Kickstart Your 2025 Sailing Adventures on the Vltava: Explore Slapy, Orlík, and Lipno

Steamboat Journey from Prague to Slapy

Embark on a classic tourist cruise from Prague to Slapy, a voyage with a history stretching back to the late 19th century. The steamer Vltava or the ship Cecilia, operated by the Prague Steam Navigation Company, departs from Rašínova nábřeží every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m., running from 1 May to 27 September 2025. The steamers are constructed in Zbraslav, Vrane, Davle, and Štěchovice, reaching Trebenice by 12:30 p.m. They begin their return at 14:30, making it back to the capital at 18:00. During this cruise, you can enjoy a fascinating guided tour, where you’ll learn about various historical landmarks along the Vltava River, including locks and towns nearby. The ticket price for the trip from Prague to Trebenice is 650 CZK, while a return ticket costs 870 CZK.

From Orlik to Zvíkov or Popelíky

You can also enjoy a scenic ride along the Orlice Dam on the Orlik-Zvíkov route with the steamer operated by the Orlicka Shipping Company, running from 12 April to 28 June 2025 on weekends. Departures occur at 9:50, 10:30, and 13:30 from Orlik to Zvíkov, with return trips from Zvíkov at 12:00, 15:00, and 16:00.

From 1 July to 31 August, the steamer from the Orlice Shipping Service will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, stopping at all major campsites around Orlice, including Popelíky – Orlík Dam – Trhovky – Podskalí – Radava – Velký Vír and Orlík Castle. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can also take a cruise from Orlík Castle to Zvíkov Castle. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, there are options for combining the cruise with lunch on board. The schedule of cruises can vary based on water levels and weather conditions, so it’s advisable to check the operator’s website for departures before planning your trip.

Exploring and Cruising on Lipno

The Lipno Dam is a popular tourist attraction in South Bohemia. The Rosenberger Lipno Line has been offering cruises since spring aboard the Smetana, Vltava, and Adalbert Stifter steamers. In addition to regular scheduled services during the high season, special evening cruises with live music are also available departing from the port of Lipno nad Vltavou. In July and August, regular evening cruises operate, notably every Wednesday from Lipno and Frymburk. While enjoying live music on the Adalbert Stifter, you can also indulge in a selection of drinks, platters, and desserts available at the bar. During the weekdays in July and August, two-hour cruises with a children’s program are scheduled daily at 10:00.
The ship Smetana runs every day from Lipno. It stops at Frymburk and Dolní Vltavice and then returns, making another stop in Frymburk before concluding in Lipno nad Vltavou. Additionally, upon request, the crew can make a stop at Přední Výtoni. This service is part of what is known as the Yellow Line (identified as yellow in the timetable).

On Lipno, you can also find the Adalbert Stifter and the Vltava. During the season, these boats operate daily except Saturdays, so be sure to check the operator’s website for the most current cruise schedules. The Adalbert Stifter services routes near Lipno or Frymburk, while the Vltava sails from Lipno nad Vltavou through Přední Výtoň and Frymburk, then changes at Dolní Vltavice to Černá v Pošumaví, continuing to Horní Plané. If there’s enough room, the Vltava and Smetana can even accommodate bicycles. Some boats also depart from Horní Plané or Černá v Pošumaví, and this route is marked in the timetable as green.

Additionally, there’s The Purple Line, designed for summer adventurers, operating from Horní Plané to Dolní Vltavice. This line allows you to make connections at Dolní Vltavice to reach Lipno nad Vltavou by water. This service is perfect for individual travelers as well as families with children. Bicycles are also permitted.

Lipno Ferries Back in Service

Starting from early May, ferries have been providing transportation for hikers, cyclists, and motorized tourists on Lipno. The longest route stretches 1.5 kilometers from Dolní Vltavice to the Kyselov border crossing. Lipno ferries can carry a variety of passengers and vehicles: hikers, cyclists, motorcyclists, cars, motorhomes, vehicles with trailers, and even agricultural equipment like tractors. Trucks and vans weighing up to 20 tonnes can use the ferry service from Horní Plané and Frymburk, while only vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes are allowed from Dolní Vltavice. For a ferry ride, an adult ticket costs 50 CZK, while a cyclist’s fare is 80 CZK. A car ride with the driver is priced at up to 200 CZK. You can also catch a ferry from Horní Plané to Bližší Lhota, Frymburk to Frýdava, or for bike transfers Hrdoňov to Svatý Tomáš during the season.

Vltava Waterway: from České Budějovice to Hamburg

The Vltava Waterway begins below the Dlouhy Bridge in České Budějovice. Thanks to the lock in Hněvkovice, small vessels can navigate the Vltava for over a hundred kilometers to the Orlická dam. From there, you can continue on to Slapy, Prague, and even reach the confluence with the Elbe in Mělník, opening doors to further travel across Europe.

From the start of June through September, the Českobudějovická plavební a.s. operates a regular service between České Budějovice and Hluboka nad Vltavou. The boats feature a spacious upper outdoor deck and an indoor covered section equipped with a ship’s bar offering a variety of refreshments, along with toilets for passengers’ convenience. The service operates every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. In July and August, sailings run from Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets can be purchased on board, and you can bring your bicycle for an extra fee of 50 CZK until the boat reaches capacity. Additionally, the South Bohemian Cruise Company organizes regular cruises along routes such as Týn nad Vltavou – Kořensko waterworks, Hluboká nad Vltavou – ZOO Hluboká (Munický Pond), or the ferry from Purkarec to Kostelec.

Cruise Overview

Enjoy summer voyages from Prague to Slapy, Orlickou Dam, and Lipno—each filled with live music, historic narration, and breathtaking river and lake scenery.

Ticket Prices & Fares

• Prague → Třebenice: 650 CZK one-way; 870 CZK return

• Single steamer ride (adult): 50 CZK

• Cyclist’s fare: 80 CZK

• Ferry crossing (car + driver): up to 200 CZK

Sailing Seasons & Schedules

• Prague → Slapy steamer: May 1 – September 27, 2025

• Orlice Shipping Steamer (July–August): daily service with stops at all major campsites and between Orlík Castle and Zvíkov Castle

• Eagle Reservoir steamers: weekends in June, multiple departures

• Rosenberger Lipno Line: high-season evening cruises featuring live music and themed children’s programs

Routes & Lines

• Vltava Waterway: starts below Dlouhý Bridge in České Budějovice → Orlice Dam → Slapy → Prague → Mělník (confluence with the Elbe), extending into European waterways

• Lipno Line

  • Yellow Line: Frymburk → Dolní Vltavice → …

  • Green Line: Přední Výtoň → Frymburk → …

On-Board Amenities

• Bicycles welcome on Vltava and Smetana boats (space permitting)

• Prams, wheelchairs, skis, and sleds carried on the Sněžka cable car—bicycles not allowed there

• Lipno ferries accommodate motorized vehicles (cars, motorhomes, trucks) within specified weight limits

Special Experiences

• Live-music cruises at sunset on Lipno

• Historical commentary and themed programs for families

• Scenic stops for hiking and sightseeing along each route

Join us for an unforgettable waterborne adventure through some of the Czech Republic’s most picturesque landscapes!