Ploučnice River – A River Untouched by Civilization
Ploučnice – řeka bez rušivých zásahů civilizace
Water
The Ploučnice River in the Liberec region is a romantic and wild waterway, often called the "Czech Amazon," offering a unique paddling adventure through untouched nature, meanders, and a hand-carved sandstone tunnel.

📜 A romantic and wild waterway, often called the "Czech Amazon"
🛶 Offers a unique paddling adventure through untouched nature and meanders

Why Go

🏞️ Experience a pristine river largely untouched by civilization
💧 Navigable year-round up to Benešov nad Ploučnicí due to abundant springs, considered the most prolific source in Central Europe
🌿 Explore diverse sections from calm meanders to rapids
🌳 Meanders between Mimoň and Česká Lípa are a designated natural monument
🚣‍♀️ Paddle through the hand-carved sandstone tunnel of Průrva Ploučnice and "Hell's Maw"

Průrva Ploučnice (Ploučnice Gap)

⚙️ This fascinating technical monument is an underground mill race of a former hammer mill.
📏 It features a 150-meter long tunnel, 6 meters high, where the entire river flows through narrow sandstone blocks.
📜 Historically, in the 19th century, a local miller offered torchlight tours through this impressive structure.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Lower sections towards Děčín involve numerous weirs that are difficult to portage
🏕️ Be prepared for a total wilderness experience; many stretches have no services or supply points, requiring self-sufficiency
💪 Some routes, like the suggested two-day trip, are a true test of paddling skill and physical condition

Cost

💰 Free

Practical Information

⏱️ Time Commitment: The website suggests 5.0 hours, likely for a specific section.

Paddling Sections & Difficulty

  • Stráž pod Ralskem – Mimoň: 10 km, difficulty ZWC. Minimum water level: 35 cm (Stráž pod Ralskem gauge).
  • Mimoň – Brenná: 25 km, difficulty ZWC+. This section features meadows, floodplain forests, sharp meanders, and occasional fallen logs. Minimum water level: 20 cm (Mimoň gauge).
  • Brenná – Česká Lípa: 14.5 km, difficulty ZWC+. Minimum water level: 12 cm (Česká Lípa gauge).
  • Česká Lípa – Malá Veleň: 28 km, difficulty ZWC+. Minimum water level: 85 cm (Benešov n. Ploučnicí gauge).
  • Malá Veleň – Děčín (mouth with Elbe): 8 km, difficulty WW I.

Suggested Two-Day Trip

🗺️ Noviny pod Ralskem to Brenná:
This popular trip begins above the Ploučnice Gap (Průrva Ploučnice), a former hammer mill race that flows through narrow sandstone blocks and a hand-carved tunnel.
The exit from the tunnel is known as "Hell's Maw" (Pekelný jícen) and involves a small drop.
The journey continues through a jungle-like environment with willows, fallen logs, and numerous meanders, some turning over 180 degrees.
The meanders between Mimoň and Česká Lípa are a designated natural monument.
This route is a true test of paddling skill and physical condition.
The recommended end point is the demolished weir in Brenná.
It is possible to continue towards Děčín, but this involves numerous weirs that are difficult to portage.