Úhlava River
Řeka Úhlava
Discover the Úhlava, a 108.5 km long river in the Pilsen Region, renowned for its diverse canoeing and kayaking routes, from challenging rapids to serene meanders.

📜 A 108.5 km long river in the Pilsen Region, originating in the Šumava mountains.
🏞️ Popular for canoeing and kayaking, offering diverse sections for all skill levels.
🌊 Its flow is significantly influenced by the Nýrsko Dam, providing varied conditions.

Why Go

🛶 Experience varied river sections, from fast-flowing streams (WW I-II) to calmer meanders (ZWC).
🏆 Witness the annual Czech Canoeists' Cup.
🌳 Enjoy scenic views through mostly unforested valleys.
🏞️ Explore the most beautiful section from Přeštice to Plzeň.
🔗 Combine your trip with the Berounka River, which the Úhlava feeds into.

🛶 Navigable Sections

The river offers sections for all skill levels, with varying lengths and minimum water levels.

  • Janovice n/Ú – Plzeň Hradiště: 72 km (3-4 days), min. 70 cm (Tajanov gauge)
  • Klatovy – Plzeň Hradiště: 60 km (3 days), min. 60 cm (Tajanov gauge)
  • Švihov – Plzeň Hradiště: 46 km (2-3 days), min. 55 cm (Štěnovice gauge)
  • Přeštice – Plzeň Hradiště: 28 km (1-2 days), min. 50 cm (Štěnovice gauge)
  • Čižice – Plzeň Hradiště: 14 km (1 day), min. 50 cm (Štěnovice gauge)
  • Upper course (Nýrsko - Janovice): 93.5 - 75.9 km, ZWC (WW I), min. 40 cm (St. Lhota gauge)

💧 Water Levels

Upper course navigable only when water is released from Nýrsko dam (min. 40 cm at Nýrsko gauge).
River generally has more water in spring and after rainfall.
Check gauges in Štěnovice (min 50 cm for Přeštice, 60 cm for upper course), Tajanov (min 60-70 cm), and Nýrsko (min 40 cm).
Winter months can be affected by freezing gauges.

📍 Points of Interest

Confluence of Radbuza and Úhlava, Plzeň.
Úhlava in Plzeň Hradiště (typical end point).
Přeštice weir, Švihov, Klatovy (Říční lázně).
Starting points: Janovice n/Ú, Nýrsko, Stará Lhota, Zadní Hamry, Veselí, Přeštice, Čižice.
Explore nearby historical sites like the water castle Švihov and the unique Renaissance castle Červené Poříčí.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Upper course requires specific water releases from Nýrsko dam to be navigable.
⚠️ Many weirs divert water, making passage difficult at lower water levels, especially for open boats.
⚠️ Long calm sections ("olej") above weirs can require more effort.

🏕️ Campsites

Find designated campsites in Nýrsko, Beňovy, Bezděkov, Volenovy, and Klatovy.

ℹ️ Managed By

Povodí Vltavy, státní podnik.

Tags
rivernatureoutdoorcanoeingkayakingwater sportsboating