The Sázava River flows gently here, meandering through the woods and offering you exactly the kind of peace and quiet that made you buy that board in the first place. It’s just under 14 kilometres of peaceful river cruising, where the biggest thrill will be seeing if you spot a kingfisher or a heron along the shore.
Start below the château: Relaxation in Zruč
It all starts in Zruč, where you can launch your paddleboard just a short distance from the château. The first few metres are the usual routine: find your balance, adjust your stance, and get into a rhythm. But the Sázava River is gentle here – don’t expect any rough waters. It’s the perfect spot for those who are still finding their footing on the board, as well as for pros who just want to “unwind”. The river flows lazily beneath you, giving you plenty of time to watch the surrounding rocks and dense forests reflected on the water’s surface.
Meandering streams, tranquillity, and the silence of the Sázava
The trip to Omaha is all about minimalism. Just you, your paddle, and the occasional greeting from canoeists. This stretch is one of the calmer ones, so you don’t have to worry about any tricky rapids that would force you to constantly carry your board (though there are one or two along the way like the one in Chabeřice – so watch out for your fin!). The water here is just deep enough to make for a good paddle, and the banks are lined with spots where you can pull up at any time, lie down in the grass, and take a break for a snack.
Home stretch: arriving at Omaha Camp
As soon as the valley begins to open up before you and you catch the scent of a fire and sausages, you’re almost there. Omaha Camp in Kácov is a legendary kayaking base with just the right punk vibe. Paddling up to a group of kayakers has a certain charm. Just pull your board ashore, deflate it (or toss it in the car), and head straight for a well-deserved beer or Kofola. Omaha is the perfect place to unwind and calmly reflect on how many times you’ve (not) ended up in the water.
If 14 kilometres seems like a lot to you, feel free to stop earlier, but keep in mind that those last few kilometres before Kácov have the best flow. And here’s a little tip to wrap things up: before you set off, stop by the château park in Zruč – it’s a great spot for a photo.
