Is the Castle Garden in Český Krumlov free to enter?

Yes, the Zámecká zahrada (Castle Garden) is free for the public to enter during its opening hours. You can explore the Cascaded Fountain and the park grounds without a ticket, though the manor interiors are restricted.

What is the best time to visit the gardens in Cesky Krumlov?

The best time to visit is late afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. During this time, the crowds from the day-trip buses begin to thin, and the light is ideal for photographing the castle and the Bellarie Manor.

Can I see the Revolving Auditorium without a show ticket?

Yes, you can walk right up to the Revolving Auditorium while exploring the Castle Garden. While you cannot sit in the seats or enter the mechanism without a ticket for a performance, the structure is fully visible from the public garden paths.

Is this walking route difficult?

The route is considered moderate. While the paths are well-maintained, there is a steady incline as you move from the river level up to the Castle Garden, which may be tiring for some.

Are there toilets along the garden walking route?

Yes, public toilets are located near the entrance to the Castle Garden, specifically by the Cascaded Fountain. It is recommended to use these before heading deeper into the 11-hectare park area.

What is the theme of this walking route?

The theme focuses on nature and history, specifically looking at how the aristocracy shaped the landscape of Český Krumlov outside of the defensive castle walls.

Can I bring a stroller on this walk?

Yes, strollers are possible, but be prepared for some steep hills and gravel paths. Most of the Castle Garden itself is stroller-friendly once you have ascended the hill.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Beyond the narrow cobblestone alleys and medieval facades of the town center lies a verdant world of aristocratic leisure and Baroque ambition. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the 'green' side of Český Krumlov, focusing on the expansive gardens and historic estates that once served the powerful Rosenberg and Schwarzenberg families. By following this walking route, you will transition from the spiritual heritage of the Jesuit order to the grand theatricality of the Rococo era, all while enjoying some of the most serene vistas in South Bohemia. This isn't just a walk through a park; it is a journey through the evolution of European landscape design, where nature was carefully sculpted to reflect the prestige of its owners. Your self-guided adventure begins at the majestic Hotel Růže, a former Jesuit college that anchors the upper town. From here, you’ll descend toward the Vltava River to discover the tranquil City Park, a space that has evolved from a private garden into a beloved public retreat. As you move toward the Castle District, the elevation increases, leading you to the monumental Cascaded Fountain. This water feature serves as the grand entrance to the Zámecká zahrada (Castle Garden), an eleven-hectare masterpiece of horticultural art. Within these walls, you will encounter the fascinating Revolving Auditorium—a unique piece of modern engineering nestled in a historic setting—and the delicate Letohrádek Bellarie, a summer manor that epitomizes the elegance of the 18th century. Choosing a neighborhood stroll like this allows you to escape the midday crowds of the main square. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect angle of the castle tower or a history buff interested in the daily lives of the Bohemian elite, this walking tour Cesky Krumlov provides the context you need to appreciate the city’s dual nature as both a fortress and a garden sanctuary. This walking tour Cesky Krumlov is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing the sounds of the river and the wind in the centuries-old lime trees to transport you back to the age of the Enlightenment.

Highlights

The Renaissance grandeur of the former Jesuit college at Hotel Růže

Panoramic river views from the Český Krumlov City Park

The intricate Baroque sculptures of the Cascaded Fountain

A stroll through the 11-hectare Zámecká zahrada (Castle Garden)

The world-unique Revolving Auditorium open-air theater

The Rococo architectural gem, Letohrádek Bellarie

Tour Stops (6)

Hotel Růže

Our exploration begins at Hotel Růže, one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in the city. Originally built in the 16th century as a Jesuit college, this structure served as a center of learning and counter-reformation under the patronage of William of Rosenberg. Notice the intricate sgraffito decoration on the facade, a hallmark of the Bohemian Renaissance. After the Jesuit order was abolished in the late 18th century, the building served various purposes before becoming a luxury hotel. Its position on the ridge offers a commanding view of the town and the castle across the river, setting the stage for the aristocratic journey ahead.

Český Krumlov City Park

Descending from the hotel, we enter the City Park, a lush expanse bordered by a sharp loop of the Vltava River. This area was once the site of Jesuit gardens and a cemetery, but it was transformed in the late 19th century into a public park. As you walk the paths, look for the St. Martin's Chapel and the charming music pavilion. The park serves as a green bridge between the residential areas and the historic core. It’s a perfect spot to observe how the town’s inhabitants have utilized the river’s natural geography for both defense and relaxation throughout the centuries.

Kaskádová fontána

Leaving the riverbanks behind, we head uphill toward the Castle Garden's entrance, marked by the magnificent Cascaded Fountain. Completed in 1750, this Baroque masterpiece is adorned with statues representing the four seasons and various water deities. The fountain marks the transition from the castle's defensive structures to its pleasure grounds. Its tiered design was intended to impress visiting dignitaries, showcasing the wealth and sophistication of the Schwarzenberg family. The sound of falling water here provides a rhythmic soundtrack to the climb, signaling your entry into the most refined section of the estate.

Zámecká zahrada

Step into the Zámecká zahrada, or Castle Garden. Spanning over 11 hectares, this garden is divided into distinct sections reflecting different eras of landscape design. The lower section features formal Baroque parterres with manicured hedges and symmetrical paths, while the upper section transitions into a more naturalistic English-style park. Established in the 17th century, the garden has survived various changes in fashion. It remains a testament to the aristocratic desire to tame nature, providing a vast, quiet sanctuary far removed from the bustling commerce of the town square below.

Revolving auditorium

In the heart of the historic gardens, you will find a surprising piece of 20th-century innovation: the Revolving Auditorium. This unique theater allows the audience to rotate 360 degrees, using the surrounding gardens, trees, and the Bellarie Manor as a natural stage. While its modern design has been a subject of debate regarding its place in a UNESCO World Heritage site, it represents a long-standing tradition of open-air performance in Český Krumlov. Since its inception in the late 1950s, it has become one of the most sought-after cultural experiences in the region, blending dramatic arts with the natural environment.

Letohrádek Bellarie

Our walk concludes at the Letohrádek Bellarie, an exquisite Rococo summer manor. Built atop an older structure in the mid-18th century, its delicate pastel colors and playful architectural details make it one of the most beautiful buildings in the castle complex. One of its most famous features is the 'magic table'—a mechanical elevator that allowed food to be transported from the kitchen to the dining room so that the aristocrats could dine without being disturbed by servants. Standing here, you are at the highest point of the gardens, surrounded by the elegance that defined the peak of the Bohemian aristocracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

A complete walk through the gardens and stops takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. The distance is not long, but the uphill sections and the sheer size of the 11-hectare Castle Garden invite a slower pace.