As I mentioned recently, alongside our trips abroad, I also want to share articles about interesting places in the Czech Republic that are worth exploring by paddleboard.
In my opinion, paddleboarding is still enjoying a real boom here. Almost anyone can do it – even dogs. :)
Since we live in the beautiful Beroun region, we are never far from the water. We usually take our paddleboards out with the first rays of spring sunshine, sometimes as early as March.
We may need to wear a few extra layers, but gliding across the Berounka River when there is nobody else around, with the surface smooth as butter, is absolutely priceless.
In summer, we are also planning a short trip to the Alps, where we will take our paddleboards with us. However, not everyone can simply travel to the Alps for a quick getaway. They are not exactly nearby, and paddleboarding is not permitted on every lake.
For complete peace and a proper mental reset after a difficult day or week at work, a paddleboard is the ideal companion.
Sometimes, all you need to do is pack the boards and drive a short distance beyond Beroun.
Nižbor is a place close to our hearts and the perfect base for exploring the river.
Join us as we discover two routes where you will not be surrounded by crowds of occasionally tipsy canoeists, but instead by the beautiful countryside of the Křivoklátsko region, excellent food and genuine relaxation at a slower pace.
Our Paddleboards
We own two paddleboards.
At first, we used to ride together on one board designed for two people.
We do not head out onto the water with professional equipment worth tens of thousands of Czech crowns, because we believe that experiences should remain accessible.
Our little fleet consists of two boards.
Large Two-Person Paddleboard from Intersport
This is our stable family vessel.
Its biggest advantage is that two people can paddle together and share the experience. When one person gets tired and sits down, the other can continue paddling and carry them for a while.
Smaller Crivit Paddleboard from Lidl
This is a lightweight and manoeuvrable board that perfectly complements our larger one.
It is ideal for solo paddling and easier manoeuvring.
The Berounka River from a Different Perspective
When people hear the name Berounka, most of them probably imagine traditional fibreglass canoes, noisy campsites and busy groups of paddlers.
When we travel, however, we prefer peace and quiet.
That is why we inflated our paddleboards and found our own little world on the river around Nižbor.
The river flows slowly here, the banks are green, and the deep forests around you make it easy to forget about every responsibility waiting back at work.
And believe me, even after the worst possible working day – when everyone has tested my patience and my nerves are completely exhausted – an hour on the water gives me an incredible boost.
Although sometimes you still have to force yourself to get up and go. :)
Depending on our mood, we choose between two different routes: either a proper workout or pure relaxation.
Route 1: From Hýskov to Nižbor
Our Favourite Training Route
We really enjoy this route when we want to stretch our bodies and get in a little exercise.
We set off from Hýskov and paddle upstream towards Nižbor.
The Berounka is not a particularly fast-flowing river, but paddling against the current – especially with two people on a single board – still requires some honest teamwork.
The reward for your effort is well worth it.
Along the way, you pass traditional riverside cottage settlements that remember the early days of Czech tramping culture. You paddle beneath rocky cliffs and beside dense forests.
Most importantly, the closer you get to Nižbor, the closer you are to its small culinary paradise.
Zastávka Nižbor Restaurant
This iconic railway restaurant owned by Czech actor Tomáš Hanák hardly needs an introduction.
The stylish interior, created from old railway carriages, immediately transports you to another era.
We discovered the restaurant completely by accident around three years ago.
We tried fried cheese with chips and honey.
You can sit, watch the passing trains and simply relax.
I definitely recommend making a reservation, because it has become almost impossible to find a free table without one, especially at weekends.
You can park directly in front of the restaurant.
Nižbor Castle Café
This is another of our favourite places, and we visit it regularly.
For coffee with a view, walk or drive up to Nižbor Castle.
The café has a wonderful atmosphere, and its homemade cakes and pastries are excellent.
When you arrive, you may be welcomed by Vilda, the handsome lord of the castle. He will probably lick you, donate a few hairs to your clothes and then allow you to order an iced coffee, lemonade or almost anything else.
The kind and helpful owner prepares everything with genuine care.
The castle also hosts various events throughout the year, including historical fencing performances, markets and Advent events.
The café is open from April until the end of the year.
Parking is available directly above the castle.
A Perfect Escape Close to Home
For us, paddleboarding around Nižbor proves that you do not have to travel thousands of kilometres to escape from everyday life.
Sometimes, you simply need to slow down and look at the world from the surface of a river.
Have you already tried these sections of the Berounka?
What are your favourite paddleboarding spots in the Czech Republic?
Let us know in the comments on our WandersKaty Facebook and Instagram pages.
Suitable for Almost Everyone
This area is suitable for almost anyone.
You can set off with children from both Hýskov and Nižbor.
At both locations, you can spread out a picnic blanket and simply relax beside the river.
In Hýskov, there is a small shop just a few steps from the weir, as well as a good local ice cream shop.
What to Watch Out For
In both Nižbor and Hýskov, the car parks can become full during the afternoon, which makes finding an available space more difficult.
In Nižbor, you can park near the petrol station, in the paid car park opposite it, or along the road leading towards Žloukovice.
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