Boating River Ohře
1. Basic Information
- Length: 316 km (approximately 246 km in the Czech Republic)
- Source: Bavaria (Germany) – the Smrčiny Mountains
- Mouth: Elbe (Litoměřice)
- Usual Difficulty: ZWC – WW I-II
- Best Time to Paddle: May – September
2. Recommended Sections
A) For Beginners and Families
- Tršnice – Kynšperk nad Ohří (17 km, ZWC, 4–6 hours) – a calm route with minimal obstacles.
- Kynšperk nad Ohří – Sokolov (15 km, ZWC, 4–5 hours) – gentle current, with swimming possibility.
- Vojkovice – Perštejn (12 km, WW-I, 3–5 hours) – wilder water, beautiful mountains.
B) For Moderately Experienced Paddlers
- Kynšperk nad Ohří – Loket nad Ohří (28 km, ZWC, 6–8 hours) – beautiful landscape, historic sites.
- Loket – Karlovy Vary (15 km, WW I-II, 3–4 hours) – first rapids, Svatošské Rocks.
C) For Experienced Paddlers
- Karlovy Vary – Vojkovice (25 km, WW I-II, 6–8 hours) – faster current, rapids.
- Dubina – Perštejn (24 km, WW I-II, 6–8 hours) – wilder water, beautiful mountains.
3. Campsites and Refreshments
There are plenty of campsites and refreshment options from Cheb to Kadaň.
4. Safety Warnings
Mandatory equipment: Life jacket, helmet on rapids sections.
- Weir Hlavno – Černý Mlýn: Navigate using the left water gate.
- Weir Radošov: Portage on the left bank.
- Hubertus Rapids: Recommended for experienced paddlers; can be portaged on the left.
5. Boat Reservations
There are several boat rental companies on the Ohře River; the largest is Dronte, where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts.
6. Why Go on the Ohře?
- ✅ Ideal for paddlers of all levels
- ✅ Beautiful nature and historic towns
- ✅ Plenty of campsites and refreshment options
- ✅ Options for both day trips and multi-day routes
