How long does it take to walk the Cesky Krumlov riverbank route?

This self-guided walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers, allowing plenty of time for photos at the weirs and the wooden bridge.

Is the Barber's Bridge in Cesky Krumlov worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of the town's most iconic landmarks. It provides a direct link between the Latrán district and the Old Town, with a perfect view of the castle tower and statues of St. John of Nepomuk.

Can I see the Vltava river rafters from this route?

Yes, specifically at the 'Myší díra' (Mouse Hole) stop. This area features a weir where you can watch rafters navigate the wooden slides during the summer months.

Is Cesky Krumlov walkable for seniors?

The riverbank route is mostly flat and easy, but visitors should be aware of the historic cobblestones. There are many benches in the City Park and along the way for breaks.

What is the Rechle bridge in Cesky Krumlov?

The Rechle is a historic 18th-century wooden covered bridge. It was originally used to catch and sort floating timber logs on the Vltava river using a system of wooden 'rakes'.

Are there public toilets along the Vltava river walk?

Yes, public toilets are located near the City Park and in the main square (Náměstí Svornosti), which is a 5-minute walk from the riverbank path.

When is the best time to visit Parkán street?

Morning is best to avoid the midday crowds. The light hits the riverside houses beautifully, making it the best time for photography of the medieval facades.

What is the 'Mouse Hole' in Cesky Krumlov?

The 'Mouse Hole' (Myší díra) is a local name for a narrow passage and shortcut leading to the Vltava river weir, popular for watching river activities and seeing the back of St. Vitus Church.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the enchanting soul of Cesky Krumlov on this Vltava Riverbank Scenic Stroll, a self-guided walk designed for those who want to capture the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site through a lens. As the Vltava River carves its dramatic horseshoe bend through the town, it creates a unique landscape where medieval architecture clings to rocky cliffs and reflects in the shimmering water. This walking route takes you away from the densest crowds of the castle courtyards and leads you along the intimate paths, ancient bridges, and hidden alleys that define the town's romantic atmosphere. Your self-guided adventure begins at the iconic Lazebnický most, or Barber's Bridge, where the view of the State Castle and Chateau is nothing short of legendary. From here, you will explore the charming Parkán street, a narrow lane once built into the town's defensive walls, now home to some of the most photogenic riverside facades in Bohemia. As you continue, you will encounter the 'Mouse Hole' (Myší díra), a local shortcut that reveals the power of the river at the town's weirs, a favorite spot for watching the colorful procession of summer rafters. The route then transitions into the peaceful greenery of the City Park, offering a quiet respite and a different perspective on the towering St. Vitus Church. To conclude your neighborhood stroll, you will head south to the remarkable Rechle bridge, a rare wooden covered structure that served a vital industrial purpose in the town's past. Whether you are an amateur photographer looking for the perfect angle of the castle or a traveler seeking a peaceful way to experience the town's history, this walking tour Cesky Krumlov provides the perfect pace to see it all. This journey through the 'Pearl of Renaissance' ensures you see the landmarks that make this town a global treasure while enjoying the freedom to linger wherever the light hits the water just right. Exploring with this walking tour Cesky Krumlov allows you to uncover the layers of local history, from tragic legends of the Habsburgs to the industrial ingenuity of the Vltava's timber trade.

Highlights

Capture the iconic view of the State Castle from the Barber's Bridge

Stroll through Parkán, the most photogenic street in the Inner City

Watch rafters navigate the Vltava weirs at the 'Mouse Hole'

Enjoy the tranquil greenery and historical monuments of the City Park

Walk across the Rechle, a unique 18th-century wooden covered bridge

Discover hidden riverside perspectives away from the main tourist hubs

Tour Stops (6)

Lazebnický most (Barber's Bridge)

Start exploring with Zigway at the heart of the town's connection. This wooden bridge, supported by stone pillars, connects the Old Town with the Latrán district. As you look up toward the castle, you are seeing one of the most photographed vistas in Europe. The bridge is named after a local barber whose house once stood nearby. Legend tells a dark tale of Julius Caesar, the mentally ill son of Emperor Rudolf II, who lived in the castle and was said to have murdered the barber's daughter. Today, the bridge is watched over by the statues of St. John of Nepomuk and the Holy Crucifix. Take a moment here to notice the flow of the Vltava; this river has been the lifeblood of Krumlov for nearly a millennium.

Parkán

Step into Parkán, a street that feels like a living postcard. The name 'Parkán' refers to the space between two lines of medieval fortification walls. In the 16th century, when the town outgrew its walls, small houses were built directly into the defensive structures. This resulted in a narrow, atmospheric lane where the houses on your left back directly onto the river. These buildings often feature balconies and small gardens that seem to hover over the water. It is a favorite spot for artists and photographers because of the way the pastel-colored facades reflect in the Vltava. Look for the small details in the masonry and the unique doorways that have survived centuries of floods.

Myší díra (The Mouse Hole)

You are approaching a spot known to locals as 'Myší díra' or the Mouse Hole. This is a narrow passage and weir area where the Vltava river creates a significant drop. In the summer months, this is the best place to witness the unique Czech culture of river rafting. You will likely see groups of boaters navigating the wooden slide in the weir. Historically, these weirs were essential for managing the water flow for local mills and for the 'floating' of timber downstream toward Prague. The sound of the rushing water here provides a powerful soundtrack to the medieval architecture surrounding you. It is an excellent vantage point to see the rear of the St. Vitus Church sitting high on its rocky promontory.

Český Krumlov City Park

As you move away from the narrow alleys, the landscape opens up into the City Park. Established in the late 19th century on the site of former Jesuit gardens, this green oasis offers a different perspective on the town. Here you will find the Chapel of St. Martin, originally a wooden cemetery chapel, later rebuilt in the Baroque style. The park is a testament to the town's growth beyond its medieval borders and provides a peaceful environment to admire the skyline of the Inner City from a distance. Look for the Rose of the Rožmberks, the five-petaled flower symbol seen throughout the park and the town, representing the family that ruled Krumlov for over 300 years.

City Lounge Music Club & Bar

Continuing your stroll, you pass by this area which marks a transition into the more modern, yet still historic, outskirts of the inner core. While much of Krumlov is a preserved museum of the past, spots like this reflect the town's vibrant contemporary life. This area was historically significant for the local brewing and hospitality trades that served travelers entering from the south. It is a good place to pause and observe how the town manages to balance its UNESCO status with being a living, breathing community. From here, the path begins to follow the river's wider bend toward the southern exit of the historic center.

Rechle v Českém Krumlově

Your walk concludes at one of the town's most unique architectural hidden gems: the Rechle. This is a covered wooden bridge dating back to 1798. Unlike the decorative bridges in the center, this was a functional industrial structure. The word 'Rechle' comes from the German 'Rechen,' meaning 'rake.' In the past, workers would drop large wooden beams through slots in the bridge floor into the river to catch and sort floating timber being sent down the Vltava. This L-shaped bridge is a rare surviving example of this type of engineering. Walking through its timber-framed interior offers a sensory experience of old Bohemia, with the smell of aged wood and the sound of the river rushing beneath the floorboards.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Vltava Riverbank Scenic Stroll is ideal for photographers. It covers the Barber's Bridge, the colorful Parkán street, and the unique Rechle wooden bridge, offering the best angles of the castle and river reflections.