Tips on Krumlov’s top lookout points

Vyšehrad

1 Roofed lookout on Třída Míru Street

The roofed lookout of Vyšehrad on Třída Míru Street offers a lesser-known view of the castle and the city. Your run-of-the-mill visitor to Krumlov is unlikely to make the climb to the Vyšehrad lookout point. But it's worth it! A view will open up for you there, during which the monumentality of the extensive castle complex from its northern side will truly stand out. The uniqueness of the view is further enhanced by the hilly landscape that lines the city and the castle on the horizon.

2 Next to the former Vyšehrad Hotel

Just a short walk from the lookout point on Třída Míru Street you can move just a little higher to the next lookout point. You need to go around the unattractive ruins of the former luxury Vyšehrad Hotel, and from the place where the Pohoda guest house stands you will get a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the entire castle complex.

Plešivec

3 Above the Plešivec stairs

From Nad Schody Street on Plešivecké Náměstí Square you will discover a less classic, but no less fascinating view of the city from its southern side. No other lookout point will so finely convey the architectural beauty of the Church of St. Vitus. You can get here from Kájovská Street, over Dr. E. Beneš bridge and up the Plešivec stairs. From this location, you can also see several interesting industrial buildings situated on the banks of the Vltava – to the left of the Dr. E. Beneš bridge you will see the yellow building of the Municipal Brewery together with the building of the former laundry house, on the right the buildings of the former dyeing and paper mills. Return to the city centre via Horská and Linecká streets and visit the Museum Fotoateliér Seidel, stop at the nearby Synagogue or take some time to meditate in the shade of old growth trees in the city park.

Horní Brána

4 Above the bus station

One couldn't have wished for a more beautiful start to a holiday in Český Krumlov. If you arrive by bus you will discover a breathtaking view of the city in all its beauty, literally just a few steps away from the bus station towards the city centre. And of course the castle as well. All instincts command you to: Stop and just enjoy yourself.

5 On Ojížďková Road

The lookout point on Ojížďková Road can be found near the bus station and the car park at the Municipal Theatre. From here you can see the city centre in the foreground with the brewery and monastery garden and, in front of you, as if in the palm of your hand, you have the Vltava with its embankment. On the left bank of the Vltava, the galleries of the houses on Parkán will also attract your attention. And against the backdrop of all these sights, the extensive grounds of the castle will open up to you as well. You will have a particularly intense experience if you go to the lookout in the evening. The romantically lit castle complex will leave an impression that will stay with you long after you return home.

6 Cross Mountain

One of the most beautiful views of Český Krumlov and its surroundings is offered by the top of Křížová Hora (Cross Mountain), a popular Baroque pilgrimage site, located less than 2 km from the town centre. Your reward for climbing the hill is a beautiful view of Český Krumlov and Blanský les with Kleť Mountain. The most impressive views can be enjoyed here especially at sunset. On weekends and holiday, the chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Holy Cross from 1710 is open to the public.

Castle

7 Castle tower

You will have the city in the palm of your hand when viewed from the castle tower, at a height of 86 metres above the surface of the Vltava. True, you will have to make the climb of 162 steps, but your reward will be an impressive view of the city and the castle from a bird's eye view, which will reveal the unique disposition of the city within the meander of the Vltava. An ideal place for a photo-op or two, or rather dozens of photos, but also just a wonderful spot to meditate and enjoy the magic of Krumlov. It is open to the public almost year-round, except for two weeks at the turn of December and January.

8 Passageway between 2nd and 3rd castle courtyard

The lookout point on the south side of the passageway connecting the 2nd castle courtyard with the upper castle offers a unique view of the panorama of the historic city centre and its setting in the surrounding countryside. The lookout point is not very spacious; it is a kind of balcony lodge located approximately on the level of the castle Chapel of St. Jiří. The entrance to the observation balcony is inconspicuous, but you can't miss it once you know what you are looking for. When you climb the passageway from the 2nd to the 3rd castle courtyard, expect it about halfway down on your left. 

9 Plášťový most (bridge)

Probably the most typical view of Krumlov is only a few metres away from the view from Plášťový most. Here you can enjoy the view of the countless red roofs overlooking the historic city centre in the meander of the Vltava, as well as in the opposite direction. Taking a look in this unlikely direction definitely deserves a moment of your attention. In addition to the parking lot and the park in Jelení Zahrada, you can see the suburb of Špičák with a smaller sports zone, and in the background you can admire the beautiful gradually rising landscape of the Vyšenské hills behind the local grammar school building.

10 View of the 5th courtyard

If you go from Plášťový most towards the castle garden and take the left turn to the viewing platform just in front of the castle gate, you will get a unique panoramic view of the castle complex and tower. One of the most beautiful views you have ever experienced. From here you can admire all the houses and towers of the historic centre nestled in one of the meanders of the Vltava. The lookout also offers a small seating area and a snack shack.

Centre

11 Seminar garden

Probably the most frequented view is the terrace in the so-called Seminární zahrada in Horní Street. And no wonder. The view highlights one of the most impressive panoramic views of the castle and, at the same time, the picturesque winding streets and colourful houses in the very centre of Krumlov. You will have an even more intense experience if you get up and come here early in the morning. The castle immersed in the morning mist and scenery tinted by the morning sun will be a sight you will not forget.

12 Small park behind city theatre

An alternative to the often very busy lookout point in the Seminární zahrada is offered just a few metres away from a park located just behind the city theatre, where an amazing view from an unusual place awaits you. From here you can peacefully watch the castle, the river below and the panorama of the Latrán city district, headed by the brewery and the monastery garden.