: Paid entry. Tip: Take a Baroque Theatre tour to see the stage effects.
5. Name: Cascade Fountain Type: Sight Why go: A grand Rococo fountain decorated with statues of water deities. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: The transition between the upper and lower gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in late spring when the surrounding flowers are in full bloom.
6. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Offers a 360-degree view of the entire town and the Vltava river. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: II Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Tip: Prepare for a Castle Tower climb by wearing sturdy shoes.
7. Name: The Castle Moat Bears Type: Sight Why go: Bears have been kept in the castle moat since the 16th century. Best for: Families with children. Where: Between the I and II courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in the morning when the bears are most active.
8. Name: Latrán District Type: Neighborhood Why go: The historic area right below the castle with colorful houses. Best for: Shopping and dining. Where: Directly beneath the castle walls. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Tip: Follow a Latrán district walking itinerary to find hidden cafes.
9. Name: Vltava River Rafting Type: Activity Why go: See the Cloak Bridge from below while floating on the water. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Various rental points in town. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Moderate rental fees. Tip: Try Vltava river sightseeing rafting for a unique perspective.
10. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: A large gallery dedicated to the famous expressionist painter. Best for: Modern art lovers. Where: Short walk from the castle. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Tip: Visit on a rainy day to enjoy the indoor exhibitions.

Planning Your Visit to the Castle Complex

Visiting the Cloak Bridge and Castle Gardens requires some planning. The gardens are usually open from April to October. During winter, the bridge remains open, but the park may close. Always check the official castle website for current hours. Most of the outdoor areas are free to enter. However, the castle interiors and theater require a ticket.

You can save money with a city pass. The Český Krumlov Card covers several museums and the tower. It is a great deal if you stay for two days. The castle complex is mostly accessible, but some paths are steep. Travelers with limited mobility should use the garden entrance near the parking lot. This avoids the steep climb from the town center.

The crowds are thinnest in the early morning. Try to arrive before 9:00 AM to enjoy the bridge in peace. Sunset is also a magical time for a walk. The stone walls glow in the evening light. Many day-trippers leave by 5:00 PM, making the town much quieter.

Best Photo Spots Around Cloak Bridge and Castle Gardens

Finding the perfect shot is easy in this town. The Cloak Bridge and Castle Gardens offer many angles. Start at the small balconies on the bridge itself. These look out over the red roofs of the town. This is one of the best photo spots in Český Krumlov for panoramas.

Next, head down to the riverbank. Looking up at the bridge arches shows its massive scale. The masonry work is very impressive from below. In the gardens, the Cascade Fountain is the star. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the statues and the greenery. The symmetry of the Rococo design is perfect for social media.

Don't forget the view from the Castle Tower. It gives you a bird's-eye view of the bridge structure. You can see how the bridge connects the different castle wings. For a unique shot, wait for a raft to pass under the arches. This adds a sense of life and movement to your photos.

Exploring the Latrán District and Beyond

After visiting the Cloak Bridge and Castle Gardens, explore Latrán. This neighborhood was once home to castle staff and craftsmen. Today, it is full of boutique shops and traditional taverns. You can find the UNESCO heritage charm in every corner. The architecture here ranges from Gothic to Renaissance styles.

If you have extra time, visit the Minorite Monastery. It is a peaceful spot away from the main tourist path. The cloisters are beautiful and very quiet. You can also walk along the Vltava river. The path offers great views of the castle walls from a different angle.

For a local snack, try a trdelník from a street stall. These sweet pastries are popular throughout the Czech Republic. Enjoy your treat while sitting by the river. It is the perfect way to end your day of sightseeing. The town is small, so you can walk almost everywhere easily.