Discover the Hidden Waterways of the Czech Republic
The Vltava Waterway: from České Budějovice to the confluence with the Elbe
The Vltava Waterway commences beneath the Dlouhy Bridge in České Budějovice. With the help of the lock in Hněvkovice, the Vltava is navigable by small boats for over a hundred kilometres to the Orlická Dam. From there, you can go to Slapy, Prague, all the way to where it meets the Elbe at Mělník, and continue even further, like to Hamburg. Boating on the Vltava has ancient roots, with records indicating that it has been in practice since at least the seventh century, primarily transporting salt. During Charles IV’s reign, adjustments were made to the rivers to enhance navigation. Additionally, in 1777, under Maria Theresa, the Czech Navigation Act and river police regulations were established.
The Vltava River accommodates recreational vessels with locks operational from May through the end of September, usually running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. At Orlík, there’s a hoist that moves you to the Kamýk nad Vltavou dam (or the other way around). At Slapy, a ferry lift operates as a tractor that carries you either to the top or bottom of the dam and takes you across to the other side. The tractor can transport boats that have a width of up to 2.60 m, a length of 8.50 m, and a displacement of 3.5 tonnes, but should preferably be booked 7 days in advance. Now, how does the boat lift at Slapy actually function? The boat is placed on a special chassis (tow) that is pulled into the water by a tractor, and the crew is not allowed to be inside the boat during this process. This boat lift has been designed to carry vessels measuring up to 44 x 5.6 m. The lifting mechanism operates using a system of ropes and counterweights. After the boat is transported across the water, it is lowered back into the water and can resume its journey.
The Boat Lift at Orlik operates on the dry bin principle, where the ship is secured. The basket is partially submerged during each trip, so only the side supports and cabin remain above the waterline. The boat moves into the basket area, where it is secured by electrically operated straps. After that, the boat is lifted up to the top of the dam… and then lowered again. Booking for transport must be done a minimum of 24 hours in advance, but no sooner than 7 days ahead. Reservations can be made using the reservation form for the Vltava River Basin. In 2022, the boat lift underwent modernization—while the old lift could accommodate boats up to eight meters long and three-and-a-half tonnes, the new one can handle boats up to ten meters long weighing six tonnes. The rail has also been expanded to enable operations even when the water level is low.
As you head towards Prague, you will encounter locks at the Štěchovice and Vrané nad Vltavou dams. In the center of Prague, several weirs need to be crossed, including the locks at Modřany, Smíchov, Štvanice, Podbaba, and downstream on the Roztoky, Dolánky, Miřejovice, and Hořín rivers. Numerous ferries operate between Vraný u Prahy, the city center, and beyond to Dolánky, so be mindful of the right-hand rule. When two vessels meet, the one on the right has the right of way, requiring the one on the left to yield.
Ports and Marinas: Where to Safely Anchor on the Vltava and Where to Refuel?
On the upper stretches of the Vltava, there are many spots for mooring and anchoring small boats, such as at Lann’s shipyard in Budějovice, České Vrbné, or Purkarec. A dock is also available in Týn nad Vltavou. At Orlik, you can anchor at various locations, but it’s essential to adhere to navigation rules and select a suitable and safe spot. Alongside campsites and yacht clubs, you can moor at sandy shores outside of restricted areas. At Slapy, you can anchor almost anywhere it isn’t explicitly prohibited. It’s advisable to utilize official moorings, such as the Slapy Marine marina or at Lahoz II anchorage (the area opposite the bay near Slapy). You can also find spots to anchor in bays that lack cottages and campsites. Close to Prague, there’s the Davle dock. While in Prague, you can use club boathouses (for example at Císařské louka, Czech Yacht Club in Podolí), the dock at the E. Beneš waterfront, or the DOCK marina in Holešovice.
Refueling is available at the largest public marina for recreational vessels in South Bohemia, located in Hluboká na Vltavou (Service Centre). The refueling station for smaller boats uses a classic dripless nozzle with a hose that extends for 12 meters. At Orlik, you can refuel at the Radava campsite. There is also a petrol station in Kamýk nad Vltavou on the left bank of the river. At Slapy – Stará Živohošt’, there’s a special pump for boats. Fuel is dispensed directly into the boats from a fixed pier. For skippers in Prague, there’s a unique refueling boat located near the Edvard Beneš quay. Besides fuel, this “tanker” offers drinking water, waste water disposal, oily waste services, and handling other waste.
The Elbe Waterway: from Chvaletice to the state border with Germany at Hřensko
The longest navigable river in the Czech Republic is the Elbe, stretching 160 km from Chvaletice to the state border with Germany at Hřensko. In its initial segment, there are three locks: Pardubice, Srnojedy, and Přelouč. However, the Přelouč lock has been out of service for a considerable time. The Middle Elbe section includes towns like Týnec nad Labem, Veletov, Kolín, Klavary, Velký Osek, Poděbrady, Nymburk, Kostomlátky, Hradištko, Lysá nad Labem, Čelákovice, Brandýs nad Labem, Kostelec nad Labem, Lobkovice, and Obříství. The subsequent Lower Elbe section, below where the Elbe meets the Vltava, features six lock systems: at Dolní Beřkovice, Štětí-Račice, Roudnice nad Labem, České Kopisty, Lovosice, and Ústí nad Labem – Střekov. The Elbe River flows one kilometre upstream towards its mouth at the North Sea. The state border is crossed at the right bank at river km 726.60 in Hřensko and at the left bank at river km 730.00 in Dolní Žleb.
The locks on the Elbe are operational year-round daily, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. These are standard locks; so you won’t find elevators or other “entertainments.” Moreover, the local harbors, jetties, and moorings are friendly to small recreational vessels, allowing them free use for up to 48 hours. There are plenty of anchoring locations, such as the port of Kolín, Poděbrady, public wharf in Mělník on the right bank of the Elbe, or the pier at Mělník marina (which is easily accessible downtown), anchor wall in Roudnice nad Labem, public wharf in Litoměřice, Marina Labe in Žernosekách, and wharf in Ústí nad Labem in Vaňov, along with a small craft center or wharf in Děčín (Smetanovo nábřeží).
Along the Elbe, you can refuel your boat at numerous locations, including in Roudnice nad Labem (directly at the dock), in the Marina Labe port near Píšt’any, in the club shipyard of the Water Motorists of Velké Žernoseky, the public dock at Dolní Zálezy, or in the public port in Ústí nad Labem.
Moravian Waterway and Bata Canal
The Waterway on the Morava River begins at the junction of the Morava and the Bečva and continues to where the Morava meets the Dyje. It also features the Bata Canal, stretching from Otrokovice to Rohatec. This canal is primarily utilized for recreational navigation by small vessels. This man-made waterway was originally created to transport lignite from Ratíškovice to the power plant in Otrokovice. The canal is 50 km long, with 26 km following the path of the Morava River and the rest traversing an artificial canal. Along the way, you will encounter various locks: Spytihněv, Babice, Huštěnovice, Staré Město, Kunovský les, Nedakonice, Strážnice I and II, Uherský Ostroh, Veselí nad Moravou, Vnorovy I and II, and Petrov.
The locks for public use are accessible from May to September, operating every Friday through Sunday, and every day from Tuesday to Sunday during July and August (including public holidays) from 9:30 to 13:30 and 14:00 to 18:00. The last cycle of flushing the chambers happens 15 minutes before the end of the hours. On weekdays (excluding holidays), you can only navigate between the chambers, unless arrangements have been made with the rafters to operate the chambers. Keep in mind possible repairs and heightened water levels. It’s wise to plan your journey in advance if you intend to navigate outside of public hours.
Boat rentals and ports are plentiful along the Bata Canal. Some of the ports that offer comprehensive services include Otrokovice, Napajedla, Spytihněv, Staré Město, Kunovský les, Uherský Ostroh, the port of Veselí nad Moravou, the port of Strážnice, the port of Petrov, and Skalica (in Slovakia). Each of these locations provides amenities like toilets, electricity connections, food options, Wi-Fi, parking, showers, and drinking water. The chemical toilet disposal is available in Napajedle, Spytihněv, Uherský Ostroh, Veselí nad Moravou, and the port of Petrov. You can also dispose of waste water at Veselí nad Moravou and the port of Petrov. Fuel is obtainable in Staré Město and at the port of Veselí nad Moravou.
Explore the Waterways of the Czech Republic: Summer Dams, Marinas, and Tourist Attractions
Main Rivers for Recreation
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Vltava
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Elbe (Labe)
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Morava
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Odra
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Bečva
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Ostravice
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Ohře
Vltava River Highlights
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Navigation:
Thanks to the Hněvkovice lock, you can travel over 100 km by boat from the Orlice dam all the way to the confluence with the Elbe in Mělník. -
Boat Lifts:
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Orlík: Features a boat lift based on the dry basket method.
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Slapy: Has a unique boat lift that transports vessels across the road to the opposite side of the dam.
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Refueling & Marinas:
Major public port at Hluboká nad Vltavou (the largest in South Bohemia), with additional refueling options at Orlík and Slapy.
Several anchoring spots for small vessels can be found at Lann’s shipyard in České Budějovice, Týn nad Vltavou, and Slapy.
Elbe (Labe) River Features
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Locks & Mooring:
Locks are operational year-round, daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Recreational boats can moor for free for up to 48 hours at designated spots. -
Refueling:
Available at Roudnice nad Labem and other points along the river.
The Baťa Canal (Moravia)
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History:
Originally constructed for lignite transport, the Baťa Canal is now a popular spot for recreational boating. -
Lock Operation:
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Open May to September.
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July and August: Tuesday to Sunday.
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Other months: Weekends and public holidays.
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