Rules and Information
From Borová Lada to the confluence with the Studená Vltava and then to Nová Pec on the Vltava
Rafting on the Teplá Vltava and the Vltava within the Šumava National Park is only allowed under the conditions specified in the Visiting Rules. The dates and times of permitted rafting as well as the minimum water level is determined for the individual sections; only kayaks and canoes are allowed. Part of the river (from Polka to Lenora) flows through the Šumava PLA, and rafting is therefore not regulated within this section.
Vessels such as paddleboards, belly boats, surfboards, inner tubes, air mattresses, and so on cannot be regarded as canoes/kayaks. The Šumava NP Administration reserves the exclusive right to arbitrate about a disputable type of vessel (canoe, kayak).
All information regarding the rules for rafting is available at www.npsumava.cz, on the information panels along the river from Borová Lada to Nová Pec, in free handouts, and from the staff of the registration point at Soumarský Most.
Special conditions for the Soumarský Most – Pěkná section
- The conditions for rafting are defined in the Visiting Rules.
- Keeping to the time schedule (applies to groups with as well as without a guide). Groups with a guide – if the water level is at 50–61 cm, groups must observe the time of departure and it is recommended to keep the time of arrival at the individual rest stations in order to prevent merging of the groups (see Timetable).
- If rafting starts upstream, e.g., in Lenora, and the route continues through this section, it is necessary to plan the route with sufficient time to spare (for timely reservation pick-up and keeping the time allocated for the departure from Soumarský Most).
- Vessels must be arranged by each paddler individually.
- Proof of payment for the registration (confirmation e-mail) must be submitted when registering at Soumarský Most.
- Each paddler goes at their own risk (even if accompanying another person); underage children fall within the responsibility of their legal guardians or the person who supervises them.
- Rafting on the rivers is not permitted to persons under the influence of alcohol or other narcotic substances.
Every paddler is required to respect and observe these conditions!
Brief overview of Annex 3 to VR – Soumarský Most – Pěkná section
| Allowed rafting period: | May – weekends and holidays; June–October – daily from 8 am to 8 pm |
| Allowed time of departure: | on the hour, from 8 am to 4 pm |
| Allowed types of vessels: | kayak, canoe |
Rafting Guidelines (May to October)
| 1–31 May | only Sat, Sun, holidays |
| 1–30 June; 1 Sept – 31 Oct | daily |
| Water level 50–61 cm: max. 7 registered vessels per hour (i.e., max. 63 vessels/day) + guide (groups up to 5 vessels are not required to have a guide)Water level > 61 cm: max. 20 registered vessels per hour (i.e., max. 180 vessels/day) without a guide |
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| 1 July – 31 Aug | daily |
| Water level 50–61 cm: max. 7 registered vessels per hour (i.e., max. 63 vessels/day) + guide (between 2 pm and 4 pm – groups up to 5 vessels are not required to have a guide) Water level > 61 cm: max. 20 registered vessels per hour (i.e., max. 180 vessels/day) without a guide |
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Times of departure of individual registered vessels (groups) are 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm, with a tolerance of 15 minutes after the specified time.
The water levels indicated above are marked by lines on the water gauge on the bridge pillar at Soumarský Most. The relevant water level for the given day is determined on the water gauge at 8 am of that day. If the water level drops below 52 cm, a notification will be issued that it is likely that on the next day, it will not be possible to raft the respective section.
Vessels for rafting at the section from Soumarský Most to the bridge near Pěkná are registered via the Internet registration system or directly at the starting point at Soumarský Most during the allowed rafting period (if there are any vacancies). Prior to departing the stipulated section at the starting point at Soumarský Most, each registered vessel will receive a unique registration sticker which, in case of a check, proves that the stipulations of Section 5/1 of this general provision regarding the registration have been met.
Rafting is forbidden if the water level drops below 50 cm!
In justified cases, the Šumava NP Administration reserves the right to shift the time of departure of already registered paddlers (for operating reasons).
