Recommended Routes - Rafty Jizera

The Jizera river is a beautiful river flowing through the Český Ráj (the Bohemian Paradise Natural Reservation). The stretch of the river from Spálov, through Malá Skála to Dolánky u Turnova is 20km and you can do it within one day. Here are the three basic and most popular routes.

The upper part of the river from Spálov to Malá Skála (10 km) is a great experience in the spring when the water level is higher, however, it is generally passable during the summer months as well. After setting out from Spálov, you pass through the Paraplíčko Rapids and continue to the portage no.1 in Železný Brod where we carry the rafts over land.

Then we go on to the large Splzov weir that is marked as not-passable for canoes, however, experienced raft paddlers can safely manage it. If you do not feel like passing through it, or in case of low water level (quite often here) we portage the rafts to the water channel (a former millrace) which takes us to Líšný. After the portage no.3 (around 300m) we reach Malá Skála. As you can see, this part of the river is mainly suitable for well-equipped (with proper clothes &shoes) sporty people and it takes three hours or more.

If you are not experienced paddlers or just want to relax, the lower part of the river from Malá Skála to Dolánky u Turnova (10km) is the best option for you. You get two more kilometres starting in Líšný - Our base Rafting Jizera GPS: 50.6479264N, 15.2124786E There is no portage in this part, so even families with small children can really enjoy it. You sway a bit in the Malá Skála sluice and then just flow down the river. There are a few pubs on the way where you can stop and get some refreshments - Boučkův statek right in Malá Skála or Zrcadlová koza Restaurant a bit further. One more kilometre and you get to Dolánky u Turnova, the most popular exit point, which has a cozy newly-opened pub called Abelův mlýn. The train stop is not more than 300m far from the river.

Let's go rafting!