The Cloak Bridge arches over a ravine, linking the castle’s upper courtyards to its Baroque theatre and gardens. Below, open stone arcades support a covered walkway, its small windows cutting views of the town into slices of light.
Built in the 1700s, the bridge let nobles move between private rooms, theatre, and gardens without setting foot outside. Servants and supplies used the lower level; the upper passage was for aristocrats only. The structure took shape over decades, finished around the 1760s. Now it stands forty meters above the ravine, offering a clear line of sight to the old town’s rooftops, the Vltava’s curve, and the castle tower.
No one knows for sure why it’s called the Cloak Bridge. Some say nobles draped heavy cloaks against the wind that funnels through the open sections. Others tie it to an old name for this part of the castle. Either way, the bridge is the most photographed feature in Český Krumlov—especially from below, where the three tiers of arches stack into a sharp silhouette.
You can walk the covered section with a castle tour or garden ticket. The lower arcades are visible for free from the streets. The best view is from the bridge over the Vltava: the entire structure and castle tower fit into one frame. At night, soft lighting outlines the arches against the sky.
The bridge is unavoidable if you’re exploring the castle. Wind whips through the open sections, and winter makes the stone slippery. The walk takes minutes, but most people stop to look or photograph.
From the ravine below, all three tiers of arcades line up in a single glance.
On rainy days, the covered passage offers shelter. Railings are low, so keep an eye on children. The bridge wasn’t built to impress like palaces or cathedrals, but its simple lines have made it a symbol of Český Krumlov. When you cross it or watch from the riverbank, the past feels close enough to touch.
