Best Scenic River Cruises in Olomouc

Exploring the city from the water offers a fresh perspective. You can avoid the crowds and enjoy the breeze. Most tours depart from central docks near the historic walls. Here are the top picks for your river itinerary.

• Best overall: Ololoď Sightseeing Boat
• Best for families: Nové Sady Family Rafting
• Best for nature: Hynkov Nature Float
• Best free view: Olomouc Náplavka

1. Name: Ololoď Sightseeing Boat Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous boat in the city. It offers a comfortable, covered deck for all weather. Best for: Relaxed sightseeing and history lovers. Where: Departs from the Envelopa area. Time: 45 to 60 minutes. Cost: Approximately 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main square. Tip: Book in advance during summer weekends.
2. Name: Guided City Rafting Tour Type: activity Why go: See the city walls from a low-angle raft. An expert guide shares stories about the fortifications. Best for: Active travelers and small groups. Where: Starts near the Bezručovy Sady park. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate price for guided groups. Getting there: Take a tram to the U Dómu stop. Tip: Wear shoes that can get slightly wet.
3. Name: Hynkov Nature Cruise Type: day trip Why go: Experience the untouched beauty of the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. This route is very peaceful. Best for: Birdwatching and nature photography. Where: Starts in Hynkov, north of the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Varies by group size. Getting there: Short bus or taxi ride to Hynkov. Tip: Bring insect repellent for the forest sections.
4. Name: Olomouc Náplavka Boat Bar Type: experience Why go: This is a stationary boat experience on the new embankment. It is perfect for evening drinks on the water. Best for: Socializing and sunset views. Where: Located at the Olomouc Náplavka. Time: As long as you like. Cost: Free entry; pay for drinks. Getting there: Walk from the Tržnice tram stop. Tip: Try the local Moravian wine while on board.
5. Name: Sunset Photography Cruise Type: experience Why go: The golden hour light hits the St. Wenceslas Cathedral perfectly. This cruise focuses on the best photo spots. Best for: Photographers and couples. Where: Central Morava River section. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Standard cruise rates apply. Getting there: Meet at the Envelopa dock. Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for the cathedral.
6. Name: Litovel to Olomouc Long Float Type: day trip Why go: This is a full-day adventure through the river valley. It combines exercise with stunning scenery. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Starts in the town of Litovel. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Includes equipment rental and transport. Getting there: Train from Olomouc to Litovel. Tip: Pack a waterproof bag for your lunch.
7. Name: Bezručovy Sady Park View Boat Type: sight Why go: This short loop passes under the historic bridges. You see the university buildings from a unique angle. Best for: A quick break from walking. Where: Near the botanical gardens. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Very affordable. Getting there: Walk through the park from the center. Tip: Visit the nearby gardens after your boat ride.
8. Name: Historic Center Water Loop Type: sight Why go: This route circles the oldest part of Olomouc. It provides a great overview of the medieval layout. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Central river channel. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Typical tour pricing. Getting there: Central dock access. Tip: Listen to the guide's stories about the 1997 flood.
9. Name: Nové Sady Family Rafting Type: activity Why go: The water is very calm in this section. It is safe for children and beginners. Best for: Families with kids. Where: Southern part of the city. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Family discounts often available. Getting there: Tram number 3 or 5 to Nové Sady. Tip: Check for age restrictions before booking.

Planning Your Scenic River Cruises in Olomouc

Most scenic river cruises in Olomouc run from May to September. The water levels are usually stable during these months. You should check the weather forecast before heading out. Heavy rain can sometimes cancel boat trips for safety reasons. You can find more details on the Olomouc Tourism Portal.

Booking in advance is highly recommended for the Ololoď boat. It is a popular choice for school groups and tourists. Many operators offer online booking systems. You can also visit the information center in the Town Hall. They provide maps and contact details for local captains.

Safety is a top priority on the Morava River. Life jackets are usually provided for all rafting tours. Small children must wear them at all times. The river is generally shallow but has some moving currents. Always follow the instructions of your guide or captain.

If you prefer a self-guided trip, look into where to rent boats on Morava River. Several spots offer canoes and small rafts for rent. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ensure you know the exit points along the river before you start.

Top Landmarks to See from the Morava River

The Morava River offers a unique vantage point for local landmarks. One of the highlights is the St. Wenceslas Cathedral. Its tall spires dominate the skyline from the water. This site is part of the Olomouc Castle complex. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.

You will also pass the historic city walls. These stone fortifications protected Olomouc for centuries. From a boat, you can see how they integrate into the rocky landscape. The riverside walk in Olomouc follows this same scenic path. Seeing it from the water adds a new layer of appreciation.

Modern architecture is also visible along the banks. The new embankment, or Náplavka, features clean lines and social spaces. It shows how the city is reconnecting with its river. Many students from Palacký University Olomouc gather here in the evenings. It is a vibrant part of the local culture.

Finally, look out for the various bridges crossing the Morava. Each has a different style, from historic stone to modern steel. They provide great framing for your travel photos. The river perspective makes these everyday structures look quite grand. Do not forget to wave at the locals walking along the banks!