Top 10 Highlights of the Castle Gardens and Revolving Auditorium

The garden complex is a massive area filled with history. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the city center. You will find many best attractions in Cesky Krumlov right here. Here are the top ten things you must see.

• Best overall: Revolving Auditorium
• Best for families: Castle Pond
• Best rainy-day: Castle Complex Interiors
• Best free: The Upper Garden

1. Name: Revolving Auditorium Type: experience Why go: It is a world-unique open-air theater. The seating area rotates to follow the play. Best for: Culture lovers and couples. Where: Center of the Castle Gardens. Time: 2-3 hours for a show. Cost: High (tickets sell out months in advance). Tip: Check the schedule for performances at revolving auditorium early.
2. Name: Cascade Fountain Type: sight Why go: This is a stunning Baroque water feature. It has many statues of sea deities and animals. Best for: Photography. Where: Between the Upper and Lower gardens. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light on the statues.
3. Name: Bellarie Summerhouse Type: sight Why go: An elegant Rococo building used for garden parties. It serves as a backdrop for theater plays. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Revolving Auditorium. Time: 15 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view. Tip: You can see it up close during a theater performance.
4. Name: The Castle Pond Type: nature Why go: A peaceful lake at the end of the gardens. It is covered in water lilies during summer. Best for: A quiet escape from crowds. Where: Far end of the garden. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Walk the full loop around the water for great views.
5. Name: The Upper Garden Type: nature Why go: This area is more natural and less formal. It features large trees and wide lawns. Best for: Picnics and relaxing. Where: Western part of the complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Tip: This is the best time to visit Cesky Krumlov castle gardens for autumn colors.
6. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Complex Type: sight Why go: One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe. It includes the famous tower and courtyards. Best for: Everyone. Where: Adjacent to the gardens. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Free for courtyards; paid for tours. Tip: Read our Cesky Krumlov castle complex guide before you go.
7. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: sight Why go: A grand Gothic church that dominates the skyline. It holds the tombs of local noble families. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: City center, near the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Tip: Learn about the Church of St. Vitus history to appreciate the art.
8. Name: Graphite Mine Type: experience Why go: Go deep underground to see how miners worked. You get to ride a special mine train. Best for: Adventure seekers and kids. Where: Short walk from the town center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Book the graphite mine tour Cesky Krumlov in advance.
9. Name: Mount Kleť Type: day trip Why go: The highest peak in the Blanský Forest. It offers a lookout tower and a chairlift. Best for: Hikers. Where: 10km from the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Low (chairlift fee). Tip: Try the Mount Klet hike and lookout for panoramic views.
10. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: museum Why go: A world-class gallery dedicated to the famous painter. He lived and worked in this town. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Town center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Visit the official museum site for current exhibitions.

Planning Your Visit to the Castle Gardens and Revolving Auditorium

Visiting the Castle Gardens and Revolving Auditorium requires some planning. The gardens are open from April to October. They usually close during the winter months. The best time to see flowers is in May or June. During these months, the garden is very vibrant. You can enjoy the fresh air and the smell of blossoms. The park is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes.

The Revolving Auditorium operates mainly in the summer. Shows run from June through September. Tickets are very hard to get. People often book them a year in advance. If you miss a ticket, you can still see the stage. The auditorium sits in the middle of the park. You can walk around it during the day. It is a marvel of 20th-century engineering.

Getting to the gardens is easy. You can walk up from the main castle courtyards. The path is steep but very scenic. There is also a car park near the garden entrance. This is better for those who cannot walk long distances. Local buses also stop near the castle gates. Consult the Visit Czechia portal for more travel info.

Practical Tips for Exploring Český Krumlov

When exploring the Castle Gardens and Revolving Auditorium, timing is everything. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Most tour groups arrive after 10:00 AM. You will have the paths to yourself if you start at 8:00 AM. Bring a bottle of water as there are few shops inside. The garden is a great place for a quiet break.

Check the weather before you head out. The gardens offer little shelter from the rain. If it looks cloudy, bring an umbrella. For theater shows, the rules are different. Performances happen even in light rain. They only cancel if the weather is very bad. Always bring a warm jacket for evening shows. Even in summer, the nights can get chilly.

Respect the local rules while visiting. Do not pick the flowers or climb on statues. Stay on the marked paths to protect the grass. This helps keep the park beautiful for everyone. You can find more details on the official landmark site. Enjoy your time in this historic and magical place.