Top 11 Photo Spots Near the Cloak Bridge

The area around the bridge is packed with diverse angles. You can photograph the bridge from below, from its decks, or from across the valley. Most of these spots are within the Český Krumlov Castle complex. This makes it easy to visit several locations in one morning. Here are our top picks for the best photo spots near the Cloak Bridge.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - The Fifth Courtyard Viewpoint
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Seminary Garden
• Quick Pick: Best Free Spot - Barber's Bridge
• Quick Pick: Best Rainy-Day - Castle Museum Interior

1. Name: Cloak Bridge Upper Level Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous walkway in the city. It offers a panoramic view of the red roofs below. Best for: Wide landscape shots of the town. Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Walk up through the castle courtyards. Tip: Go at sunrise to avoid the heavy tourist crowds.
2. Name: The Fifth Courtyard Viewpoint Type: viewpoint Why go: This terrace is located just past the bridge. It provides a perfect side-on view of the bridge arches. Best for: Architectural photography and bridge scale. Where: Fifth Courtyard, past the bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path across the Cloak Bridge. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire bridge structure.
3. Name: The Lower Passage (Ground Level) Type: experience Why go: Looking up from the bottom shows the bridge's massive height. The stone arches look like a Roman aqueduct from here. Best for: Dramatic upward angles. Where: The road leading to the castle gardens. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the hill from the main castle entrance. Tip: Frame the bridge with the trees on either side.
4. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: nature/viewpoint Why go: This garden is located across the river from the castle. It offers a full view of the bridge and the castle tower. Best for: Classic postcard shots. Where: Horní street, opposite the Hotel Růže. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the main square. Tip: This is the best spot for sunset photos as the light hits the castle.
5. Name: Castle Tower Top Type: sight Why go: Climbing the Castle Tower gives you a bird's-eye view. You can see the bridge nestled in the valley. Best for: High-altitude townscapes. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the tower. Getting there: Enter the tower via the Castle Museum entrance. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so bring a compact camera bag.
6. Name: Rybářská Street Riverbank Type: neighborhood Why go: This street runs right along the Vltava River. You can capture the bridge reflecting in the water. Best for: Reflection shots and water movement. Where: Rybářská street, below the castle. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the bridge area. Tip: Use a slow shutter speed to make the water look smooth.
7. Name: Lazebnický Most (Barber's Bridge) Type: iconic sight Why go: This wooden bridge connects the Old Town to the Latrán district. It offers a great view of the castle rising above the river. Best for: Framing the castle and Cloak Bridge together. Where: Latrán district. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main pedestrian path from the square. Tip: Look for the statues on the bridge to use as a foreground.
8. Name: The Castle Garden Entrance Type: nature Why go: The entrance to the formal gardens offers a unique perspective. You can see the top layer of the bridge through the gate. Best for: Symmetrical shots. Where: Top of the castle hill. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free (seasonal). Getting there: Walk uphill past the Fifth Courtyard. Tip: Check the State Castle official site for garden opening months.
9. Name: Horní Brána Viewpoint Type: viewpoint Why go: This is a slightly further spot near the town entrance. It provides a wide view of the entire UNESCO site. Best for: Sunset panoramas. Where: Near the regional museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main square. Tip: Bring a tripod for low-light evening shots.
10. Name: Mount of the Cross (Křížová hora) Type: day trip Why go: This is a short hike to a chapel on a hill. It offers the most distant and complete view of the town. Best for: Long-distance landscape photography. Where: Southern edge of the city. Time: 1.5 hours (round trip). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green hiking trail from the town center. Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the uphill climb.
11. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: day trip Why go: Located about 30km away, this white castle is stunning. It is a perfect addition for any photography trip to the region. Best for: Romantic, Gothic-style architecture. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate (bus fare + entry). Getting there: Take a direct bus from the main station. Tip: The gardens are open year-round and offer great angles.

Photography Tips for Český Krumlov

Timing is everything when visiting the best photo spots near the Cloak Bridge. The town becomes very busy by 10:00 AM. For the cleanest shots, start your walk at dawn. The morning light is soft and golden. It highlights the textures of the old stone walls. Most day-trippers leave by 5:00 PM, making evening another great time.

Consider using a variety of lenses. A wide-angle lens is great for the bridge arches. A zoom lens helps capture details on the castle tower. Polarizing filters can reduce glare from the Vltava River. Always keep your camera ready for candid street scenes. The narrow alleys are just as beautiful as the main sights.

Planning Your Visit to the Cloak Bridge

The Cloak Bridge is part of the larger castle grounds. Most of the outdoor areas are free to access. However, some viewpoints like the tower require a ticket. You can buy these at the castle visitor center. Wear comfortable shoes as the paths are mostly cobblestone. Some sections are quite steep and can be slippery when wet.

Visiting in the shoulder seasons is a smart move. April and October offer beautiful colors and fewer crowds. Winter can also be magical if there is snow. Always check the local weather before heading out. High winds can sometimes close the upper castle terraces for safety. Plan to spend at least one full day in the city.