History of the Cloak Bridge Scenic Walkway

The bridge was built in several stages during the 18th century. It replaced an earlier wooden drawbridge that once stood here. The current stone structure has three main levels of walkways. The lowest level is open to the public for free. Higher levels are enclosed corridors used by the nobility in the past. These private passages allowed royals to reach the theater without going outside.

The name "Cloak Bridge" comes from the fortifications that once protected the area. These defenses were known as "cloaks" in military terms. Today, the bridge is famous for its Baroque statues of saints. These figures stand guard over the walkway and add to its charm. The bridge is a symbol of the town's rich history and architectural skill. It remains one of the most photographed bridges in Central Europe.

11 Best Sights Near the Cloak Bridge Scenic Walkway

Explore the area around this iconic landmark with our top picks. Here are the best things to see and do near the Cloak Bridge scenic walkway.

• Best Overall: Cloak Bridge Upper Level
• Best for Families: Castle Garden
• Best Rainy Day: Baroque Castle Theater
• Best Free View: Seminární Zahrada

1. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Sight Why go: To experience the most famous bridge in the city. Best for: Everyone. Where: Between the 4th and 5th castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk the lower level. Getting there: Walk through the castle gates from Latrán. Tip: Visit the official landmark site for special tour times.
2. Name: Fourth Castle Courtyard Type: Experience Why go: To see the incredible Renaissance wall paintings. Best for: History buffs. Where: Castle District. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Adjacent to the bridge walkway. Tip: Look closely at the walls to see the 3D "sgraffito" effect. Learn more about walking the castle courtyards here.
3. Name: Castle Garden (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Nature Why go: A massive 17th-century park with a revolving theater. Best for: Families and relaxing. Where: Top of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entrance. Getting there: Walk across the top of the bridge and continue uphill. Tip: Visit the Bellarie summer manor located inside the gardens.
4. Name: Baroque Castle Theater Type: Experience Why go: One of the world's best-preserved Baroque theaters. Best for: Culture lovers. Where: Just past the bridge. Time: 45 minutes (guided tour). Cost: Usually around 250 CZK. Getting there: Entrance is via the 5th courtyard. Tip: Tours are limited, so book your tickets well in advance.
5. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: The highest point in the city for 360-degree views. Best for: Photographers. Where: 2nd castle courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approximately 150 CZK. Getting there: Short walk from the bridge toward the town. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so take your time during the climb.
6. Name: Latrán District Type: Neighborhood Why go: Historic streets filled with colorful medieval houses. Best for: Walking and dining. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Latrán district historical route down from the castle. Tip: This is the best place to find traditional Czech pastries like Trdelník.
7. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: Museum Why go: A peaceful complex with beautiful cloisters and gardens. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Latrán area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Use the monastery gardens walking route for easy access. Tip: Check for local craft workshops held in the monastery cellars.
8. Name: Seminární Zahrada Type: Viewpoint Why go: The most famous photo spot looking back at the castle. Best for: Group photos. Where: Near the Regional Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the river into the Inner City. Tip: This spot is very popular at sunset for the golden light.
9. Name: Vltava Riverfront Type: Nature Why go: Watch the wooden rafts and kayaks pass by. Best for: Afternoon strolls. Where: Along the river banks. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Vltava riverfront walking path from the bridge. Tip: Sit at a riverside cafe to watch the "watermen" navigate the weir.
10. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: Dedicated to the famous Austrian painter who lived here. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Inner City. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the bridge. Tip: Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum website for current exhibitions.
11. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: Often called the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic. Best for: Fairy-tale architecture. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou (30km away). Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Travel + entry fee. Getting there: Take a bus or train from the main station. Tip: Book a morning tour to avoid the largest crowds from Prague.

Planning Your Visit to the Castle District

Visiting the Cloak Bridge scenic walkway requires some basic planning. The castle district is mostly pedestrian-only. Wear comfortable shoes as the paths are made of cobblestones. You can find more details on accessibility for walking in Český Krumlov online. Most visitors arrive in the late morning. If you want quiet photos, arrive before 9:00 AM.

Consider joining a group for better context. There are many best guided walking tours in Český Krumlov available. These tours often include access to the upper bridge levels. The castle courtyards are open daily. However, the garden and theater have seasonal hours. Always check the weather before heading to the upper gardens.

Best Photo Spots for the Cloak Bridge Scenic Walkway

Capturing the Cloak Bridge scenic walkway is a highlight for many. The most iconic shot is from the Seminární Zahrada. This viewpoint shows the bridge spanning the gap between the buildings. For a unique angle, head down to the riverbank. Looking up from the Vltava shows the true height of the arches. The scale of the stone work is impressive from below.

Another great spot is from the Castle Tower. You can look down on the bridge and the winding river. This perspective highlights the bridge's role in the castle's layout. Early morning light provides a soft glow on the stone. Sunset creates dramatic shadows through the arches. Try different levels of the bridge for varied compositions. Each level offers a new frame of the medieval town.