10 Best Spots to Photograph the Castle Tower From River

Finding the right angle requires a bit of walking. The river loops tightly around the old town center. This creates many unique viewpoints from the water's edge. Some spots are famous, while others remain quiet even in peak season. Each location offers a different light and mood for your photos.

• Best Overall: Lazebnický Bridge
• Best for Reflections: Parkán Street
• Best for Action: Myší Díra Weir
• Best for Families: Rybářská Street

1. Name: Lazebnický Bridge (Barber's Bridge) Type: Sight Why go: This is the most iconic viewpoint in the city. It connects the Old Town with the Latrán district. You get a clear, unobstructed view of the tower rising above the State Castle. Best for: Classic postcard shots. Where: Latrán/Old Town border. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main square toward the castle. Tip: Arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid the massive tour groups.
2. Name: Parkán Riverside Type: Experience Why go: This narrow street runs directly along the water. You can stand just inches from the Vltava. The tower looms large over the historic riverside walls. Best for: Intimate low-angle shots. Where: Parkán Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Parkan riverside guide to find the best access points. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the river and tower together.
3. Name: Cloak Bridge Base Type: Sight Why go: The massive stone arches of the Cloak Bridge provide a stunning frame. From the riverbank below, you can see the tower through the architecture. It creates a sense of immense scale. Best for: Architectural framing. Where: Riverside path below the castle. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the path from the riverside near the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. Tip: This spot is excellent for black and white photography.
4. Name: Rybářská Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: This quiet street offers a peaceful perspective. It is located on the outer loop of the river. You get a wider view of the castle complex and the tower. Best for: Long-distance landscape shots. Where: Southern bank of the Vltava. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the bridge near the brewery and turn left. Tip: The light here is best in the late afternoon.
5. Name: Myší Díra (Mouse Hole) Weir Type: Nature Why go: The rushing water at the weir adds movement to your photos. You can capture the white water in the foreground with the still tower behind. Best for: Long exposure shots. Where: Near the Horní Brána bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path down from the Regional Museum. Tip: Bring a ND filter to blur the water during the day.
6. Name: Latrán Riverbank Path Type: Experience Why go: This path offers a very close view of the tower's frescoes. You are directly across the water from the castle rocks. The colors of the tower pop against the blue sky. Best for: Detail shots of the tower art. Where: Latrán side of the river. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs near the Barber's Bridge. Tip: Use a zoom lens to capture the intricate paintings on the tower.
7. Name: From a Vltava Raft Type: Activity Why go: Seeing the tower from the middle of the river is unique. You get angles that are impossible to reach on foot. The tower seems to spin as you float past. Best for: Dynamic and unique perspectives. Where: Vltava River channel. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~600 CZK for raft rental. Getting there: Rent a boat at any of the riverside docks. Tip: Use a waterproof case for your camera gear.
8. Name: Dlouhá Street Bend Type: Viewpoint Why go: This spot offers a perfect reflection when the water is calm. The river makes a sharp turn here. It creates a natural mirror for the castle tower. Best for: Symmetry and reflections. Where: End of Dlouhá Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the Old Town toward the river. Tip: Best visited on windless days for the clearest reflections.
9. Name: The Wooden Bridge at Rechle Type: Day trip Why go: This covered wooden bridge is a sight on its own. It provides a distant and rustic view of the tower. It is much quieter than the city center. Best for: Rural and rustic compositions. Where: Southern edge of town. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 15-minute walk south from the main center. Tip: This is a great spot for sunset photography.
10. Name: Seminární Zahrada (Near the wall) Type: Viewpoint Why go: While it is a garden, the view looks directly down at the river and up at the tower. It connects the water and the sky perfectly. Best for: Sunset panoramas. Where: Near the Regional Museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main square. Tip: This is the most popular spot in town, so arrive early for a spot at the wall.

Tips for Capturing the Perfect River View

Timing is everything when photographing the Vltava. The sun rises behind the castle, which can create difficult shadows. Early morning offers the softest light and the fewest people. Late afternoon brings golden tones to the tower walls. The blue hour is also magical as the tower lights turn on.

Consider your gear carefully before heading out. A wide-angle lens is essential for the narrow riverbanks. A tripod is helpful for evening shots or blurring the river water. Always watch your footing near the river's edge. Some stones can be slippery after rain or morning dew.

Respect the local environment while you explore. Stay on the designated paths along the riverside walk in Cesky Krumlov. Many spots are near private homes or restaurants. Keep noise levels low during early morning shoots. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the town.