Top Spots for Cloak Bridge Walking Views

The Cloak Bridge, or Plášťový most, is not just one walkway. It features multiple levels that offer different perspectives of the town. To see it all, you must walk both on and under the structure. Most people start at the castle courtyards and move toward the gardens. This route provides a constant change in elevation and scenery. You will see red-tiled roofs and the winding river below.

• Best overall: Upper Bridge Gallery
• Best for families: Fifth Courtyard Terrace
• Best rainy-day: Lower Castle Passage
• Best free: Vltava Riverbank

1. Name: Upper Bridge Gallery Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most iconic spot for Cloak Bridge walking views. You stand high above the town with a panoramic vista. Best for: Panoramic photography. Where: Between the Fourth and Fifth Castle Courtyards. Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Follow the main path through the castle courtyards. Tip: Visit at sunset for a golden glow over the Vltava River.
2. Name: Fifth Courtyard Terrace Type: Sight Why go: This wide terrace offers a side-on view of the bridge's massive arches. It highlights the architectural scale of the structure. Best for: Group photos and families. Where: Immediately after crossing the bridge from the castle. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the bridge from the Fourth Courtyard. Tip: Look for the small stone windows for framed views of the town.
3. Name: Lower Castle Passage Type: Experience Why go: This path takes you underneath the massive bridge arches. It provides a unique sense of scale and history. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: The path connecting the castle entrance to the river. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the downhill path from the Second Courtyard. Tip: This area is often cooler and shaded on hot summer days.
4. Name: Vltava River Embankment Type: Viewpoint Why go: Looking up at the bridge from the river level is breathtaking. You can see all three tiers of the stone arches. Best for: Low-angle photography. Where: Near the wooden bridge in the Latrán district. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river embankment walk toward the castle. Tip: Watch the rafters pass by for a lively foreground in your photos.
5. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This garden across the river offers a perfectly centered view of the bridge and castle. It is one of the most popular spots in town. Best for: Postcard-perfect shots. Where: Upper Old Town, near the Regional Museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main Old Town square. Tip: There are benches here, making it a great spot for a rest.
6. Name: Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: For an aerial perspective of the Cloak Bridge walking views, climb the tower. You can see how the bridge fits into the castle complex. Best for: High-altitude vistas. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small admission fee required. Getting there: Enter through the tower gate in the Second Courtyard. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so take your time during the climb.
7. Name: Latrán District Gate Type: Experience Why go: This area provides a view of the bridge framed by historic medieval houses. It captures the atmosphere of the old town perfectly. Best for: Street photography. Where: The northern entrance to the castle area. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the Latrán district toward the castle. Tip: Explore the small side streets for hidden angles of the bridge.
8. Name: Baroque Castle Theater Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: Located just past the bridge, this terrace offers a quiet spot to look back at the castle. It is less crowded than the bridge itself. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Near the entrance to the Castle Theater. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the Cloak Bridge and turn slightly left. Tip: Check the theater schedule if you want to see the interior later.
9. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day trip Why go: Often called the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic. Its white neo-Gothic towers are a contrast to Krumlov. Best for: History buffs. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou, 30km from town. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Entrance fee for tours. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: The surrounding park is free and perfect for a long walk.
10. Name: Mount Kleť Type: Nature Why go: This is the highest peak in the Blanský Forest. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Alps. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: 10km north of the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free (chairlift has a fee). Getting there: Hike from town or take the chairlift from Krasetín. Tip: Visit the observatory at the top for a unique experience.

How to Access the Best Walking Routes

Navigating the castle complex is fairly simple. Most visitors start at the Red Gate in the Latrán district. From there, you walk through a series of courtyards. Each courtyard is higher than the last. You should learn how to find the Cloak bridge entrance before you arrive. This helps you avoid getting lost in the many side passages.

The bridge itself is open 24 hours a day. It is a public thoroughfare between the castle and the gardens. However, the interiors of the castle have specific hours. You can find these on the official landmark site. Most people spend about two hours exploring the whole castle exterior. This includes the bridge and the nearby garden paths.

The walk is mostly uphill but paved with cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes to handle the uneven surfaces. If you have mobility issues, some areas might be difficult. There are alternative routes that avoid the steepest stairs. Always check a map before starting your climb to the upper levels.

Best Times for Photography and Crowds

To get the best Cloak Bridge walking views, timing is everything. Midday is often very crowded with day-trippers. Large groups can block the narrow walkways on the bridge. For the best experience, arrive before 9:00 AM. The morning light hits the town beautifully at this time. You will have the bridge almost to yourself for photos.

Evening is another great time to visit. After 6:00 PM, most tour buses have departed. The town becomes quiet and romantic. The bridge and castle are illuminated at night. This creates a magical atmosphere for a late-night stroll. You can find more photography angles from the Cloak bridge in our dedicated guide.

Seasonal changes also affect the views. In autumn, the surrounding trees turn vibrant orange and red. This adds a layer of color to your photos. In winter, a dusting of snow makes the town look like a gingerbread village. Each season in 2026 will offer a unique perspective of this historic site.

Scenic Day Trips Near Český Krumlov

If you have extra time, explore the surrounding region. South Bohemia is full of hidden gems. Many visitors enjoy the Baroque castle gardens walking path just beyond the bridge. This area is peaceful and features a large fountain. It is a great place to escape the town's busy streets.

For a longer trip, consider visiting Lipno Lake. It is a popular spot for water sports and forest walks. There is a Treetop Walkway that offers views of the mountains. It is about a 40-minute drive from the city center. This is a perfect choice for families with children.

Another option is the village of Holašovice. It is a UNESCO-listed village famous for its folk baroque architecture. The houses are colorful and very well-preserved. It offers a glimpse into traditional Czech rural life. You can reach it easily by car or local bus tour.