Explore the most beautiful sections of Orlík reservoir on a seakayak.
Rugged shores, crayfish, rocky outlooks, deep side canyons, 2 majestic castles and a tour of one of them. You will experience all this if you set out to explore the Orlík Reservoir by a lesser known way of seakayaking.
Fast seakayaks with rudders can be rented in various locations, such as the Velký Vír. Set aside all day for the trip, take plenty of drinks, headgear, snack, and some extra clothes to go for a tour of Zvíkov Castle.
The route
From Velký Vír or another starting point, head upstream towards Orlík Castle. According to the legend, it was named after an eagle's nest, but it has looked more like a water castle since the flooding of the reservoir.
Further upstream you will see the Ždákovský Bridge, one of the architectural landmarks of the entire middle section of the Vltava River. It is 540 m long, 50 m high and the main arch has a span of 330 m.
Further upstream you will see the Ždákovský Bridge, one of the architectural landmarks of the entire middle section of the Vltava River. It is 540 m long, 50 m high and the main arch has a span of 330 m.
Behind Žďákovský bridge on the right side you can climb to Krkavčí Rock. It is worth it, you will see one of the most beautiful views of the Orlík Dam.
After some more paddling upstream, the dam's valley will appear more and more clutched between the rocks. The last 4 km before Zvíkov, which lies at the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers, you will sail through the wildest part of the trip. The names of the places - Peklo (Hell) Bay and Černý Vír (Black Vortex) - will not leave you in doubt about the nature of this place.
At Zvíkov Castle you can anchor at the dock below the castle next to the motor boats and go for a tour and refreshment.
The way back is the same, but it goes faster because you go downstream and without longer stops.