Navigating the Rafting Map: Český Krumlov to Zlatá Koruna Route

The Vltava River is the lifeblood of Southern Bohemia. It flows gracefully through the UNESCO-listed center of Český Krumlov. You can find more information about this site at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The route to Zlatá Koruna is the most popular day trip for visitors.

Your journey begins in the heart of the town. You will navigate several weirs, which are small man-made dams. These provide a fun splash without being too dangerous. Most rental companies provide a waterproof rafting map Český Krumlov to Zlatá Koruna route to help you navigate. This map shows every weir and refreshment stand.

The river current is generally steady but calm. You will see lush green forests once you leave the city limits. The silence of nature replaces the bustling streets. It is an ideal way to see the Czech countryside from a unique perspective.

10 Must-See Stops on Your Vltava River Journey

Here are the top places to see and experience on your river trip. This list includes city sights, nature spots, and nearby excursions.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Český Krumlov Castle
• Quick Pick: Best for History - Zlatá Koruna Monastery
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - U Tří veverek Camp
• Quick Pick: Best Nature - Dívčí Kámen Ruins

1. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: View the massive Renaissance tower from the water level. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: City center. Time: 30 minutes (viewing from raft). Cost: Free to view from river. Getting there: Start your raft trip at the Myší díra entry point. Tip: Look up as you pass the Cloak Bridge for a stunning perspective. Check the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov for tour times later.
2. Name: Latrán District Type: Neighborhood Why go: This historic area lines the river with colorful medieval houses. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Just below the castle. Time: 15 minutes of paddling. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by water immediately after the first weir. Tip: This is the most crowded part of the river, so stay alert.
3. Name: The Horseshoe Bend Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: The river makes a dramatic 180-degree turn around the town. Best for: Scenic views. Where: Surrounding the inner town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the natural curve of the river. Tip: Keep your camera in a waterproof bag during the weirs here.
4. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: See world-class art in a former brewery near the riverbank. Best for: Rainy days or art fans. Where: Near the river in the town center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Approx 200 CZK. Getting there: Dock your raft at a designated spot nearby. Tip: Secure your raft well before heading inside. Check the best canoe and raft rentals in Český Krumlov for docking advice.
5. Name: U Tří veverek (Three Squirrels) Type: Experience/Stop Why go: A famous riverside camp with snacks and cold Czech beer. Best for: Families and hungry rafters. Where: Halfway between the city and Zlatá Koruna. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low (meals 150-250 CZK). Getting there: Look for the large signs on the left bank. Tip: Try the grilled sausages; they are a local favorite.
6. Name: Zlatá Koruna Monastery Type: Historical/Day trip end Why go: One of the most precious Gothic monuments in Central Europe. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: At the end of the rafting route. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx 150 CZK for grounds. Getting there: Dock at the Zlatá Koruna landing site. Tip: Visit the Monasteries Český Krumlov site for more local history.
7. Name: Dívčí Kámen Ruins Type: Day trip/Nature Why go: Explore the romantic ruins of a 14th-century castle on a rocky hill. Best for: Hikers and adventurers. Where: 5km downstream from Zlatá Koruna. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Small entry fee (approx 60 CZK). Getting there: Continue paddling past Zlatá Koruna or take a short hike. Tip: The climb is steep but the views of the Vltava are worth it.
8. Name: Kleť Mountain Type: Viewpoint/Nearby Why go: The highest peak in the Blanský Forest with an observation tower. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Near Zlatá Koruna. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free to hike; small fee for chairlift. Getting there: Take a bus or taxi from Zlatá Koruna after your raft trip. Tip: On clear days, you can see the Austrian Alps from the top.
9. Name: České Budějovice Type: Nearby city Why go: Home to the original Budweiser brewery and a massive town square. Best for: Beer lovers and urban explorers. Where: 20km north of Zlatá Koruna. Time: Half-day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Easy train or bus connection. Consider visiting České Budějovice from Český Krumlov. Tip: Visit the Black Tower for the best city views.
10. Name: Monastery Garden Type: Nature/Relax Why go: A peaceful green space to unwind after a long day of paddling. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Near the center of Český Krumlov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the main raft drop-off points in town. Tip: It is much quieter than the main castle gardens.

Essential Tips for Your Rafting Adventure

Safety is key when following the rafting map Český Krumlov to Zlatá Koruna route. Always wear your life jacket, especially when going over weirs. Most weirs have a specific wooden chute for rafts. Look for the signs indicating where to enter. If the water is too low, you may need to walk your raft through.

Pack light but bring essentials. Sunscreen and water are vital during the summer months. Wear shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet. Flip-flops often get lost in the river mud. A waterproof bag is necessary for your phone and wallet.

Booking in advance is highly recommended for 2026 travel. The river gets very busy during July and August. Most rental companies offer a shuttle service back to town. This makes the one-way trip to Zlatá Koruna very convenient for tourists.