Discover the beauty of the Vltava Trail: the ideal destination for your leisure time
The Vltava Trail, stretching from Boršov nad Vltavou to Kořensko, is a unique route that offers a wealth of activities for all lovers of nature, sport and relaxation. This article will give you an overview of the leisure activities on the Vltava Trail and why you should definitely visit this beautiful part of South Bohemia. Along its route you will meet well-known South Bohemian towns such as České Budějovice (Budweis), Hluboká nad Vltavou or Týn nad Vltavou.
The Vltava Route offers many possibilities during your trip. Whether on or near the water. Go to the Vltava, Malše and Munický Pond for fun, culture and exploration. There is something for everyone! Adrenaline junkies, families with children, history explorers and culture lovers.
Boat transport: your key to the South Bohemia experience
One of the irresistible attractions of the Vltava Trail is the regular boat transport, which offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of South Bohemia from the deck of a boat. This cruise allows you to move comfortably between different sections of the river, whether it is the route between České Budějovice and Hluboká nad Vltavou, a longer journey to the Hněvkovice dam or rides in the vicinity of Týn nad Vltavou - for example via the lock to Orlík (Stezka Vltavy). The views from the water surface are specific and beautiful, especially in the section of the Karvanice Rocks on the Hluboká nad Vltavou - Purkarec route or in the Kořensko section behind Týn nad Vltavou. When boating, take into account that the boat does not go as fast as a car and therefore it takes more time to cover the same distances. For families with children, themed cruises with a guide are available to enrich your trip with interesting stories and historical facts, making your cruise an unforgettable experience. A popular cruise for families is also across the Munický Pond to the Hluboka Zoo. Cyclists will welcome the ferry in Purkarc.
But if you're looking for more adventure and want to be the master of your own time, the Vltava Trail offers you the chance to become the captain of your own vessel! In fact, you can rent a motorboat or houseboat, for which you don't need a driver's license. Just choose your craft, listen to the training, hop on and set off to explore the river on your own. This unique experience will allow you to explore the hidden corners of the Vltava, dock where you are most interested, and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
An experience we definitely recommend is a cruise through the lock. Either on your own or with a regular liner cruise. The locks overcome various water level differences from 2 to 17 meters.
Whether you choose a comfortable regular cruise or an exciting trip on a rented boat, the Vltava Trail will welcome you with open arms and offer you unforgettable moments on the water. Come and experience what it is like to be the captain of your own trip and discover South Bohemia from a new perspective!
If you are a fan of active recreation, the Vltava Trail will offer you a wide range of sporting activities. For lovers of cycling, there is a high-quality cycle path running along the river, which connects Boršov nad Vltavou with Týn nad Vltavou. This route is ideal for both recreational cyclists and families with children. Look for the sign Eurovelo 7 or the Vltava Cycling Route.
For those who prefer water sports, there is the possibility to rent the aforementioned motor boats or paddleboards, pedal boats, kayaks or take a ride on the wild water in the Lída Polesná area. Rental shops are strategically located along the entire route, for example in České Budějovice, Hluboká nad Vltavou or Týn nad Vltavou. Also worth mentioning is the paddling section between Boršov nad Vltavou and České Budějovice, which is very quiet and suitable for beginners or small children.
The Vltava River Race is not only about sport and active recreation. It also offers great opportunities for relaxation. The Sports and relaxation area in Hluboká nad Vltavou is an ideal place to relax with family or friends. You can visit the children's playground, the adrenaline rope park, adventure miniature golf or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the local restaurant and cocktail bar.
Along the river you will find other places where you can stop. Another popular spot is the Hluboká Zoo at Munický Pond, which can be reached by scenic cruise. In České Budějovice and in Hluboká nad Vltavou you can find grilling spots, picnic spots, and you can learn about the local area from nature trails.
Traveling along the Vltava Trail you can visit several interesting places that offer a beautiful view of the river and the surrounding nature. On the Vltava Trail you should not miss several important places of our history. Be sure to plan a trip to Karlův Hrádek (Charles' Castle), the only monument to Charles IV in South Bohemia. Visit the Voorage Museum in Purkarc, as the voorage is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hněvkovice Mill, as its history and narration during the tour will draw you back to the times of our ancestors and you will also discover that it is the last working mill on the Vltava River. The coating trail in Týn nad Vltavou is a reminder of the voyage and the system of transporting materials from České Budějovice to Prague.
Another tip is the Semenec lookout tower near Týn nad Vltavou with the adjacent natural history museum. At the confluence of the Vltava and Lužnice rivers, you can admire a magnificent view of the water, or from the village of Neznašov, a wonderful view of the Vltava Valley (Vltava River Valley).
Viewpoints and lookout towers: Be enchanted by local views
Though the river flows down from above, we will take you in the opposite direction - up to the viewpoints and lookout towers that line the Vltava Trail. If you like breathtaking panoramas, views of the winding river and its surroundings, you've come to the right place. Join us on a journey where every step upwards reveals new and new beauties of South Bohemia.
The Vltava Trail is literally dotted with places from where you can enjoy unique views of the river and the surrounding nature. Start, for example, at the Baba Lookout, located near Hluboká nad Vltavou. This viewpoint offers a fantastic view of the Vltava River and the surrounding countryside, whether you decide to walk, bike or take the river (Vltava River Trail).
If you prefer lookout towers, you shouldn't miss the Semenec lookout tower near Týn nad Vltavou. From its top, you will have a breathtaking view of the entire Vltava Valley and the town of Týn nad Vltavou, especially in the spring and winter months when the views are not obscured by the leaves of the trees. The path to the lookout tower leads along a lime tree avenue, which adds to the romantic atmosphere of your trip.
For those looking for a truly unique experience, there is the confluence of the Vltava and Lužnice rivers. This place is not only geologically and historically interesting, but also offers spectacular views of the confluence of two important Czech rivers. Get inspired and plan your next trip to this friendly corner of South Bohemia.
The sights and lookout towers on the Vltava Trail will allow you to discover the beauty of South Bohemia from a new perspective. Each of these places is ideal for relaxing, picnicking or just quietly contemplating the beauty of nature. Set off for views that will leave you breathless and get inspired for your next adventure on the Vltava Trail.
The Vltava Cycle Route is one of the most famous routes in the Czech Republic. It follows the course of the longest Czech river from its source in Šumava to the confluence with the Elbe in Mělník and offers a smooth pace, beautiful views and many opportunities to explore nature and culture. It is popular in the Budějovicko tourist area thanks to its safe surface, comfortable guidance along the river and attractive stops. It leads through the centre of České Budějovice and continues along the Vltava River through Bavorovice to Hluboká nad Vltavou with views of the castle and the harbour, continues to Hamry and on towards Purkarec. This stretch is one of the most picturesque in South Bohemia and combines nature, sights and quality refreshment options.
If you are not a complete athlete, e-bikes allow you to manage a day trip without much effort. Active cyclists, on the other hand, open up more distant destinations and allow you to plan longer routes in the saddle. Whether you're coming to Budweis with your e-bike or want to rent one on the spot, you'll appreciate an overview of rental and charging locations to make planning and the trip itself easier.
On warm days, tips on places to swim along the Vltava Trail will definitely come in handy. There are both traditional swimming areas and river accesses. Typical for the Vltava River (but also for the Malše) are the bathing piers that are located along the river. They serve for better access to the water, as well as for the possibility of stopping boats.
In addition to swimming spots, many refreshment stops are being created along the river. On the maps we have marked the places where you can stop along the rivers - Vltava, Malše or Lužnice - and let time pass by, recharge your batteries or watch the river and its positive waves.
We would love it if you could let us know on social media which is your favourite stop, which one made you happy, saved you or if we missed any.
Events by the water
These events are definitely not to be missed when you sail on the Vltava or cruise its banks. Events where people come from all over the country and you have them just a stone's throw from the river. Include them in your plan and make your trip more interesting!
The Vltava River is truly a great destination for anyone looking for a combination of active relaxation, natural beauty and cultural experiences. Whether you choose to take a boat cruise, go cycling or just relax in one of the many recreational facilities, the Vltava Trail will offer you an unforgettable experience. Come and discover this magical corner of South Bohemia!
