Paddling the Vltava River
In the summer, the Vltava is undoubtedly the most visited river in Bohemia. Paddling becomes both a sport and a social event. Along the river and at campsites, you’ll meet people from all over Bohemia and Moravia. At the weirs, you can show off your paddling skills, and later discuss them over drinks and meals at local pubs and refreshment stands. A holiday on the water will leave you with lasting memories.
For lovers of solitary romantic journeys, we recommend a spring (May) or autumn (September or October) trip. During these times, the river is much quieter. With the autumn colours and morning mists, the scenery becomes truly magical.
Six-Day Journey – Lenora to Boršov nad Vltavou
- Stage: Lenora – Soumarský Most (1.5 hrs)
- Stage: Soumarský Most – Nová Pec (7 hrs), passes through Šumava National Park. Stops must be limited, and disembarking is allowed only at designated rest areas. Registration with Šumava National Park is typically required.
- Stage: Vyšší Brod – Nahořany (5 hrs), break in Rožmberk with the option to visit the castle. (Raftáci movie scenes were filmed at the rapids in Loučovice, the campsite “Tři veverky”, Rožmberk, and the Nahořany campsite.)
- Stage: Nahořany – Český Krumlov (4 hrs), rest at “Na pískárně”, followed by a tour of Český Krumlov and its castle.
- Stage: Český Krumlov (Vltavan campsite) – Zlatá Koruna (7 hrs)
- Stage: Zlatá Koruna – Boršov (7 hrs), visit the monastery in Zlatá Koruna, rest at Dívčí kámen campsite, tour of the castle ruins.
Alternative Six-Day Journey – Vyšší Brod – Boršov – Lenora – Nová Pec
- Stage: Vyšší Brod – Rožmberk (3 hrs)
- Stage: Rožmberk – Český Krumlov (7 hrs), castle tour in Rožmberk, rest at “Na pískárně”, evening tour of Český Krumlov
- Stage: Český Krumlov – Zlatá Koruna (7 hrs), central Český Krumlov and castle visit
- Stage: Zlatá Koruna – Boršov (7 hrs), visit to the Zlatá Koruna monastery and Dívčí kámen
- Stage: Lenora – Soumarský Most (1.5 hrs), travel from Boršov to Lenora by train
- Stage: Soumarský Most – Nová Pec (7 hrs), the strictest conservation zone of Šumava National Park. Registration required. Follow all park rules (designated landing only, no littering, etc.)
Four-Day Journey – Vyšší Brod – Boršov nad Vltavou
This is the classic Vltava section. The journey begins below the Lipno Dam, which ensures steady water flow.
- Stage: Vyšší Brod – Nahořany (5 hrs), arrival by train in the morning, break in Rožmberk, castle visit
- Stage: Nahořany – Český Krumlov (4 hrs), break at “Na pískárně”, then Český Krumlov tour and castle visit
- Stage: Český Krumlov – Zlatá Koruna (7 hrs), central city and castle tour
- Stage: Zlatá Koruna – Boršov (7 hrs), visit to the monastery, Dívčí kámen, and castle ruins
Two-Day Journey – Lenora – Nová Pec
- Stage: Lenora – Soumarský Most (1.5 hrs), arrive at the Lenora-Houžná campsite. As this leg takes only 1.5 hrs, you can arrive in the afternoon. The next take-out is in Pěkná (6–7 hrs), so plan accordingly.
- Stage: Soumarský Most – Nová Pec (7 hrs), this section is in the strictest zone of Šumava National Park. Registration is mandatory. Strict rules apply (only disembark at designated points, no littering, etc.)
Optional: Travel first to Soumarský Most by car or train, set up camp, and walk for an hour through the forest to the Houžná campsite.