Basic information
Maribor is an important transport hub, especially for those travelling from Central Europe to Croatia or from Eastern Europe to Italy. But this city deserve more, not just passing through. There are galleries, museums and also the university, which was founded in 1961. But the main attraction is the four hundred years old, still nascent, grape-vine in Lent – the oldest part of the city. Through the city flows the river Drava, where you can try a traditional raft ride.

History of Maribor
Maribor originated from the village below the Markburg castle. It was first mentioned in 1208, the name Maribor is used only since the late 19th century. There is also a large railway junction (the oldest railway crossing Slovenia) and the highway to Zagreb, Ljubljana and Graz. Until the World War I, there was a large minority of Germans living in Maribor. But they had to leave after the first, and then also after the Second World War, so now the city is purely Slovenian.

Old Vine (Stara trta)
The old grape-vine on the banks of Lent was discovered during the renovation of the port. It was found that this forgotten grape is perhaps the oldest in Europe (three hundred to four hundred years old). Ceremonial harvest of these precious berries of wine is at the end of October. However the wine of this origin can hardly be bought. You could get it only as a present and only if you are really very important visitor to the city of Maribor.

Maribor’s Squares
Core central area of ​​Maribor includes the Main Square (Glavni Trg) and Slomškov Square (Slomškov Trg). On the Main Square you can see the Plague Column made by the sculptor Joseph Straub, which commemorate the tragedy of 17th century, when a third of Maribor’s residents died of black death. On the same square you can admire the old Renaissance Town Hall (Rotovž), through you can walk to Town Hall Square (Rotovški Trg). On the Slomškov Square you can see the monumental church and great facade of the classicist theater.

Lent International Summer Festival
Bank of river Drava, formerly a major port or residence of rafters and small craftsmen, is now a promenade with many cafes and restaurants. It is suitable for pleasant walks. Lent is also a place of the annual international music, theater and entertainment festival. It is held for approximately two weeks at the end of June.

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It is really cheap and suitable also for the families with kids. You don’t have to be an expert in canoeing, as Czech rivers are not as wild. It is even suitable for those that have never been rafting before. However you have to meet one requirement – you have to love water.

There are about 500 rivers that you can raft in the Czech republic. We prepared for you just a short overview of the most popular rivers you should start with.

Vltava river
The very Czech river is usually rafted from the town of Vyšší Brod to the city of České Budějovice. It is possible to add additional two days from Lenora to Lipno or two days from Prague to Mělník. On all these sections the river flows nicely and is suitable for tourist canoe. Very popular is sailing down the all the dams on the Vltava between České Budějovice and Prague on sea kayaks. Also, if you would like to get an unforgettable experience you should pass through the Czech capital – Prague, or through the city of Český Krumlov.

+ Beautiful landscape, nice flow, most dams are rideable
- Too many boaters and full camps.

Rental services on Vltava river: www.ingetour.cz

Sázava river
Sázava provides two interesting sections – one is at the beginning and one at the end. The section between Týnec nad Sázavou and Pikovice belongs to the most popular ones in the Czech republic.
+ Interesting rapids
- Dangerous weirs, long stretches without power, many boaters on the downstream

Rental services on Sazava river: www.pujcovna-lodi.cz (only in Czech)

Lužnice river
Lužnice has already been described in the separated article here.

Berounka river
If you’ve never been on the water yet, Berounka river is ideal for you. It does not flow too fast, it is broad and water level is enough high throughout the year. The list of superlatives can include a beautiful nature, interesting sights all around and the camping almost on every turn. Those looking for comfort, night guitar just at the fireplace, pubs or walks to the surrounding ruins, will find Berounka as the best solution. Here you can meet the groups that runs the same river for decades.

+ Forests and meadows, many nice campsites, monuments and sights
- Dry after the weirs

Rental services on Berounka river: www.rekaberounka.cz

Ohře river
Ohře river is a number 2 among the most popular canoeing rivers. It is powerful, and fresh. Fast flow alternates with rapids. It often passes under the rocks, on which is castle or at least the ruins. The historic town of Cheb, Karlovy Vary and Kadaň worth seeing. Many camps offer only cheap place for a tent and a simple toilet, but there is also a number of comfortably equipped campsites.

+ Live river, fast flow, romantic landscape
- Too many boaters

Rental services on Ohře river: www.dronte.cz

Otava river
Castles, beer, sausage, relax – it’s Otava. Nicely flowing through the planes of Šumava forests to Orlík lake. There is no unpleasant surprises waiting for the paddlers. During the holidays it is full of boaters, but the number of boats and tents in the camps is reasonable.

+ Peaceful atmosphere
- In the hot summer can be the lack of water

Rental services on Otava river: www.lodniservis.cz

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