Wooden Raft River Cruise Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov old town

Český Krumlov is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Central Europe and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992. Its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses, narrow lanes and red-tiled roofs sit on a tight horseshoe bend of the Vltava River, so the river wraps almost completely around the old centre.

That is why a river cruise is such a good way to see it: in 50 minutes you circle the heart of the town and see it from angles that walkers never get. Many visitors come on a day trip from Prague, about three hours away; a raft ride fits easily between lunch and a castle visit, and it is one of the most popular things to do in Český Krumlov in summer.

Český Krumlov Castle and the painted tower

Towering above the river on a rocky ridge, Český Krumlov Castle is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. Its colourful Renaissance tower, painted with marble-effect decoration and topped by an arcaded gallery, is the symbol of the town and looks especially striking from the water below.

From the raft you also see the castle's long palace wings and the multi-storey covered bridge that spans the gorge to the castle gardens. The skippers explain how the noble families who ruled here turned a medieval fortress into a palace with a Baroque theatre and gardens. If you plan to visit the castle afterwards, the raft gives you the best overview first.

Church of St. Vitus and the synagogue

The Gothic Church of St. Vitus, consecrated in the fifteenth century, rises above the old town with its slender tower, and from the river you see how it dominates the skyline opposite the castle. Inside, it holds fine Gothic vaulting and Baroque altars, and it is well worth a visit after the cruise.

Further along the route you pass Český Krumlov's synagogue, built in the early twentieth century on the edge of the old town, a reminder of the Jewish community that once lived in the town. You also glide past the riverside art centre housed in historic buildings, one of the town's cultural landmarks, while the skippers point out details you would miss from the street.

The Vltava raft route and Krumlov Venice

Wooden rafts have a long history on the Vltava: for centuries timber was floated downriver on rafts like these towards Prague. Today's rafts are built of lashed logs with benches, and the Český Krumlov raft cruise departs from Parkán port below the castle, drifting slowly with the current while the two skippers steer with long poles.

Halfway, the raft pulls in at the landing known as Krumlovské Benátky, or Krumlov Venice, where colourful houses stand right on the water. Here you have a short stop with a soft drink, tea or coffee before continuing. The calm pace makes it a relaxed outing for families, and life vests are provided for everyone.