Your Complete Handbook to River Cruises and Water Escapes in Czechia

A Steamship Journey in Prague and Beyond

The Vltava River gracefully winds its way through the heart of Prague, making a boat excursion an excellent addition to your city exploration. Viewing the stunning sites and the city skyline from the water offers an entirely new perspective. There are numerous companies that provide boat cruises throughout the city’s core, allowing you to select the experience that suits your taste. Yet, there are many captivating destinations beyond the city center as well.

Paddle Boats and Life Along the Náplavka: For a relaxed yet unforgettable outing in central Prague, consider renting a paddle boat on the Vltava River. This delightful activity allows you to admire breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the vibrant city skyline from a unique vantage point. After your paddle experience, make your way to Náplavka, one of the city’s trendiest riverside areas. Here, you can find bustling bars, lively weekend farmers’ markets, street food options, and plenty of space for a leisurely stroll along the embankment.

During the summer months, you can take a boat all the way to the ZOO, the Slapy Reservoir, or even to the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers located north of Prague, near Mělník. There are four rental points in Prague where you can hire a charming 4-seat pedal boat. Don’t miss the chance to glide closer to the water’s surface!

Explorations in South Bohemia

The South Bohemian town of Třeboň not only features a picturesque historic square but also encompasses one of the largest ponds in the Czech Republic. The Svět Pond (meaning “world”) lies just behind the town gate, allowing you the opportunity to embark on a scenic cruise around its waters, which lasts about an hour. During the voyage, enjoy a lively swing band performing to enhance your experience.

The Lipno Reservoir: The Czech Sea

The expansive South Bohemian Lipno reservoir, often referred to as the Czech sea, represents one of the country’s largest bodies of water. Here, you will find numerous boat lines and cruise companies. For example, you can enjoy a delightful cruise from Lipno nad Vltavou to Frymburk and return. Alternatively, you might choose to cruise from Horní Planá to Černá v Pošumaví and back. Additionally, experience a special round-trip cruise featuring a program during sunset for a truly unforgettable evening.

Orlík Reservoir Near Zvíkov

The Vltava River flows into a scenic canyon below Zvíkov Castle, located near Písek, thanks to the Orlík Reservoir. From June to August, you can board a boat right below the castle for a captivating sightseeing cruise, which showcases breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the stunning castle itself. Select from either a small or large circuit tour that lasts 35 or 50 minutes.

The Elbe Canyon

In North Bohemia, as the mighty Elbe River exits the Czech Republic on its journey to Germany, a cruise through the Elbe canyon is an absolute must. The journey starts in Děčín and continues to Hřensko, where most vessels turn around to head back. If you choose to disembark in Hřensko, you can also explore the enchanting Kamenice River on romantic boats, discovering the picturesque wild gorges. This adventure comes highly recommended, combining fun water activities with cycling, scenic boat trips, and the chance to delve into the area’s captivating attractions.

The Baťa Canal in Moravia

The Baťa Canal is a man-made waterway located in Moravia. Stretching over 50 kilometers, this canal winds through the scenic Moravian Slovakia region. The best way to experience the Baťa Canal is from the comfort of a rented boat or houseboat. Many rental options are available, and it takes just a brief introductory session to learn the ropes of sailing! Popular routes include those around Veselí nad Moravou or Strážnice.

The Vranov Reservoir on the Dyje River

Situated on the Dyje River in South Moravia, the Vranov Reservoir is a stunning destination. From the town of Vranov nad Dyjí, known for its beautiful chateau, you can take a boat trip to explore Bítov Castle! The river curves dramatically between steep slopes blanketed in lush forests, creating sharp meanders. Besides Bítov, you can also catch a glimpse of the fascinating ruins of Cornštejn Castle as you cruise along.

…And Further Downstream on the Dyje

A journey along the Dyje River in South Moravia can evoke the feeling of a cruise through the Amazon jungle—with a dash of imagination. You’ll embark from the chateau park of Lednice. From the river’s perspective, you can appreciate breathtaking views of the chateau, minaret, and Jan’s Castle. This picturesque setting is part of a unique ensemble of UNESCO monuments known as the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape.

Consider Regular Boat Services

Although the number of boat travel options in the Czech Republic might be limited, several regular boat services do exist. During the summer weekends, boats run from Ústí nad Labem to Litoměřice. In Prague, where the banks of the Vltava River are connected by numerous bridges, you might encounter sections lacking bridges. Here, you can opt for public transport in the form of ferries. The great advantage is that you can utilize a standard public transport ticket for this service!

In Brno, located in South Moravia, you can embark on a scenic boat trip around the Brno Reservoir. This experience can be particularly enjoyable for families, especially when children take a boat trip to Veveří Castle during the summer months! The new local boats are equipped with electric engines, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.