Český Krumlov

The second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, perched on a rock above the Vltava bend. The five outer courtyards, the painted Round Tower base and the three-tiered Cloak Bridge are free to traverse with a short-leashed dog. Museum interiors, the tower climb and the Baroque theatre are closed to dogs.

An 11-hectare Baroque garden laid out by the Eggenberg family in the 17th century behind the castle, with parterres, a cascade fountain, chestnut alleys and an open-air revolving theatre. Open April–October, free entry, leashed dogs welcome on all main alleys.

The triangular Renaissance main square at the heart of the UNESCO old town, lined with pastel townhouses, the town hall and the 1716 Marian Plague Column. Always open, leashed dogs welcome, waste-bag dispensers on the corners.

A three-tiered bridge connecting the castle to the Baroque garden, spanning the Cloak Bridge ravine with a postcard view over the town's red roofs. Free to cross, leashed dogs welcome; the wide flat stone walkway is one of the few easy stretches of the castle circuit.

The town's 4-hectare public park south of the old town, running along the Vltava under tall lindens. Quiet paths, benches, waste-bag dispensers, the park locals use most for daily dog walks. Leash required.

The largest lake in the Czech Republic, 45 minutes south by car, nicknamed the Czech inland Riviera. Official dog-bathing strips at Frymburk and Černá v Pošumaví, water at 22 °C from mid-June to early September. The Lipno Treetop Walk explicitly admits leashed dogs.