Prague – Over three weirs

Thousands of enthusiasts set sail on the Vltava River in the very heart of the capital on punts, canoes, kayaks, rafts and paddleboards to experience a unique combination of sports adrenaline, historical views and great fun.

The roots of this event go back to 1939, when the Water Scouts started its first official year. This scouting event managed to survive the Nazi occupation and the communist regime, when it had to be disguised as a regular sports event.

The event Over Three Weirs was founded as a water scouts' race in 1939, and therefore the main competition category is a dinghy race of water scouts from all over the country on the traditional St. Wenceslas Day date (September 28).
The morning is dedicated to genuine sports competition. The main prestigious discipline is the Czech Republic Championship in paddling on typical scout dinghies.

The event is divided into two main blocks so that everyone can have their own fun: Apart from the scout competitions, the event is always open to the public, who can use the exceptionally open weir sluices.
Once the competitors have completed the course, the water level calms down and it is time for recreational boaters, groups of friends and families with children. Without stress or a timer, they can jump into an inflatable raft or canoe and enjoy Prague and the rapids in the culverts from the deck of the boat.

The very attractive route leads through the historic center of Prague and is a unique opportunity to ride down Prague's weirs, which are opened to the public once a year on the occasion of this race.
The race route today is about 6.5 river kilometers long, starting at Císařská louka (above the Railway Bridge) and finishing on Štvanice Island.
As the name of the race suggests, three weirs are overcome along the way: Šítkovský weir (under the Jirásek Bridge), the Staroměstský weir (Karlovka above the Charles Bridge) and the Helmovský weir near Štvanice.

What started as a modest club competition has grown into a phenomenon of enormous popularity. Boat capacity is often sold out weeks in advance, and over a thousand vessels and around three thousand paddlers from the Czech Republic and abroad regularly gather at the start at Císařská louka. There is also plenty of refreshments and entertainment at the start.

Navigating through the culverts is more difficult for paddlers, the rapids of the culverts reach the level of WWII white water. For more experienced canoeists, this is not a problem, less experienced or families with children prefer stable inflatable rafts, which can pass through the culverts like a tank. Experienced water rescuers take care of safety at all weirs.

The event has a unique atmosphere for those on land as well. The bridges and embankments in the city center will be filled with thousands of spectators. The most rewarding places to watch are Charles Bridge and Legion Bridge, from where people watch with excitement which crew will pass the race with elegance and which will “click” and earn amused applause from the audience.

Soon after starting from Císařská louka, participants are offered an unusual view of the majestic Vyšehrad.

The first weir on the route is located under the Jirásek Bridge near Mánes. The sluice will be tested for the first time by crews who encounter a spray of Vltava water here.

Soon after, boaters will have a view of one of Prague's icons, the National Theatre reflected on the surface.

Directly above Charles Bridge lies the Old Town Weir, whose culvert is one of the most challenging sections. Riding through the large waves of this weir with spectators overhead is undoubtedly the most photogenic moment of the entire route.
Due to the high waves, many boats capsize here. Fortunately, there are water rescue boats ready to respond quickly and professionally.

A great boating experience is sailing directly under the stone arches of Charles Bridge. It is important to avoid the busy boat traffic of sightseeing boats.

The absolute peak of romance for free-floating participants is the opportunity to turn off beyond Charles Bridge into the Čertovka Canal. Unfortunately, due to the great demand, boats are often crowded here.

Entering this narrow Lesser Town canal, lined with ancient houses and an old mill wheel, immediately transports participants to the atmosphere of the “Venice of Prague”. It is a magical contrast to the wild waves on the main Vltava. Here too, one needs to be careful of large cruise ships.

After setting sail from Čertovka, participants will soon have a view of the Agnes Monastery and the representative building of the Ministry of Industry and Trade with its unmistakable dome.

Boaters can watch in fascination as daredevils jump into the river from the pillars on the left bank.

The famous ship Hermes is anchored at the left end of Štefánik Bridge, which serves the homeless as a social facility and a place for sleeping, personal hygiene, and basic social counseling.

The last weir is at Štvanice Island. It is a very high weir, which is why its passage is long and wild. After passing through it, the boaters only have to end their journey at Štvanice.