Planning Your Visit to the Cloak Bridge

The Cloak Bridge, or Plášťový most, is a unique architectural feat. It was built in the 18th century to replace a wooden drawbridge. The bridge stands on massive stone pillars with several tiers of arched walkways. It is part of the Český Krumlov Castle complex. Walking across the open-air top level is completely free for all visitors. This makes it one of the most accessible Cloak Bridge walking views available.

The bridge is open 24 hours a day. This is great for photographers who want to avoid the crowds. Most day-trippers arrive between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you visit outside these hours, you will have the views to yourself. You can easily reach the bridge by walking up through the castle gates. If you are unsure of the path, check a guide on how to find the Cloak Bridge entrance. The walk is steep but very scenic.

10 Best Photography Angles from the Cloak Bridge

Capturing the perfect shot requires knowing exactly where to stand. The bridge is long, and each section offers a different perspective. Here are the top ten angles to look for during your visit. These spots cover everything from wide landscapes to architectural details.

1. Name: The Classic Old Town Panorama Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous view of the orange rooftops and the river bend. Best for: Wide-angle landscape shots. Where: Center of the upper bridge walkway. Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the 4th courtyard toward the 5th. Tip: Use a small aperture like f/11 to keep the whole town in focus.
2. Name: The Castle Tower Frame Type: Iconic sight Why go: You can use the bridge's stone statues to frame the colorful Castle Tower. Best for: Creative architectural shots. Where: The eastern end of the bridge. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Stop just as you enter the bridge from the 4th courtyard. Tip: Crouch low to include the stone railing in the foreground.
3. Name: The Vltava River Horseshoe Type: Nature/Viewpoint Why go: See the river wrap around the town in a perfect U-shape. Best for: Capturing the geography of the city. Where: Looking south from the bridge railing. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Mid-point of the bridge walkway. Tip: Polarizing filters help remove glare from the water surface.
4. Name: St. Vitus Church Spire Type: Iconic sight Why go: The church spire rises perfectly above the town from this height. Best for: Telephoto compression shots. Where: Looking toward the center of the Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from any point on the upper walkway. Tip: Zoom in to make the church appear larger against the hills.
5. Name: The Latrán District View Type: Neighborhood Why go: Capture the historic Latrán district from above. Best for: Showing the density of medieval buildings. Where: Looking north-east toward the castle entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: The end of the bridge near the 4th courtyard. Tip: Look for the red-tiled roofs during the late afternoon sun.
6. Name: The Lower Archway Perspective Type: Unique experience Why go: Taking a photo from the road below the bridge shows its massive scale. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: On the road leading to the castle gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the hill from the castle entrance. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the pillars.
7. Name: The Fifth Courtyard Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: This terrace is just past the bridge and offers a slightly different angle. Best for: Sunset photos. Where: The flat area immediately after crossing the bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the bridge from the castle side. Tip: This area is less narrow than the bridge, making it easier for tripods.
8. Name: Night Lights of Krumlov Type: Unique experience Why go: The town looks magical when the streetlights turn on. Best for: Long exposure photography. Where: Any point on the upper bridge. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visit after blue hour in the evening. Tip: Bring a travel tripod as the bridge can be windy.
9. Name: The Castle Museum & Tower Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: While the bridge is outdoors, you can see the official castle museum buildings from here. Best for: Documenting the castle complex. Where: Looking back toward the town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free (to view). Getting there: Walk toward the 4th courtyard side. Tip: Late morning light hits the tower face perfectly.
10. Name: The Winter Fairytale Type: Seasonal experience Why go: Snow-covered roofs from this height look like a painting. Best for: Winter travelers. Where: The entire bridge span. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visit in January or February. Tip: Keep your camera batteries warm as they drain fast in the cold.

Best Times for Photography in Český Krumlov

Timing is everything when searching for the best photography angles from the Cloak Bridge. Sunrise is the best time for soft, even light. The sun rises behind the town, creating a beautiful glow. You will also avoid the large tour groups that arrive by bus. If you prefer warm colors, the golden hour before sunset is ideal. The stone walls of the castle turn a deep orange color.

Night photography is another great option on the bridge. The town is well-lit, and the shadows add drama to the river. In 2026, expect the castle to maintain its beautiful evening illumination. During the day, try to visit during a self-guided walking tour. This allows you to spend as much time as you need on the bridge. You won't feel rushed by a tour guide.