The bridges on the Vltava river in the city of Prague
Sung by the notes of the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, the Vltava River is the city river that gives its marks to the historic centre and offers some of the most characteristic and romantic views. Crossing a canal you reach the large park and the unforgettable views of the highly photographed islet of Kampa. The Vltava river is 430.3 kilometres (267.4 mi) long and drains an area of 28,090 square kilometres (10,850 sq mi) in size, over half of Bohemia and about a third of the Czech Republic‘s entire territory. As it runs through Prague, the river is crossed by 18 bridges (including the Charles Bridge) and covers 31 kilometres (19 mi) within the city.
A cruise down the Vltava river is a perfect way to see the city. A river cruise from April to mid-June and September to mid-November allows the traveler to experience the beauty of these spectacular waterways with fewer crowds, fewer children and less money spent.
On Vltava river live the orange river rat, the coypu and white swans. Swans float around in serch of food and other birds fly through the air before swooping down to catch fish.
How to best experience Vltava river?
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What is the Vltava River?
The Vltava River flows through the centre of Prague and it is the waterway around which the city has developed over the past 1000 years,
Why was the river important in the history of Prague?
The river played a key role in the foundation of the city. It provided water for drinking and crop irrigation, and was a means of navigation for both the early settlements establishing along its banks and for travellers passing along the early trade routes between Southern and Northern Europe.
General informations
Useful information for your visit to the Vltava River.
Location
It is the longest river in the Czech Republic, running southeast along the Bohemian Forest and then north across Bohemia, through Český Krumlov, České Budějovice and Prague, and finally merging with the Elbe at Mělník. It is commonly referred to as the “Czech national river“.