Starting Your Walk at Svornosti Square

Svornosti Square is the vibrant center of the Old Town. It has served as a meeting place for centuries. You will find the Gothic Town Hall here. Colorful Renaissance houses line the edges of the square. It is the perfect place to begin your journey toward the river. The terrain is mostly flat but features old cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes for the best experience. You can learn more about accessibility for walking in Cesky Krumlov before you go.

• Best overall: Barber's Bridge views
• Best for families: Museum of Puppets
• Best rainy-day: Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Best free: Marian Plague Column

12 Top Stops from Svornosti Square to Barber's Bridge

This list guides you through the most iconic spots on the route. Each stop offers a unique look at local culture. Most of these sights are just steps away from each other. Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere. The walk usually takes about thirty minutes without stops. However, you should allow two hours to explore everything. Here are the top twelve stops to visit.

1. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: See the historic coats of arms on the facade. Best for: History buffs. Where: Náměstí Svornosti. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the north side of the square. Tip: Look for the early Baroque stone elements.
2. Name: Marian Plague Column Type: Sight Why go: It is a beautiful monument from 1716. Best for: Photography. Where: Center of Svornosti Square. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the middle of the square. Tip: Visit at night when it is lit up.
3. Name: Museum of Torture Type: Museum Why go: Explore the dark history in medieval cellars. Best for: Unique experiences. Where: Below the Town Hall. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: Enter through the Town Hall basement. Tip: It can be scary for young children.
4. Name: Radniční Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the main path connecting the square to the bridge. Best for: Shopping. Where: Between the square and the river. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Exit the square near the Town Hall. Tip: Check out the small craft shops here.
5. Name: Wax Museum Type: Museum Why go: See life-sized figures from Czech history. Best for: Families. Where: Radniční Street. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Approx. 160 CZK. Getting there: Located halfway down the street. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for multiple museums.
6. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: It hosts world-class modern art exhibitions. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Široká Street (1-minute detour). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 200 CZK. Getting there: Turn left off Radniční Street. Tip: The cafe inside is very peaceful.
7. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Gothic church with a tall spire. Best for: Architecture. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk uphill from the square. Tip: Please remain quiet during services.
8. Name: The Vltava River Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get a perfect view of the castle tower. Best for: Photos. Where: Near the end of Radniční Street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the sound of the water. Tip: This is a popular spot for selfies.
9. Name: Barber’s Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: Sight Why go: It is the main wooden bridge over the river. Best for: Iconic views. Where: Connecting Old Town and Latrán. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: End of Radniční Street. Tip: Touch the statue of St. John for luck.
10. Name: Vltava River Bank Type: Experience Why go: Watch the wooden rafts float by. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Below Barber's Bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the steps down from the bridge. Tip: Try the Vltava riverfront walking path for more views.
11. Name: Latrán District Type: Neighborhood Why go: Explore the oldest part of the city. Best for: Atmosphere. Where: Across Barber's Bridge. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the bridge heading north. Tip: Follow the Latran district historical route to the castle.
12. Name: State Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: See the whole city from above. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Latrán area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 180 CZK. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes past the bridge. Tip: There are many stairs to climb.

Scenic Detours Near the Historic Route

If you have extra time, consider a few detours. The castle complex is just a short walk away. You can explore the walking the castle courtyards for free. The views from the ramparts are spectacular. Another great option is the Cloak Bridge scenic walkway. This massive stone bridge offers a unique perspective of the valley. These spots are very close to the main route. They add about an hour to your total trip. Most visitors find these additions very rewarding.

Planning Your Svornosti Square to Barber's Bridge Walk

Planning your walk helps you avoid the biggest crowds. Early morning is the quietest time to visit. You will have the bridge mostly to yourself. Late afternoon also offers beautiful soft light for photos. Many shops and museums open around 9:00 AM. They usually close by 6:00 PM in the summer. Check local weather before you start your walk. Rain can make the cobblestones quite slippery. Always carry a small bottle of water with you. There are many cafes along the route if you need a break.