Planning Your Best Photo Spots Walking Route

Český Krumlov is small but very dense with sights. You do not need a car once you arrive. Most of the town is a pedestrian zone. This makes it perfect for a best photo spots walking route. You can walk across the whole center in twenty minutes. However, photographers will want to spend hours here. The light changes the look of the stone walls throughout the day.

Before you start, consider your priorities. Some spots are better in the morning. Others look magical during the sunset. This route is designed to flow naturally from the entrance of the town. It covers the castle, the river, and the hidden squares. Here are some quick picks to help you plan your day:

• Best overall view: Seminary Garden Viewpoint
• Best for families: Castle Moat (with the bears)
• Best rainy-day spot: Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Best free spot: Cloak Bridge

10 Top Picks for Your Best Photo Spots Walking Route

This list includes the most iconic locations in the city. Each spot offers a unique perspective of the architecture. Follow this order for a logical path through the town. Make sure your battery is fully charged before you start.

1. Name: Seminary Garden Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous view in town. You get a perfect side-on shot of the castle and the tower. Best for: Classic postcards. Where: Horní Street, across from the Museum of South Bohemia. Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit at sunrise for soft light on the castle walls.
2. Name: Latrán Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: This historic street leads to the castle gate. It is lined with colorful Gothic and Renaissance houses. Best for: Street photography. Where: Latrán district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look up to see the intricate "sgraffito" wall decorations.
3. Name: Old Town Square (Náměstí Svornosti) Type: Market/Square Why go: This is the heart of the town. It features the Town Hall and a plague column. Best for: Wide-angle shots. Where: Old Town center. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Stand in the corners to get the best perspective of the surrounding buildings.
4. Name: The Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This massive stone bridge has several levels. It offers high-altitude views of the river and the town roofs. Best for: Dramatic architecture shots. Where: Castle complex west side. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Walk to the upper levels for the highest vantage point.
5. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the highest point in the city. You get a 360-degree view of the entire region. Best for: Panoramas. Where: First courtyard of the State Castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entrance fee. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so go early to avoid the crowds.
6. Name: Vltava River Embankment Type: Nature/Water Why go: You can capture the reflection of the castle in the water. It is very peaceful here. Best for: Sunset reflections. Where: Parkán or Rybářská streets. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Use a tripod if you want to blur the moving water.
7. Name: Castle Garden (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Nature Why go: A large Baroque garden with a fountain and a revolving theater. Best for: Symmetrical garden shots. Where: Top of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (garden only). Tip: The fountain is a great focal point for your photos.
8. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This museum is inside an old brewery. The industrial space is very photogenic. Best for: Art lovers and indoor shots. Where: Široká Street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Entrance fee required. Tip: The museum shop has great local design items to photograph.
9. Name: Minorite Monastery Courtyard Type: Unique experience Why go: It is much quieter than the main castle. The cloisters are very atmospheric. Best for: Moody, quiet shots. Where: Latrán district. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the courtyard. Tip: Look for the small herb garden inside.
10. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day trip Why go: It is often called the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic. It is white and very ornate. Best for: Fairytale vibes. Where: 35 minutes north of the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free to walk the grounds. Tip: Take a local bus from the main station for an easy trip.

Photography Tips for the Best Results

Lighting is everything in this town. The orange roofs glow during the golden hour. This happens just before sunset. You should also try blue hour photography. The castle lights up and looks magical against the dark sky. Use a tripod for these shots to keep them sharp.

The streets are very narrow here. A wide-angle lens is very helpful. It allows you to capture the full height of the buildings. However, a zoom lens is also good. You can use it to pick out details on the castle tower. Look for chimneys and weather vanes for unique shots.

Crowds can be a challenge in 2026. Many day-trippers arrive at mid-day. Try to start your best photo spots walking route at 7:00 AM. You will have the streets to yourself. The morning mist over the river is also very beautiful. Check the sunrise photography spots for the best start.

Essential Logistics for Your Walking Tour

Getting to the town is easy from Prague. You can take a bus or a train. The bus is usually faster and drops you closer to the center. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The cobblestones are very uneven and can be slippery when wet. Avoid wearing high heels on this route.

Most of the best photo spots are free. You only pay for entering the museum or climbing the tower. Keep some local currency (Czech Koruna) for small shops. Many places take cards, but small cafes might not. Public toilets are available but usually cost a small fee.

Stay hydrated during your walk. There are many fountains with drinking water. You can also stop at a riverside cafe for a rest. The town is very safe for solo travelers. Just keep an eye on your gear in crowded areas. Enjoy the slow pace of this historic gem.