Chrudimka River Canoeing & Rafting
Řeka Chrudimka
The Chrudimka is a river in the Czech Republic offering varied sections for canoeing and rafting, with difficulties from still water to challenging WW II-III rapids. Its navigability is highly dependent on rainfall and scheduled water releases from several dams.

📜 A 93 km long river in the Czech Republic, originating in the Žďárské vrchy hills.
🔍 Popular for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, offering varied sections from still water to challenging WW II-III rapids.

Why Go

🏞️ Explore diverse river sections with varying difficulty levels.
🌲 Enjoy scenic stretches, especially the upper section and the 'Peklo' (Hell) section in a beautiful valley.
💦 Experience regulated flows from dams, with scheduled water releases for optimal navigability.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Upper section can be narrow, overgrown, and challenging to navigate.
🚧 'Peklo' section is rocky and often dry; beware of fallen trees and game reserve fences.
💧 Navigability is highly dependent on rainfall and dam releases; check water levels before going.
⛔ Be aware of recent warnings: fallen trees on Seč-Mezisvětí, Kalousov weir reconstruction, low footbridge in Chrudim, and dangers at Svídnice weir.

🗺️ River Sections & Difficulty

  • Upper Section (Hamry - Na Pilce, km 93.2 - 57.5): WW I - ZW, narrow, overgrown, fast current.
  • Upper Section (Na Pilce - Seč Dam, km 57.5 - 50.7): ZW (still water).
  • Middle Section (Seč Dam - Křižanovice reservoir, km 50.7 - 40.4): WW I, pleasant and undemanding.
  • Middle Section (Křižanovice, km 40.4 - 37.2): ZWA.
  • Middle Section (Křižanovice Dam - Svídnice Dam, km 37.2 - 30.4): WW II-III, 'Peklo' (Hell), challenging, rocky, often dry.
  • Lower Section (Svídnice - Slatiňany, km 30.4 - 25.1): WW I - II.
  • Lower Section (Slatiňany - Labe confluence, km 25.1 - 0.0): ZW, easy, meandering through meadows.

📏 Navigability Conditions

  • General: Limits for plastic canoes with moderately experienced crew. Kayakers may pass at lower levels; rafts/beginners need more water.
  • Upper (from Trhová Kamenice): Navigable in spring/after heavy rain; min 83 cm at Přemilov gauge.
  • Middle (below Seč): Depends on power plant releases (weekdays, some Sat mornings); min 105 cm at Padrty gauge. Planned release: September 13, 2025.
  • Middle (below Křižanovice): Often dry; requires significant release (min 22 m³/s) or 90 cm at Svídnice gauge.
  • Lower (from Svídnice): Depends on dam releases; min 50 cm at Svídnice gauge.
  • Lower (from Tuněchody): Mostly navigable year-round; min 38 cm at Nemošice gauge.

🅿️ Access & Transportation

  • Access Points: Hamry (km 93.2), Trhová Kamenice (km 72.9), Klokočov (km 57.5), Hořelec (km 47.5), Mezisvětí (km 40.4), Svídnice (km 30.3), Slatiňany (km 25.1), Chrudim (km 22.2), Pardubice (km 0.0).
  • Transportation: Accessible by road at various points. Lower part served by the ČD railway line Pardubice-Chrudim-Slatiňany-Hlinsko v Čechách.

🏕️ Campsites

  • Located at Seč and Paseky.
Tags
canoeingraftingkayakingoutdoorrivernaturewater sports