Kayaking the Thaya & March Rivers: A Two-Day Adventure Across Three Countries

When we first looked at the map, the idea sounded almost too good to be true. Could we really paddle across three countries in just two days? As it turns out, we could. Kayaking the Thaya & March Rivers took us from Břeclav in the Czech Republic, along the border between Austria and Slovakia, through peaceful wetlands, endless fishing cabins, and some of the best wildlife we’ve seen on any river trip. We spotted white storks, herons, deer, and hardly any other paddlers along the way.

Covering 77 kilometers (48 miles) over two days might sound ambitious, but thanks to the gentle current and almost no obstacles, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing long-distance kayaking trips we’ve done.

If you’re looking for a unique paddling adventure in Central Europe, here’s everything you need to know before setting off.

Things to Know Before Kayaking the Thaya & March Rivers

Is this route suitable for beginners?

Yes. Thanks to the gentle current and the lack of weirs, this is one of the easiest multi-day kayaking trips we’ve done. As long as you’re comfortable spending several hours on the water, it’s a great route for beginners.

Is this a good route for a first multi-day kayaking trip?

Yes. While 77 kilometers may sound like a lot, the route is spread over two days, and the current helps you move downstream. The biggest challenge is not the paddling itself but organizing transportation, accommodation, and your overnight stop.

Are there any weirs or portages?

No. Unlike the upper section of the Thaya River near Raabs, this route has no weirs, so you can paddle the entire distance without carrying your kayak around obstacles.

Can you paddle it with an inflatable kayak?

Absolutely. We completed the entire trip in our Gumotex Twist inflatable kayak without any issues. The calm water and easy access points make this route ideal for inflatable kayaks.

Is there much current?

The current is gentle but noticeable. It helps move you downstream without making the river difficult to control, which makes long distances much more manageable.

What wildlife can you expect?

This was one of the highlights of the trip. We saw white storks, herons, deer, plenty of fish, and countless birds along the way. Large parts of the route pass through protected floodplains, so it feels surprisingly wild.

What about mosquitoes?

Bring insect repellent. We paddled in July, and mosquitoes were by far the biggest downside of the trip, especially around the campsite and during the evening.

Is wild camping allowed?

Only camp where it’s permitted. Much of the route passes through protected natural areas, so always check local regulations before planning an overnight stay.

Trip Breakdown

Day 1: Břeclav to Dürnkrut

Distance: 47 kilometers (29 miles)

Time on the water: About 7 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Average speed: 7 km/h

Water level: 160 cm (Thaya River)

Kayak: Gumotex Twist 2

We left our car at the train station in Dürnkrut and took the train to Břeclav, where our kayaking the Thaya & March rivers trip began. The station is only a short walk from the river, making the shuttle surprisingly easy. After paddling 47 kilometers downstream, we reached Dürnkrut again and spent the night nearby before continuing the next morning.

Day 2: Dürnkrut to Marchegg

Distance: 30 kilometers (19 miles)

Time on the water: About 4.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Average speed: 7 km/h

Water level: 190 cm (March River)

Kayak: Gumotex Twist 2

The second day started from the same riverbank where we had finished the first. After reaching Marchegg, we rented bikes to reach the train station, then took the train back to Dürnkrut to collect our car.

Budget tip: If you’re bringing your own kayak, your main expenses will be transportation, accommodation, and food.

Day 1: Kayaking the Thaya & March Rivers from Břeclav to Dürnkrut

An Easy Train Ride to the Starting Point

One of the things we liked most about this trip was how easy the logistics were.

We left our car at the train station in Dürnkrut, then hopped on a direct train to Břeclav in the Czech Republic. The journey took less than 30 minutes, and from the station, it was only about an 800-meter (0.5-mile) walk to the river.

Before long, we were inflating our Gumotex Twist kayak on the riverbank while a few curious locals stopped to ask where we were headed. When we told them our destination was Dürnkrut, they looked a little surprised. It wasn’t exactly the answer they were expecting.

Leaving Břeclav Behind

The launch couldn’t have been easier. The riverbank was clean, the access to the water was gentle, and within a few minutes, we were paddling away from Břeclav.

The first stretch of the Thaya River is calm because the water level is regulated, so there isn’t much current at first. It gave us plenty of time to settle into the rhythm of the trip before the river gradually started carrying us downstream.

One thing became obvious almost immediately: this route is all about nature.

Within the first few kilometers, we were already surrounded by floodplain forests filled with wildlife. White storks searched for food along the banks, herons glided low over the water, rabbits darted into the bushes, and we even spotted a few deer in the distance. It felt as though we had left civilization behind just minutes after launching.

Following the River’s Loops

Not long after leaving Břeclav, we reached the first river junction. We kept to the right, following the signs toward Hohenau. Don’t worry about navigation. This route is well marked, so it’s difficult to take a wrong turn.

The river soon began winding through peaceful floodplain forests, with each bend revealing another quiet stretch of water.

We had planned to stop for lunch around midday, but finding a suitable place to land wasn’t as easy as we expected. Most of the banks were muddy, steep, or covered with dense vegetation, so we ended up enjoying our packed lunch right in the kayak.

Honestly, we didn’t mind. We drifted with the current while fish repeatedly jumped out of the water around us. Some of them made such a splash that we could only imagine how big they were.

A little farther downstream, another junction appeared. This time, we followed the left branch, again guided by clear signs along the river. Just as we rounded the bend, a deer suddenly burst out of the bushes and disappeared into the forest before we even had time to grab the camera.

Fishing Huts and an Unexpected Obstacle

As we continued paddling, dozens of fishing huts started appearing along the Austrian bank. Some looked brand new, while others seemed as though they had been standing there for decades. We had never seen so many in one place, and they quickly became one of the most distinctive features of this route.

Because of the fishing huts, it’s worth staying alert. Fishing lines can sometimes stretch farther into the river than you might expect. We had one close call near an old concrete bunker partially submerged along the riverbank. Two anglers called out just in time, warning us that their lines were directly in front of us. We quickly changed course and avoided getting tangled.

It was a good reminder that even on such a peaceful river, it’s always worth keeping an eye on what’s happening ahead.

Where Three Countries Meet

One of the highlights of the entire trip came around kilometer 21.

After passing an old watermill on the Austrian bank, we reached the point where the Thaya River flows into the March River. From here on, the scenery changed once again.

For a brief moment, we found ourselves in a unique spot where three countries meet. The Czech Republic stretched along the left bank, Austria remained on our right, and straight ahead was Slovakia. It isn’t every day you get to paddle through a place where three countries come together.

A Well-Earned Break in Hohenau an der March

Soon after, we arrived in Hohenau an der March, marked by the blue bridge connecting Austria and Slovakia.

This is a great place to take a break or even end your trip if you prefer a shorter route. There are convenient access points on both sides of the river, and if you stop here, the train station is about a 3 kilometer (1.9-mile) walk away.

We stretched our legs, enjoyed our packed lunch, and talked about whether we should call it a day. After nearly 24 kilometers on the water, we still felt surprisingly fresh. Since the weather was perfect and we still had plenty of energy, the decision was easy. We packed up and continued toward Dürnkrut.

The Final Stretch to Dürnkrut

The second half of the day felt even quieter.

The March River is wider than the Thaya, and although the current isn’t quite as noticeable, it still helps you make steady progress downstream.

Fishing huts lined both riverbanks, and because we were now paddling between Austria and Slovakia, it became a fun tradition to greet fishermen in whichever country they happened to be standing. A cheerful “Grüß Gott!” on the Austrian side and “Dobrý deň!” across the river in Slovakia usually earned us a smile and a wave.

After seven hours on the water, our shoulders were finally starting to feel the distance, but we knew the finish wasn’t far away. Dürnkrut offers easy takeout with steps leading down to the river, and from there it’s only a short walk back to the train station.

 Dürnkrut – the walk from the riverbank to the train station – 650 meters on foot.

Where We Stayed Near Dürnkrut

For our overnight stay between the two kayaking days, we chose Weingut & Gästezimmer Zillinger in Ebenthal, a small village in the Weinviertel region.

Although it is not located directly in Dürnkrut, it was a convenient base for our trip. After spending almost seven hours on the water, we appreciated having a quiet place to rest, shower, and recharge before the second day of paddling.

The winery atmosphere was a lovely bonus after a long day outdoors. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, and it was exactly the kind of place where we could slow down, relax, and prepare for another day on the river.

Day 2: Kayaking the Thaya & March Rivers from Dürnkrut to Marchegg

A Calm Start to the Second Day

After a good night’s sleep, we returned to the same riverbank in Dürnkrut where we had finished the day before. A light morning shower passed through while we were getting ready, but it didn’t last long. Soon, the rain stopped, the air felt fresh, and we were back on the water.

The second day immediately felt different. A gentle tailwind joined the downstream current, making paddling even easier than the day before. With cooler temperatures and more clouds overhead, the conditions were almost perfect for a long day on the river.

Wildlife was just as abundant as before. Herons flew low across the water, dragonflies hovered around the kayak, and every bend in the river revealed another peaceful stretch of floodplain.

Coffee Break in Angern an der March

Our first stop was Angern an der March, a small Austrian town along the river. We landed just before the ferry crossing and treated ourselves to coffee with a view before continuing downstream.

One of the most interesting sights here is the small ferry connecting Austria and Slovakia. Instead of using an engine, it relies on the river’s current to cross between the two banks. A simple but clever system that’s still in use today.

Through the Floodplains to Marchegg

The final stretch toward Marchegg was probably our favorite part of the second day.

The current picked up slightly, helping us cover the last kilometers with very little effort. The river flows through protected wetlands here, creating a peaceful landscape filled with birds, fishing cabins, and dense riverside forests.

We lost count of the white storks and herons we spotted along the way. Every few minutes, another bird would take off from the riverbank, while dragonflies seemed determined to accompany us all the way to the finish.

We also couldn’t stop admiring the fishing huts scattered along the Austrian bank. Each one looked different, and before long we found ourselves joking about which one we’d choose if we ever owned one.

At one point, we pulled over on the Slovak side near Vysoká pri Morave for one last quiet break. Sitting there with almost nobody else around, it was hard to believe we were only a short drive from Vienna.

Reaching Marchegg

Eventually, the monument near the riverbank came into view, letting us know our journey was almost over.

The takeout in Marchegg couldn’t have been easier. We landed beside the fire brigade boats, packed up the kayak, and took a moment to appreciate what we had just completed.

Over two days, we paddled 77 kilometers (48 miles) across three countries, following two rivers through floodplains, wetlands, and some of the most peaceful scenery we’ve experienced in Central Europe.

Look for the monument; that’s the embankment in Marchegg.

Getting Back to Dürnkrut

One of the main logistics questions when kayaking the Thaya and March Rivers from Břeclav to Marchegg is how to return to your starting point.

After finishing our trip in Marchegg, we walked into town, rented two NextBikes, and cycled about 3 km to the train station.

Map showing the bike route from Marchegg city center to the train station after kayaking the Thaya and March Rivers

From there, we took a bus to Gänserndorf and continued by train to Dürnkrut, where we had left our car.

The entire journey took around one hour. It may sound like a lot of transportation, but everything connected surprisingly well. Looking back, returning to Dürnkrut was much easier than we had expected and allowed us to complete the entire kayaking route without arranging a second car or a private shuttle.

For a long-distance kayaking trip, having a reliable public transport option at the end makes this route much more accessible.

Interactive Map of our Kayaking the Thaya & March Rivers Adventure

Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes all the locations mentioned in this article. Just open this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of the map. The Google Maps app will open, and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!

More Kayaking Adventures on the Thaya River

Paddling the Upper Thaya: Raabs to Eibenstein

If you’re looking for a shorter day trip, I highly recommend paddling the Thaya River from Raabs an der Thaya to Eibenstein. Unlike the lower Thaya, this section winds through a narrow valley with castle ruins, rocky cliffs, and several weirs that you’ll need to portage around. It’s one of the most scenic kayaking routes in Austria.

👉 Read our complete guide to Paddling the Thaya River from Raabs to Eibenstein.

Continue to the Danube

If you’d rather go farther downstream, you can continue paddling beyond Marchegg all the way to the Danube. We ran out of time on this trip, but it’s definitely on our list for the future.

Spend a Day in Marchegg

Before heading home, take some time to explore Marchegg, famous for its white stork colony, historic castle, and peaceful floodplain forests.

👉 Read our One Day in Marchegg guide.

Conclusions to Kayaking the Thaya & March from Breclav to Marchegg Trip

Kayaking the Thaya & March Rivers from Břeclav to Marchegg turned out to be one of those adventures that looked complicated on paper but was surprisingly easy in reality.

Over two days, we paddled 77 kilometers through three countries, followed two rivers, and discovered a side of Central Europe that most travelers never get to see. There were no crowds, no busy roads, and no constant noise. Just quiet floodplains, wildlife, fishing huts, and the slow rhythm of the river.

What we loved most about this route was the feeling of being far away from everything while still being so close to civilization. One moment we were passing the border between countries, the next we were stopping for coffee in a small riverside town.

The logistics might seem intimidating at first, especially with the train connections and two different starting points, but everything worked much better than expected. Having our own inflatable kayak gave us the freedom to plan the trip at our own pace, and the gentle current made the distance much easier than we imagined.

If you’re looking for a unique multi-day kayaking adventure in Austria and don’t mind a little planning, this route deserves a place on your list!

Kayak related articles

If you’re planning a trip to Austria, you might want to read my other kayak articles:

PADDLING THE THAYA FROM RAABS TO EIBENSTEIN

KAYAKING THE DANUBE CANAL IN VIENNA

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