Quick Picks for Your Castle Visit

Planning a trip can be overwhelming. Here are our top recommendations for a smooth experience. These picks focus on the highlights of the castle complex. Use them to prioritize your time in the city.

• Best Overall: Climbing the Castle Tower for panoramic views.
• Best for Families: Watching the bears in the bear moat at Český Krumlov Castle entrance.
• Best Free Activity: Walking through the five castle courtyards.
• Best Rainy-Day: Touring the Castle Museum and Lapidarium.

10 Must-See Spots Near the Bear Moat at Český Krumlov Castle Entrance

The castle complex is vast and full of surprises. Most visitors start their journey at the main gate. From there, you can explore several distinct areas. Here are the top 10 experiences you should not miss.

1. Name: The Bear Moat Type: sight Why go: See the historic brown bears that live in the castle ditch. Best for: Families and animal lovers. Where: Between the 1st and 2nd courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the Red Gate entrance. Tip: Visit in the morning when the bears are most active.
2. Name: The Castle Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the iconic symbol of the city with 360-degree views. Best for: Photographers. Where: Second Courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Located right next to the bear moat. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the tower and museum to save money.
3. Name: The Cloak Bridge Type: sight Why go: This massive multi-story bridge offers stunning vistas. Best for: Scenic walks. Where: Between the 4th and 5th courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main path through the upper castle. Tip: Look down to see the river winding through the town.
4. Name: The Baroque Castle Theatre Type: experience Why go: One of the best-preserved theaters of its kind in the world. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Fifth Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid guided tour. Getting there: Walk across the Cloak Bridge. Tip: Tours are limited, so book your spot online in advance.
5. Name: The Castle Gardens Type: nature Why go: A large, manicured park featuring a rotating auditorium. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Top of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (Gardens only). Getting there: Walk uphill past the theater. Tip: Check the Český Krumlov Castle courtyards guide for the best walking route.
6. Name: The Latrán District Type: neighborhood Why go: Historic streets filled with medieval charm and craft shops. Best for: Souvenir shopping. Where: Below the castle walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Exit the castle via the Red Gate. Tip: Use a Latrán district walking guide to find hidden courtyards.
7. Name: The Second Courtyard Type: sight Why go: See the impressive Renaissance murals on the palace walls. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Just past the bear moat. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the bridge over the moat. Tip: Many people ask are the castle courtyards free to enter, and the answer is yes.
8. Name: Vltava River Rafting Type: activity Why go: See the castle from a unique perspective on the water. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: River banks near the castle. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid rental. Getting there: Walk down to the river from Latrán. Tip: Wear waterproof shoes as you might get wet.
9. Name: The Castle Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn about the noble families who lived here. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Second Courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Entrance is next to the tower. Tip: The exhibits are well-labeled in English.
10. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: museum Why go: A world-class gallery dedicated to the famous Austrian painter. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Old Town center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the castle. Tip: The cafe inside is a great place for a quiet break.

History of the Bear Moat at Český Krumlov Castle Entrance

The tradition of keeping bears began with the Rosenberg family. They claimed a kinship with the Italian Orsini family. The name Orsini is derived from the Italian word for bear. Keeping these animals was a way to show off their noble status. You can learn more about the castle's history on the official castle website. Over the years, the moat has been modernized for the animals. Today, specialized keepers ensure the bears are healthy and well-fed. The bears are a beloved part of the local culture. They are often celebrated during local festivals throughout the year.

Essential Tips for Exploring the Castle Grounds

The castle is most crowded between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. To avoid the rush, try to arrive early in the morning. You can also visit late in the afternoon. Most day-trippers from Prague leave by 4:00 PM. Wear comfortable shoes as the paths are made of cobblestones. These can be slippery when wet. If you want to see the interiors, book your tour weeks in advance. For a more flexible trip, consider a self-guided walking tour of Český Krumlov. This allows you to explore at your own pace without a guide.