10 Iconic Photo Spots and Best Viewpoints in Český Krumlov

Exploring this town feels like stepping back in time. The layout is perfect for wide-angle shots. You can also capture intimate details on old wooden doors. Most spots are within walking distance of the center. Use this list to plan your photography route. These locations cover the most famous vistas and some hidden gems.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Castle Tower
• Best for families: Castle Gardens
• Best rainy-day: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
• Best free: Seminary Garden

1. Name: The Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest 360-degree view of the town. You can see the river loop and the orange rooftops perfectly. Best for: Panoramic cityscapes. Where: Inside the main castle courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Walk up from the Latrán area into the castle. Tip: Visit right when it opens to avoid the narrow stairs getting crowded. Check the official castle site for seasonal hours.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: This massive stone bridge has several levels. The lower arches frame the town beautifully. The upper walkway provides a stunning elevated perspective. Best for: Architectural photography and sunset views. Where: Connecting the castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Follow the path from the second castle courtyard. Tip: Look through the small windows in the bridge walls for framed shots. This is a key part of any castle complex guide tour.
3. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is arguably the most famous photo spot in town. It provides a direct view of the castle and the tower. The white walls of the garden act as a great foreground. Best for: Classic postcard shots. Where: Next to the Regional Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up Horní street from the main square. Tip: Go early in the morning for soft light on the castle walls.
4. Name: Lazebnický Bridge Type: Sight Why go: This wooden bridge crosses the Vltava river. It offers a low-angle view of the castle towering above the water. You can capture the movement of wooden rafts below. Best for: Action shots of rafters and castle reflections. Where: Between Latrán and the Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the main pedestrian bridge in the center. Tip: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the splashing water from the rafts.
5. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: Sight/Indoor Why go: The church spire is a landmark of the skyline. Inside, the neo-Gothic architecture is very photogenic. The exterior terrace also offers a unique view of the river. Best for: Gothic details and skyline variety. Where: Kostelní street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Usually free (donations welcome). Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: Learn about the St Vitus history to appreciate the interior art.
6. Name: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel Type: Experience/Indoor Why go: This is a preserved 19th-century photography studio. It is a unique place to photograph vintage equipment and backdrops. It tells the story of early photography in the region. Best for: Vintage vibes and history lovers. Where: Linecká street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Book a Seidel tour in advance as they are very popular.
7. Name: Castle Gardens Type: Nature Why go: The gardens are vast and manicured. You will find a beautiful fountain and the revolving auditorium. The paths are lined with old trees and flowers. Best for: Nature shots and peaceful walks. Where: The highest part of the castle hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the Cloak Bridge and continue uphill. Tip: Visit the castle gardens in autumn for vibrant leaf colors.
8. Name: Latrán Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the most historic street in town. The colorful houses and cobblestones are perfect for street photography. Look for the Budějovice Gate at the end. Best for: Street photography and colorful facades. Where: The area below the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the north side of the river. Tip: Look up to see the intricate paintings on the building walls.
9. Name: Mount Kleť Type: Day trip/Nature Why go: It is the highest peak in the Blanský Forest. You can see the Alps on a clear day. The lookout tower is the oldest in the country. Best for: Landscape photography and hiking. Where: About 10km north of the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Small fee for the chairlift or tower. Getting there: Take a local bus or train to Holubov. Tip: Plan a Mount Klet hike for a break from the city crowds.
10. Name: Vltava Riverbank (Městský park) Type: Nature Why go: The city park sits right on the river. It offers a peaceful view of the church and town from below. It is much quieter than the castle area. Best for: Reflections and golden hour picnics. Where: South of the Old Town center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the main square along the water. Tip: This is a great spot for long-exposure water shots.

Best Times for Photography in Český Krumlov

Timing is everything when visiting the photo spots and best viewpoints. Early morning is the best time for photography. Most day-trippers arrive after 10:00 AM. Before then, the streets are empty and quiet. You can capture the fog rising from the Vltava river. This creates a mystical atmosphere for your photos.

Golden hour occurs shortly before sunset. The castle walls glow in a warm orange light. The Seminary Garden is perfect at this time. However, it can get crowded with other photographers. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure your spot. Bring a tripod if you plan to stay for the blue hour.

Blue hour is when the city lights turn on. The town looks like a glowing jewelry box. The view from the Cloak Bridge is magical at dusk. The contrast between the blue sky and yellow lights is stunning. Night photography is also very safe in this town. The streets are well-lit and very atmospheric.

Photography Gear and Local Tips for 2026

A wide-angle lens is essential for this town. The streets are narrow and the buildings are tall. A 16-35mm lens works well for most locations. However, a zoom lens is also helpful. It allows you to capture the details on the castle tower. You can also compress the landscape from the higher viewpoints.

Comfortable shoes are a must for any photographer. The cobblestones are very uneven and can be slippery. Avoid wearing heels or thin sandals while walking. A small, lightweight tripod is useful for evening shots. Many areas are pedestrian-only, so you will be walking a lot. Keep your gear light to stay mobile.

Respect local privacy when taking street photos. Most locals are used to tourists but appreciate kindness. Do not block narrow doorways or private entrances. Drone use is heavily regulated in the historic center. Always check the latest local laws before flying. This ensures you stay safe and follow the rules in 2026.