Planning Your City Park Riverside Walking Route

The Vltava River creates a tight loop around the old town. This makes walking very easy for most visitors. You can start your journey at the southern end of the city. Look for the entrance to City Park (Městský park) from the river to begin.

The terrain is mostly flat along the river banks. However, some side streets have steep cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. In 2026, expect the paths to be well-maintained for tourists. Most sections are also friendly for strollers.

Check the weather before you head out for the day. Riverside paths can be cool in the early morning. Afternoon sun can be strong near the water. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your walk.

12 Top Stops on the City Park Riverside Walking Route

This list follows a natural flow along the river. It starts in the park and moves toward the castle area. Use this as your personal checklist for a perfect day. Here are the best spots to visit on your walk:

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): Barber’s Bridge
• Quick Pick (Best for Families): Městský Park
• Quick Pick (Best Free View): Horní Street Viewpoint
• Quick Pick (Best Rainy Day): Egon Schiele Art Centrum

1. Name: Městský Park (City Park) Type: Nature Why go: It is the largest green space in the city center. Best for: Picnic spots in Český Krumlov City Park. Where: Southern edge of the inner town. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the main square for five minutes. Tip: Visit the music pavilion for a quiet rest.
2. Name: Barber’s Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: Sight Why go: This wooden bridge offers the most iconic castle views. Best for: Barber's bridge river views. Where: Connects the Old Town with the Latrán district. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main flow of pedestrians from the square. Tip: Look for the statues of St. John of Nepomuk.
3. Name: Parkán Street Type: Experience Why go: This narrow street runs directly along the river wall. Best for: Parkán riverside street guide. Where: East side of the river loop. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Turn right after crossing the bridge from the park. Tip: Many houses here have beautiful medieval foundations.
4. Name: Cloister Bridge (Pláštěšťový most) Type: Sight Why go: It is a massive multi-story stone bridge. Best for: Castle views from the Vltava. Where: Part of the Castle complex. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to walk under. Getting there: Walk along the river path toward the castle. Tip: Stand directly under the arches to feel the scale.
5. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: It features world-class art in an old brewery. Best for: Art lovers and rainy days. Where: Široká Street near the river. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Around 200 CZK. Getting there: Located one block away from the riverside path. Tip: Check the official museum site for current exhibits.
6. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Experience Why go: It is the most historic district outside the castle walls. Best for: Latrán neighborhood river path. Where: North of the Barber's Bridge. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the river from the old town center. Tip: Look for the colorful mural paintings on the old houses.
7. Name: Horní Street Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: It provides a panoramic view of the entire river bend. Best for: Sunset photos and wide landscapes. Where: Near the Hotel Ruže. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main square. Tip: This is the most famous photo spot in the city.
8. Name: Myší Díra (Mouse Hole) Type: Activity Why go: You can watch rafters navigate a small weir. Best for: Watching rafters at Vltava viewpoints. Where: Near the southern entrance to the old town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path south from Parkán street. Tip: It is very exciting during the summer rafting season.
9. Name: Monastery Garden Type: Nature Why go: It is a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Best for: Quiet reading or a slow stroll. Where: Near the Minorite Monastery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from the Latrán district. Tip: The gardens are often less crowded than the main park.
10. Name: Rechle Wooden Bridge Type: Sight Why go: A unique covered wooden bridge used by locals. Best for: Seeing traditional Czech timber architecture. Where: Southern outskirts near the park. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue south past the main City Park area. Tip: It offers a very different perspective of the river.
11. Name: Museum Fotoateliér Seidel Type: Museum Why go: It is a perfectly preserved 19th-century photo studio. Best for: History buffs and photography fans. Where: Linecká Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approximately 180 CZK. Getting there: A short walk uphill from the City Park. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the original glass plates.
12. Name: Riverside Quay (Náplavka) Type: Experience Why go: It is a great place to dip your toes in the water. Best for: Relaxing at the end of your walk. Where: Near the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the lower path along the river wall. Tip: Many small cafes nearby serve local Czech beer.

Best Practical Tips for Walking the Vltava River

Timing is everything when exploring the City Park riverside walking route. Early morning before 9:00 AM is the most peaceful time. You will share the paths with only a few locals. The light on the castle is also very soft for photos.

If you visit in the summer, the river will be busy. Hundreds of rafts and canoes pass through every hour. This adds a fun energy to the atmosphere. You can find more info on the Official Tourism portal. They list local events and seasonal water levels.

Safety is important near the river banks. Some areas do not have high railings. Keep a close eye on children near the water's edge. The current can be surprisingly strong after heavy rain. Stick to the marked paths for the best experience.