Vltava River

The Basics

As it runs through Prague, the Vltava River’s most famous sight is the 14th-century Charles Bridge, lined with looming statues, buskers, and souvenir sellers. Many city tours include river cruises, which afford the perfect vantage point for views of hilltop Prague Castle, the church spires in Malá Strana, and the towers of the Staré Mĕsto. Most cruises start from beneath the Charles Bridge.

Turning north through the heart of the city, cruisers pass the Rudolfinum and National Theater, the Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter), and the giant metronome in Letná Park (Letenské sady). Small open-topped wooden barges also venture into the Devil’s Canal (Čertovka), once a millrace around Kampa Island and now a sleepy backwater lined with baroque townhouses. Even if you don’t take a cruise on the Vltava, a stroll along the riverbank affords some excellent city views.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Many Vltava River cruises include lunch or dinner, sometimes with live musical accompaniment.

• A cruise along the Vltava offers excellent views of Prague’s skyline.

• River cruises are sometimes included as an add-on to a city tour.

• A total of 107 bridges span the river, and 17 of these are within Prague.

How to Get There

Cruises typically start close to the Charles Bridge, a 10-minute walk from the heart of Old Town. Staromĕtská metro station is a five-minute walk away. Some tours pick guests up from the center of Prague or directly from their hotels.

When to Get There

Evening cruises typically include dinner and offer views of Prague at its most atmospheric, as the castle is lit up by floodlights. Summer is the city’s busiest tourist season. If you want to skip the crowds but avoid the cold of winter, visit in spring or fall.

The Musical River

Vltava (The Moldau), the symphonic poem by Bedřich Smetana, is a musical interpretation of the river’s course through Bohemia and one of the best-known classical works by a Czech composer. It is part of a set of six symphonic poems called Má vlast (My Country).

Ways to explore

As it runs through Prague, the Vltava River’s most famous sight is the 14th-century Charles Bridge, lined with looming medieval statues, buskers, and souvenir stalls. Many city tours include river cruises, which afford the perfect vantage point for views of hilltop Prague Castle and the city’s church spires and towers. Small open-topped wooden barges also venture into the Devil’s Canal (Čertovka), once a millrace around Kampa Island and now a sleepy backwater lined with baroque townhouses. Even if you don’t take a cruise on the Vltava, a stroll along the riverbank provides excellent city views.

Accessibility

Many portions of Prague’s riverside walkways are wheelchair accessible, as are some cruises.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, water bottle

What to wear

Jacket for cooler evening strolls, comfortable walking shoes for riverside walks, smarter clothes for evening dinner cruises

Not allowed

Swimming in the Vltava isn’t prohibited, but stick to safe areas—such as Zlute Lazne, a beach on the right bank—rather than busy spots with boat traffic.

Address

The Vltava River runs right through the center of Prague, so it’s impossible to miss. It also flows through the smaller towns of Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice in southern Bohemia; both are about two hours from Prague by car or train.

Driving

You can access the Vltava River from multiple places in Prague, although finding parking in the central city isn’t ideal. If you plan to drive, park at covered lots in the Old Town, beside the National Theatre, and beside the Rudolfinum, all a short distance from the Vltava.

Public transportation

Many tram and bus stops are dotted along the length of the Vltava in Prague, and some routes cross the many bridges over the river, although not the historic Charles Bridge. Prague Metro’s Malostranská station in the Lesser Quarter and Staroměstská station in the Old Town—both on Line A—are a short walk from the river.

Best times to visit

Evening is an especially nice time to take a river cruise, with Prague’s landmarks lit up after dark.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to be busier on the river, but there are otherwise no better or worse days to visit.

Best months to visit

The warmer summer months (June to August) are lovely times to stroll along the Vltava or take a cruise. There’s a certain appeal in visiting in the snowy winter, too.

Special events

On the fourth Sunday in September, the annual World Rivers Day, you can find entertainment and educational events along the Vltava River.