Locating Cloak Bridge from the Old Town

The Cloak Bridge is visible from almost everywhere in the historic center. It stands tall over the western side of the castle complex. Before you start walking, look up toward the castle towers. You will see a multi-story stone bridge connecting two large buildings. This is your destination. Most people start their journey from the main town square, Náměstí Svornosti.

From the square, head toward the Vltava River. You need to cross the Barber's Bridge to enter the Latrán district. This area is filled with colorful buildings and small shops. Follow the flow of people moving toward the castle hill. You can find more details on this path in our historic old town walking route guide. The bridge will disappear from view as you enter the narrow streets.

Do not worry if you lose sight of the bridge. Simply follow the signs for the "Zámek" or Castle. The bridge is an integral part of the castle structure. It acts as a passage between the residential halls and the castle gardens. Understanding this layout makes it much easier to find the correct entrance. You are looking for the path that leads upward into the castle grounds.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Entrance

Follow these steps to find the entrance to the bridge level quickly. This route takes you through the heart of the castle. It is the most scenic way to experience the architecture. Most visitors find this path the easiest to follow.

1. Locate the Red Gate: Start at the main castle entrance on Latrán street. Time: 5 minutes from Barber's Bridge. Typical Cost: Free. Where: Latrán 37. Common Mistake: Trying to enter through the castle gardens at the top of the hill first.
2. Pass Through the Courtyards: Walk through the first, second, and third courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Typical Cost: Free. Where: Main Castle Complex. Common Mistake: Stopping at the bear pit for too long and losing your group.
3. Enter the Fourth Courtyard: Continue walking uphill through the stone passages. Time: 5 minutes. Typical Cost: Free. Where: Upper Castle. Common Mistake: Thinking you need a tour ticket to enter this area; the courtyards are open to the public.
4. Reach the Bridge Entrance: Walk through the large arched exit of the fourth courtyard. Time: 2 minutes. Typical Cost: Free. Where: Bridge level. Common Mistake: Walking too fast and missing the small doors that lead to the balcony views.

Once you exit the fourth courtyard, you are standing on the bridge. The views of the town and river will open up on your left. This is the primary level for pedestrians. You can continue walking straight to reach the fifth courtyard and the castle theater. This path is part of our Cloak Bridge and castle moat walk which covers the entire area.

Decision Guide: Upper Level vs. Lower Moat

There are two main ways to experience the Cloak Bridge. Your choice depends on what you want to see. Most people prefer the upper level for the panoramic views. However, the lower moat offers a unique sense of scale. Use this guide to decide which path to take first.

• If you want the best city photos: Go to the upper level via the courtyards. This offers a clear view of the church towers and the river.
• If you want to see the bridge's height: Take the path to the lower moat. You can see this in our walking route from castle moat to gardens.
• If you have limited time: Stick to the upper courtyards as it is the most direct route.
• If you have mobility issues: The upper level is paved but steep. The moat path has more uneven terrain and stairs.

For a complete experience, we recommend doing both. Start with the upper level to get your bearings. Then, descend into the moat to see the massive stone pillars from below. This allows you to appreciate the engineering of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both areas are free to access during daylight hours.

Essential Preparation and Checklist

Before you head to the bridge, a little preparation helps. The castle grounds are large and involve a lot of walking. The weather in South Bohemia can also change quickly. Being prepared ensures you have the best experience possible. Check the official castle site for any temporary closures.

• Check the time: The courtyards usually close at nightfall. Plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery.
• Camera: Bring a wide-angle lens if you have one. The bridge and the views are very broad.
• Map: Download an offline map of Český Krumlov. The narrow alleys can confuse GPS signals.
• Water: There are few fountains in the upper courtyards. Bring a bottle with you.

Visiting in 2026 may bring new crowd management rules. Always check for local updates when you arrive in the city. Many visitors find that early morning is the best time to visit. This allows you to enjoy the bridge without the midday tour groups. You can find more tips in our guide to scenic walks in Český Krumlov.

Troubleshooting Common Navigation Issues

Even with a guide, you might run into some issues. The castle layout is complex and centuries old. Many paths look similar, which leads to confusion. Here are the most common problems travelers face when looking for the bridge entrance.

• Confusing the moat with the entrance: Many people walk into the moat thinking it leads to the bridge top. It does not; you must use the courtyards for the top level.
• Closed gates: The Red Gate is the main entry. If it is closed, you may be trying to enter too late in the evening.
• Following the wrong tour: Do not follow private tour groups into restricted hallways. Stick to the open courtyard passages.
• Missing the transition: The move from the 3rd to the 4th courtyard involves a steep ramp. Some people think they have reached a dead end.
• GPS errors: Your phone might show you are on the bridge when you are actually in the moat below. Look at the physical landmarks instead.
• Crowd bottlenecks: The passage between the 4th courtyard and the bridge is narrow. Be patient during peak hours.

If you get lost, look for the Vltava River. The bridge always spans the gap over the road leading away from the river. You can also ask any shopkeeper in Latrán for "Plášťový most." Most locals are happy to point you in the right direction. For more information on the city, visit the official tourism portal.