10 Best Things to See in the Deer Garden

The Deer Garden is more than just a park. It is a transition zone between the medieval town and the grand castle. Most visitors only see the parking lot, but there is much more to find. Walking through the garden allows you to appreciate the sheer scale of the castle cliffs. You can enjoy the sound of the Polečnice stream as it flows toward the Vltava river. Use this list to find every hidden corner during your walk.

• Name: The Polečnice Stream Type: Nature Why go: This gentle stream creates a relaxing atmosphere throughout the park. Best for: Nature lovers and photographers. Where: Runs through the center of the garden. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from the Latrán gate. Tip: Look for the small wooden bridges for the best photo spots.
• Name: Jelenka Restaurant Type: Experience Why go: Enjoy traditional Czech food in a historic building right in the garden. Best for: A quiet lunch away from the main square. Where: North end of Jelení zahrada. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Follow the main path toward the castle cliffs. Tip: Try the local beer while sitting on their outdoor terrace.
• Name: The Cloak Bridge Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: You get a staggering view of the massive stone arches from below. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Southern edge of the garden. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the castle moat area. Tip: This is the best spot to see hidden gems inside Cesky Krumlov castle from a different angle.
• Name: The Wooden Footbridge Type: Sight Why go: It connects the garden to the Latrán district and offers great river views. Best for: A quick scenic stroll. Where: Near the parking entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the eastern edge of the park. Tip: It is often less crowded than the main Barber’s Bridge.
• Name: Jelení zahrada Parking Area Type: Practical Why go: This is the most convenient place to leave your car near the castle. Best for: Day trippers and drivers. Where: Main entrance of the garden. Time: N/A. Cost: Hourly rates apply. Getting there: Follow signs for P1 parking. Tip: Arrive before 10:00 AM during summer to find a spot easily.
• Name: The Castle Garden Gate Type: Sight Why go: A steep but beautiful path leads from here directly to the upper gardens. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Western side of the garden. Time: 20 minutes (walk). Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the marked trail near the restaurant. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the incline is quite sharp.
• Name: Minorite Monastery Gardens Type: Hidden Oasis Why go: Located just a short walk away, these gardens offer extreme peace. Best for: Meditation and quiet reading. Where: Just across the street from the garden entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the signs for the Monasteries complex. Tip: Read more in our guide to the Minorite Monastery gardens.
• Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: A world-class gallery located in a former brewery right next to the garden area. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Široká street, adjacent to the park. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walk through the wooden gate toward the town center. Tip: Check the official museum site for current rotating exhibitions.
• Name: The Graphite Mine Type: Day trip Why go: Explore the underground history of the region just outside the garden. Best for: Families and adventure seekers. Where: 15-minute walk from the garden. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid tour. Getting there: Walk west along the main road. Tip: Book your Graphite Mine tour in advance during peak season.
• Name: Latrán Side Streets Type: Neighborhood Why go: The garden opens into some of the most charming old streets in the city. Best for: Exploring local shops. Where: Eastern exit of the park. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the wooden bridge and turn left. Tip: Wander through the quiet side streets in Latran to find local crafts.

Planning Your Deer Garden Jelení zahrada Guide Visit

Visiting the Deer Garden is very easy. Most people enter through the large parking lot known as P1. This area is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The paths are mostly flat and well-maintained. You should visit in the early morning for the best light. The castle walls glow in the sun during the first few hours of the day. This is also the best time to avoid the large tour groups.

In the winter, the garden takes on a magical look. The stream often freezes along the edges. The castle above looks like something from a fairy tale when covered in snow. During the spring, the flowers begin to bloom near the stream. This makes it a perfect spot for a picnic. You can find many benches scattered along the walking paths. It is a great place to rest after a long day of walking.

If you are hungry, there are several options nearby. Aside from the Jelenka restaurant, you can find small cafes in the Latrán area. Many of these are tucked away in courtyards. We recommend looking for authentic non-touristy pubs in Cesky Krumlov just a few minutes away. These spots offer better prices than the main square. Always carry a little cash for small purchases at local kiosks.

Hidden Gems Near Jelení zahrada

The Deer Garden is a gateway to many other sites. You can easily reach the State Castle and Chateau from here. Instead of taking the main entrance, use the garden paths. This route is often much quieter and offers unique views. You will see the castle towers peeking through the trees. It is a very romantic walk for couples. The path eventually leads you to the famous Cloak Bridge.

Another nearby highlight is the monastery complex. This area has been beautifully restored in recent years. It offers a mix of history, art, and relaxation. You can explore the old cloisters or visit the craft workshops. The transition from the Deer Garden to the monasteries is seamless. It allows you to see the religious history of the town. This area is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.

For those who love a bit of mystery, the area has many stories. Some say the garden was home to exotic animals in the past. You can still feel the history as you walk under the ancient trees. If you enjoy local legends, look for a guide on haunted mysterious places in Cesky Krumlov. Many of these stories center around the castle and its surrounding grounds. It adds a layer of excitement to your peaceful garden walk.