The Cloak Bridge, called Plášťový most in Czech, is one of the most photographed structures in Český Krumlov, and it is also a piece of practical engineering. It carries a covered passage over the deep moat-like ravine between the fifth courtyard of the castle and the theatre and gardens on the far side. The bridge is arcaded in several tiers and rises to a dizzying height above the ravine, and the covered corridor along its top lets the court walk from the living quarters to the theatre without stepping outside. It belongs to the castle's fifth courtyard area, the last link in the chain of courtyards that climb the ridge. Walking across it, you pass from the old fortress into the world of Baroque leisure: the theatre, the Rococo garden building and the open lawns of the gardens.
The view is the real reward. From the open part of the bridge you look down on the courtyards and on the red roofs of the Latrán quarter, and on a clear day you can follow the river bend and the Church of St. Vitus tower across the water. The bridge is also the best place to see the castle tower from a new angle: stand on the far side and look back along the arcades towards the round tower, and you have the composition that appears on so many calendars.
The scale is hard to judge until you are standing on it, and nervous visitors should know that the parapet is solid and there is no gap to look through, though the drop beside you is considerable.
Access depends on the castle grounds. The bridge is part of the castle complex, so it is normally open when the courtyards are open, and there is no separate ticket just to cross it. The covered corridor on the upper level belongs to the theatre route and is seen only on guided tours in season, while the lower open passage is the one most visitors walk.
In winter the castle grounds keep shorter hours, so check before you climb, and take care on a surface that can be icy. The bridge is not suited to wheelchairs or strollers without help, because of the ramps, cobbles and steps on the approach.
Planning tips
Combine the bridge with the castle courtyards and the gardens, and allow around fifteen to twenty minutes for the crossing and the views. Late afternoon light is flattering in summer, while a bright, cold morning in winter gives the clearest air. If you want the full story of the court theatre and the covered corridor, join a guided tour that includes the Baroque theatre in season.
And if the bridge is busy with tour groups, wait a few minutes: the groups move on quickly and you can usually get an empty frame for photos.
For history lovers, the bridge is also a clue to how the castle worked as a court. The Schwarzenberg and Eggenberg families needed a safe, weatherproof route to their private theatre and the gardens, and the covered corridor solved that with style. Look at the stonework, the openings and the line of the arches as you cross, and compare them with the older fortified parts of the castle on the other side of the ravine. The contrast between defence and entertainment is the story of the whole complex.
What to expect
The experience
A free, tall arcaded bridge between the fifth castle courtyard and the theatre and gardens, with open viewing sections over the Old Town.
Best time
Late afternoon in summer, or a clear, cold morning in winter for crisp views.
How long
Fifteen to twenty minutes for the crossing and photographs.
Tips
Check castle grounds hours before you climb, watch for ice in winter and wait a moment for tour groups to pass.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and anyone who wants a high view without paying for the tower.
- Families
- Children enjoy the drop-down views, but hold hands on the bridge and avoid strollers.
- Couples
- Cross at golden hour and look back at the round tower.
- Pair with
- The castle gardens, the Baroque theatre and the castle courtyards.
- Time needed
- Twenty minutes.
Good questions
Do I need a ticket to walk across the Cloak Bridge?+
Not normally. It is part of the castle grounds and is usually open to walk when the courtyards are open. Interior routes, including the theatre corridor, are separate guided tours.
What does the bridge connect?+
It links the fifth courtyard of the castle with the Baroque theatre and the castle gardens on the far side of the ravine.
Is it open in winter?+
The castle grounds usually remain walkable in winter, but hours can be shorter and surfaces icy, so check before you climb.
Is it suitable for wheelchairs?+
Not easily. The approach has ramps, cobbles and steps, so help is needed, and the crossing is not step-free.
What is the best photo spot?+
From the far side of the bridge looking back at the castle tower, or from the open section looking down at the Latrán roofs and the river bend.
