A Little Adventure… Rafting Through Czech’s Idyllic Southern Bohemian Countryside

Last updated on August 2, 2025 by Shannon

Rapid confusion set in on my face as a silent, sturdy Czech guy plunked my raft into the Vltava River, hoisted a water-tight barrel with my purse and camera tucked inside above his head and then aggressively shoved the barrel under the front lip of the raft in one giant thrust. He then sauntered away.

Our guide’s broad shoulders departing swiftly up the slope to the cozy, warm van confirmed what had just been an inkling: I was about to raft down the Vltava River with just my cousin and friend—our tour guide that delivered us from Cesky Krumlov to our launch point was gone. We were all by our lonesome selves. We had been left without a guide and in a truly tiny raft, with dinky life jackets strapped around our chests. What could go wrong, right?

What’s it Like Rafting Near Cesky Krumlov?

On my way to book the rafting trip the day before, I passed a sopping wet but widely smiling gentleman who I had previously chatted with on the bus ride from Prague to Český Krumlov. He had just completed a short one-hour trip down the Vltava River, and he and his buddy completely flipped their boat by incorrectly going over the man-made rapids in Český Krumlov itself.

They didn’t seem too concerned with having biffed it, and he gave me a huge thumbs up when I told him that we planned to take the same trip, but slightly longer, the very next day.

He gave us one warning for when our raft passed through the town center of Český Krumlov—stay left on the first rapid, right on the second, and right on the third.

I walked away telling myself: “Left, right, right. Left, right, right. Left, left, right … wait? No! Left, right, right!”

Let’s just say, the mantra didn’t stick.

When the huge Czech guy left us on the side of Czech Republic’s longest river, I was worried. But the three of us figured that there was little chance that we had been sold an independent rafting trip on a dangerous river, so it couldn’t be too bad. The worst that would happen is we would end up soaking wet and swimming to shore.

Our boat gently floated down the calm river for a while until we approached town—rafting half-day trips start upriver from Český Krumlov and end hours later down river.

The river does a lovely loop (remember the Omega Ω shape I mentioned) through town—which would be a beautiful vantage on the Český Krumlov’s historic architecture. Just one problem. The river changes level three times, meaning we would need to navigate the boat down three mini “rapids.”

This is when the mantra was supposed to come in handy. We approached the first one and I questioned, “So it looks like we should go down on the right?”

Caitlin vetoed my suggestion, noting that she thought I had said left first yesterday. So, despite my reservations—I was sure it was right first—we headed down the rapid.

Whew, good thing they ignored me! We proceeded uneventfully over the next rapids and then began our two-hour gentle drift down the Vltava.

These people, however, did not get the memo:

Floating Down the Vltava River

The Vltava River has witnessed centuries of human activity, and it flows not just through Cesky Krumlov, but the Vltava River also flows right through the heart of Prague, dividing the city into two parts: the historic Prague Castle side and the Old Town side.

I thought there was no better way to see rural Czech Republic than from this beautiful river, so special that the renowned composition “Vltava” by Bedřich Smetana depicts the river’s journey through various landscapes. Experiencing that song firsthand on a rafting adventure adds an extra layer of appreciation to the music.

During our gentle drift down river, we played an unintentional game of pass and then be passed with a group of Czech tourists spread across three boats. They would issue forth a hearty ahoj and then release a string of excited and rapid Czech thrown in the direction of our boat.

Given that I know absolutely zero Czech, the best I could do was shout a cheery ahoj back at them with a huge smile plastered on my face. My big cheesy smile was meant to communicate that we were friendlies!

This exchange of ahoj hellos continued unabated for the full two hours down the Vltava. At one point, the three boats gained on us from behind and a drunk reveler from the nearest boat adamantly gestured and talked at the three of us. The rest of the people from this man’s boats fell out of their seats laughing—there is no doubt in my mind that we were the butt of a hilarious joke.

The man continued shouting, pointing, and laughing at us until his boat was a speck in the distance and the three of us could only give forth a puzzled chuckle. What was that about?!

Heading Back to Český Krumlov

Fast forward through the rest of our drift down the river—it was rainy and cold (where, oh where did the sunshine go?!) but peaceful and calm at the same time. Although we had paddles, we didn’t use them, preferring to instead gently drift until we hauled our raft to shore at a large outdoor rest point—our designated pick up point.

After a quick phone call to the rafting company, they picked us up in short order. As they loaded our raft onto their trailer, our group of friendly Czechs from the river began pointing and laughing good-naturedly at us once again.

I was dying to know the joke. It was really over-the-top and I just couldn’t imagine what they thought was so funny—and for so long! So, I questioned the man loading the truck. He chuckled and told us that throughout our many shouts of “ahoj”  down the river, they thought that we understood Czech but were choosing to only say that one word back at them. Like a game of Marco-Polo that just repeats ajoj.

Once the group figured out that we were English-speaking tourists as we talked to the rafting guide, they wanted to make up for the unceasing laughter. The leader of the group trotted over with a peace offering—a bottle of cheap rum. He was eager for us to take a sip.

I went last and disgraced myself.

In my defence, that stuff was nasty! I still don’t quite understand the reasons for all of the guffaws on the river from this group, but they were so joyous and friendly that it was impossible to hold it against them. Plus, I mean, I don’t really mind being the butt of a joke; I found that it made the entire day of rafting down the Czech Republic’s storied Vltava River all the more fun.

How to Plan a Vltava Rafting Trip from Český Krumlov

Pick the Right Rafting Company

Local companies once you’re in the town offer Vltava rafting trips from Český Krumlov. If you’re looking to book online ahead of time, it’s a bit trickier.

• There is a one-hour wooden raft tour that takes you through the pretty city center.
• Or you could book an epic guided four-day rafting trip from Prague that takes in the highlights of the Vltava River.
• An intro to white-water-rafting in České Vrbné.

Best Time of Year for a Rafting Trip

The best time for rafting on the Vltava River is typically from spring to early fall (April to September). During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and water levels are suitable for rafting. Note that winter is cold in this part of the world, which is why it’s best done in warmer weather.

We rafted the Vltava River in June and it was still cool enough that we needed jackets for the journey down river. (The Czech locals, however, were not wearing jackets, just this Florida girl).

What to Pack for a Day of Rafting

Clothing:

• Swimsuits: Wear a comfortable swimsuit as the primary layer during the rafting trip.
• Quick-drying clothes: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, or leggings to wear over your swimsuit.
• Synthetic or wool socks: Opt for socks that dry quickly and provide insulation even when wet.
• Water shoes or sandals: You need footwear that provides traction, protection, and can withstand getting wet.

Protective Gear:

• Sunscreen: Use a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
• Sunglasses: Bring a pair with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare.
• Hat or cap: Wear a hat with a wide brim or a cap to protect your face and scalp from the sun.
• Life jacket: The rafting company should provide this safety essential. If not, make sure to arrange a rental.

Other Essentials:

• Waterproof bag: Carry a waterproof bag or dry bag to keep your personal belongings safe and dry during the rafting trip.
• Towel: Bring a small, quick-drying towel for drying off or sitting on during breaks.
• Snacks and water: Pack some energy-boosting snacks and a water bottle to stay hydrated during the trip.

These were my favorite things to do in Cesky Krumlov, in addition to this rafting trip!