Quick Scenic Picks for Your Trip

Are you in a hurry to find the perfect photo spot? Český Krumlov offers many angles of its famous red roofs. Some spots are better for romantic sunsets. Others are perfect for a quiet morning coffee. Here are our top recommendations for every type of traveler.

• Best Overall View: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross).
• Best for Families: The far edge of the Castle Garden.
• Best for Sunset: Vyšehrad Hill lookout.
• Best Free Spot: The riverbank in the Plešivec neighborhood.
• Best Rainy Day View: The Synagogue Garden cafe.

Each of these locations offers a unique perspective. You can avoid the main tourist paths by visiting these sites. Most are within a 20-minute walk from the town square. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is often hilly and cobbled.

10 Undiscovered Viewpoints in Český Krumlov

Finding quiet spots in a popular city can be hard. These locations are often missed by day-trippers. They offer a mix of nature, history, and stunning architecture. Here are the 10 best undiscovered viewpoints in Český Krumlov for your 2026 itinerary.

1. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: It offers the most complete panorama of the town. You can see the castle and the river bend clearly. It is much quieter than the castle towers. Best for: Sunset photography and hikers. Where: Southern outskirts. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the cross hill nature trail hike markers from the square. Tip: Bring water as there are no shops at the top.
2. Name: Plešivec Riverbank Type: Neighborhood Why go: This area shows the authentic side of the city. You get a low-angle view of the Vltava River. The historic houses here are very charming. Best for: A quiet stroll away from shops. Where: South of the historic center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south through the Plešivec historic neighborhood. Tip: Look for the old worker cottages along the water.
3. Name: Minorite Monastery Upper Garden Type: Experience/Garden Why go: These gardens are incredibly peaceful. You can see the castle tower framed by orchard trees. It feels like a secret sanctuary. Best for: Reading or quiet reflection. Where: Latrán district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the grounds. Getting there: Enter through the Monasteries Český Krumlov main gate. Tip: Visit the monastery hidden gardens during the late afternoon.
4. Name: Vyšehrad Hill Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: This spot provides a dramatic profile of the castle. It is located near the train station. Most tourists never walk this way. Best for: Morning light on the castle walls. Where: North of the castle complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the path toward the train station. Tip: Stop here if you are arriving by train.
5. Name: Castle Garden Bellarie Terrace Type: Sight/Nature Why go: Most people stop at the first fountain. If you walk further, you reach the Bellarie summer house. The views over the garden walls are excellent. Best for: Seeing the scale of the estate. Where: Far west end of the State Castle and Chateau. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through all the castle courtyards. Tip: Check if the revolving theater is hosting a show.
6. Name: The Synagogue Garden Type: Experience Why go: The synagogue sits on a high bank. Its terrace offers a view of the southern part of town. The architecture is a mix of Art Nouveau and neo-Romanesque. Best for: History buffs. Where: Za Soudem street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the interior. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: The small cafe inside is very cozy.
7. Name: St. Vitus Church Courtyard Type: Sight Why go: You get a close-up look at the medieval roofs. The church itself is a masterpiece. The small terrace behind it is often empty. Best for: Seeing the town's density. Where: Near the main square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the signs to St. Vitus Church. Tip: Look for the river bend from the stone wall.
8. Name: Hillside above the Graphite Mine Type: Activity/Nature Why go: This area offers a rugged, natural view. You see the transition from town to forest. It is a great place to see the local landscape. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Northwest of the center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free for the hike. Getting there: Use the graphite mine visiting guide to find the trailhead. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the dirt paths.
9. Name: Latrán Riverside Path Type: Neighborhood Why go: This path runs right along the water. You see the castle towering directly above you. It is a very dramatic perspective. Best for: Feeling the scale of the castle. Where: Latrán district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Explore the medieval backstreets of Latrán to find the river access. Tip: Go here at night when the castle is lit up.
10. Name: Kleť Mountain Tower Type: Day Trip Why go: This is the highest point in the area. On clear days, you can see the Alps. It provides a massive view of the Bohemian Forest. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: 10km north of the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Small fee for the tower and chairlift. Getting there: Take a train to Holubov and then hike or use the chairlift. Tip: Eat a traditional Czech meal at the mountain hut.

Planning Your Photography Walk

Timing is everything when visiting these viewpoints. The morning sun hits the castle tower perfectly. This makes the Vyšehrad Hill lookout ideal for early birds. Late afternoon light is best for Křížová hora. The golden hour makes the red roofs glow.

You can combine several spots into one loop. Start at the castle and walk through the gardens. Then head down into the Latrán district. Finish your walk at the riverbank in Plešivec. This route covers most of the major sights in three hours.

Don't forget to check the weather. South Bohemia can be misty in the autumn. This mist creates a magical look for the town. However, it can hide the distant views from Kleť Mountain. Always carry a light jacket even in summer.

Scenic Escapes Near the City Center

If you have more time, explore the surrounding hills. The Visit Czechia portal recommends the Blanský Forest. This area is full of trails with hidden vistas. You can find many spots that look back at the city. These trails are popular with local cyclists and hikers.

The Vltava River also offers unique viewpoints. You can see the town from the water on a raft. This gives you a view of the foundations of the historic buildings. It is a very different experience than walking the streets. Most rafting trips are very calm and safe.

Consider visiting the nearby village of Vyšší Brod. It has a famous monastery and beautiful forest views. The entire region is a paradise for those who love scenery. Always respect the local environment and stay on marked paths.