Top 9 Sunrise Photography Spots in Český Krumlov

Early morning in this historic town offers a unique stillness. Most tourists arrive by midday, so you will have the streets to yourself. The following locations provide the best angles for your best photo spots walking route. These spots focus on the interaction between light, stone, and water.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Seminární Zahrada
• Best for families: Cloak Bridge
• Best rainy-day: Castle Courtyards
• Best free: Horní Brána Viewpoint

1. Name: Seminární Zahrada (Seminary Garden) Type: viewpoint Why go: This is the most iconic view of the castle and the tower. The morning sun illuminates the castle walls directly. Best for: Postcard-perfect wide shots. Where: Horní Street, opposite the Regional Museum. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: Use the stone arches to frame your shot for extra depth.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: sight Why go: This massive multi-level bridge offers a high vantage point over the town. You can see the river curving around the historic center. Best for: Architectural details and panoramas. Where: Between the second and fourth castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the castle ramp from the Latrán district. Tip: Look through the small windows in the bridge walls for unique compositions.
3. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: nature Why go: This hill provides a distant view of the entire town nestled in the valley. It is the best spot for capturing morning mist. Best for: Landscape photography and hiking. Where: South of the town center. Time: 1.5–2 hours (including the hike). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue trail from the town center. Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to catch the blue hour colors.
4. Name: Lazebnický Bridge (Barber's Bridge) Type: sight Why go: This wooden bridge connects the Old Town with the castle area. It offers low-angle views of the castle tower and the river. Best for: River reflections and street life. Where: Connecting Latrán and the Old Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Use a long exposure to smooth out the river water.
5. Name: Fifth Castle Courtyard Type: experience Why go: This area is near the revolving theater and the castle gardens. It offers wide, open views of the Bohemian countryside. Best for: Sunrise over the hills. Where: The far end of the Český Krumlov Castle complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (courtyards are open). Getting there: Walk through the entire castle complex. Tip: Check the gate opening times, though the main path is often accessible.
6. Name: Horní Brána Viewpoint Type: viewpoint Why go: Located near the Regional Museum, this terrace overlooks the river bend. It captures the height of the castle tower beautifully. Best for: Classic town panoramas. Where: Near the bus stop at the top of the hill. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the main square toward the museum. Tip: This spot is great if you have limited time.
7. Name: Monastery Gardens (Klášterní zahrada) Type: experience Why go: These gardens are quiet and offer a different perspective on the castle. The flowers and hedges make great foreground elements. Best for: Peaceful, garden-themed shots. Where: Near the Monasteries complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access via the Latrán district. Tip: Look for the statues that can serve as focal points.
8. Name: Parkán Street Type: neighborhood Why go: This street runs right along the riverbank. You can get very close to the water for reflections of the historic houses. Best for: Intimate street scenes and water shots. Where: Along the eastern side of the Vltava. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the side streets from the Old Town square. Tip: This area is very narrow, so a wide-angle lens is helpful.
9. Name: Myší díra (The Mouse Hole) Type: viewpoint Why go: This is a small opening near the river weir. It provides a dramatic view of the water rushing with the castle in the background. Best for: Dynamic action shots of the river. Where: Near the wooden bridge by the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the southern end of the Old Town. Tip: Be careful near the water edge as it can be slippery.

Planning Your Best Photo Spots Walking Route

Creating a plan is essential for catching the light. Most sunrise photography spots in Český Krumlov are within walking distance. You can start at the self-guided walking tour start point. Begin at the Horní Brána viewpoint for the first light. Then, move quickly down to the Lazebnický Bridge.

The town is small, but the hills can be steep. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones. Many photographers prefer to stay in the Old Town to save time. This allows you to reach the castle in under ten minutes. You should also check the official tourism portal for any morning events. Some areas may be closed for maintenance in early 2026.

Photography Gear and Timing for 2026

Timing is everything when chasing the sun. In summer, sunrise can be as early as 5:00 AM. In winter, you have more time as the sun rises around 7:30 AM. Always arrive at your first spot 30 minutes early. This gives you time to set up your tripod. A tripod is vital for the low light of dawn.

Bring a variety of lenses if possible. A wide-angle lens captures the massive scale of the castle. A telephoto lens helps you zoom in on the tower details. Don't forget a microfiber cloth for the morning dew. The humidity near the Vltava river can fog up your glass. Check local weather apps for fog alerts for the best atmosphere.