About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Marina Vltava at Nelahozeves is the starting point for houseboat holidays on two Czech rivers, the Vltava and the Elbe (known locally as the Labe). Few people go boating here yet, which makes it a good choice if you want to get away from the crowds. Both rivers are easy to navigate, even if you've never handled a boat before. There are plenty of free places to tie up, so crews can always stop to walk round the pretty little towns or eat an inexpensive meal ashore. The route takes in Nelahozeves, Mělník, Litoměřice and Střekov.
The fleet here is a Kormoran 1140, and a Kormoran 940 joins it for the 2027 season.
Two rivers from Nelahozeves
Larger boats can use just under 92 kilometres of the Vltava, with ten locks. This stretch runs from the Slapy Dam to where the Vltava meets the Elbe near Mělník. The last 11 kilometres follow a side channel through the historic Hořín lock.
Houseboats can use 171 kilometres of the Elbe, which has 19 locks. Downstream, the limit is the Ústí nad Labem lock near the German border. Hire boats can't pass the last lock because the river below Ústí nad Labem is no longer controlled by dams. Upstream, the waterway runs as far as the Chvaletice shipyard, but houseboats must stop at Kolín.
Locks and moorings
The locks are very large. Most measure 85 by 12 metres and were built in the 1950s for commercial vessels. On the Elbe there is nowhere to wait at the locks, so you circle in front of the gates until the way is clear, which usually doesn't take long. You can text almost all the locks, which helps if you and the lock keeper don't share a language.
Well-equipped town moorings come every 30 to 40 kilometres on both rivers. Most have a jetty with side walkways, bollards or cleats for tying up, and points for electricity and water. A prepaid card kept on board switches these on, so mooring, electricity and water are all included. You can download a cruising guide to help you find your way.
Fishing, cycling and Dvořák
The Vltava has many kinds of fish, including trout, perch and carp, and fly fishing is possible. A well-kept cycle path runs beside the Elbe, so some of the crew can ride for a while, and there are plenty of chances to cycle along the Vltava too. Bikes can be carried on the boats, and from 2027 you can hire one at the marina. Most moorings are close enough to walk into town.
The castle at Nelahozeves stands almost on the bank of the Vltava and is well worth a visit. Nelahozeves is also where the composer Antonín Dvořák was born, and there is a museum about his life and work.
Getting to the marina
The marina is a few minutes' walk from Nelahozeves railway station. By car it is about an hour and a half from Dresden and three and a half hours from Nuremberg. There are shops in Nelahozeves, and larger supermarkets in the next town, 4 kilometres away.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The closest canal holidays on Mooch, by trail, then region, then country. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
