Planning Your Best Photography Viewpoints Walking Route

Success starts with good timing and preparation. Most photographers prefer the soft light of early morning. The town is quiet before the day-trippers arrive. You can capture the historic old town walking route without crowds. Wear comfortable shoes because the streets are mostly cobblestone. The terrain can be quite steep in some areas.

Check the weather before you head out. Mist over the river creates a moody atmosphere. Bright sun can make the red roofs pop. You should also look at the Visit Czechia website for local events. Some festivals might block specific viewpoints. Always keep your camera battery charged for a full day. The town offers endless angles to explore.

Consider visiting the castle gardens for nature shots. These gardens provide a green contrast to the stone buildings. The layout of the town is compact but dense. You can walk the entire main route in a few hours. However, photography takes much longer. Plan for at least one full day of shooting.

12 Top Spots on the Best Photography Viewpoints Walking Route

This list covers the most iconic and beautiful spots in the city. Each location offers a unique perspective of the medieval architecture. Follow this order for a logical path through the town. Here are the best picks for your 2026 gallery.

• Best overall: Cloak Bridge
• Best for families: Castle Garden
• Best rainy-day: Castle Museum
• Best free: Seminary Garden

1. Name: Cloak Bridge (Most Na Plášti) Type: Sight Why go: This massive stone bridge offers the town's most famous panorama. It connects the castle courts. The arches are very impressive. Best for: Wide-angle landscape shots. Where: Castle complex. Time: 20 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the cloak bridge walk path. Tip: Go at blue hour for glowing windows.
2. Name: Castle Tower (Zámecká věž) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the highest point in the town center. You get a 360-degree view. The tower itself is colorful and historic. Best for: Bird's-eye views of the red roofs. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 30 mins. Cost: Small fee. Getting there: Enter via the main castle gate. Tip: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on roofs.
3. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the classic postcard view of the castle. It is located next to the Regional Museum. The garden is well-maintained and pretty. Best for: Sunset shots of the castle tower. Where: Horní street. Time: 15 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main square toward the museum. Tip: Lean against the stone wall for stability.
4. Name: Svornosti Square (Náměstí Svornosti) Type: Experience Why go: The main square is surrounded by colorful Renaissance houses. It features a plague column and a fountain. It is the heart of the town. Best for: Street photography and architecture. Where: Town center. Time: 30 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: All main paths lead here. Tip: Shoot from the corners for better depth.
5. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: Sight Why go: This Gothic church is a major landmark. Its slender spire dominates the skyline. The interior is peaceful and grand. Best for: Vertical shots and Gothic details. Where: Near the main square. Time: 20 mins. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk up the hill from the square. Tip: Capture the spire from the riverbank below.
6. Name: Latrán District Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the oldest part of the town. The narrow streets are full of character. You will find many craft shops here. Best for: Close-up details of medieval doors. Where: Below the castle. Time: 45 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the Barber's Bridge from the old town. Tip: Look up to see unique wall paintings.
7. Name: Vltava Riverbank (Parkán) Type: Viewpoint Why go: You can get close to the water here. The reflections of the houses are beautiful. It is a very romantic spot. Best for: Reflection photography. Where: Parkán street. Time: 20 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the square. Tip: Use a slow shutter speed for smooth water.
8. Name: Barber's Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: Sight Why go: It offers a great view of the castle and river. You can see the wooden rafts passing by. It is a lively spot for people watching. Best for: Action shots of river rafters. Where: Connecting Latrán and Old Town. Time: 10 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main pedestrian route. Tip: Watch out for crowds on the bridge.
9. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Day trip Why go: This hill offers a distant view of the whole town. There is a small chapel at the top. It is very peaceful. Best for: Wide panoramas of the valley. Where: Southern edge of town. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the Krizova hora hike trail. Tip: This is the best spot for sunset.
10. Name: Vyšenské Hills Type: Nature Why go: This nature reserve is near the city. It offers a different perspective of the landscape. The flora is unique to this region. Best for: Nature and landscape photography. Where: North of the center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Vysenske hills hike path. Tip: Bring a macro lens for wildflowers.
11. Name: Plešivec District Type: Neighborhood Why go: This area is less touristy than the center. You can see how locals live. The architecture is a mix of styles. Best for: Authentic local atmosphere. Where: Across the river from the center. Time: 40 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the main square. Tip: Visit the local cafes for candid shots.
12. Name: Castle Moat Type: Experience Why go: The moat is home to several bears. This tradition dates back centuries. It is a unique sight in the castle. Best for: Wildlife photography in an urban setting. Where: Entrance to the first castle courtyard. Time: 15 mins. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Pass through the Red Gate. Tip: Use a zoom lens for the bears.

Nearby Scenic Escapes and Nature Viewpoints

If you have more time, explore the areas near the city. The surrounding hills provide excellent vantage points. These spots are often much quieter than the town center. You can find peace and great light here. Many of these routes are perfect for a half-day trip.

The UNESCO World Heritage site includes the surrounding landscape. This landscape was designed to complement the town. You will see how the river shapes the entire valley. The heights of the Vyšenské Hills are especially beautiful in autumn. The colors of the trees add a new layer to your photos.

Don't forget to visit the State Castle and Chateau gardens. They are quite large and offer many hidden corners. You can find statues, fountains, and a revolving auditorium. The symmetry of the gardens is a joy to photograph. It is a short walk from the main castle buildings.

Photography Tips for Český Krumlov in 2026

Photography in 2026 requires some modern considerations. Many areas now have specific rules for drones. Always check local signs before flying. Tripods are generally allowed in public streets. However, they can be difficult to use in narrow alleys. Use a monopod if you need extra stability.

Digital cameras with high dynamic range are very helpful. The contrast between dark shadows and bright stone is high. Shooting in RAW format will give you more control later. Try to capture the details of the sgraffito walls. These are unique etched patterns on the building facades. They look best in side-lighting.

Night photography is also a must in this town. The streets are lit with warm, yellow lights. This creates a magical, old-world feel. Check out the night walking guide for the best spots. The castle looks especially powerful when illuminated at night. Long exposures will capture the light trails on the water.