The Vltava River – Prague’s Wonderful Water

The Vltava is the Czech Republic’s longest river at 430km long. It takes its name from the old Germanic words “wilt ahwa” which translated means wild water. A little known fact about the river is that it actually had a small planet named after it. In August 2002, the Vltava hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when it flooded and caused major damage and loss of life. There are some spectacular river cruises available on the River Vltava. Why not try sailing serenely through Little Venice? As the name suggests, this charming area has a distinctively Italian look and feel to it but has a lot less boats. Choose from a relaxing lunch cruise, a musical jazz cruise or take in the unforgettable sights of Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge as they sparkle and shimmer in the dark during a romantic dinner river cruise.

Enjoy a fresh outlook on the city of a thousand spires as you sit back and relax, drifting along without a care in the world. Prague Castle is unmissable from the river. It’s the oldest ancient Castle in the world dating back to the year 870, and at a staggering 570 metres tall, it really has to be seen to be believed. Viewing it from the calm of the river can be a great idea during the busy tourist season. The Vltava also plays host to a number of small islands. In recent years, The United Islands of Prague, a very popular music festival has made the most of these and their beautiful surroundings, ensuring that hotels in Prague are never short of business. This festival showcases a range of different musical styles which are enjoyed by a wide audience, with each island hosting a particular genre. Kampa Island is popular all year round thanks to its vast area of parklands and fantastic reputation of its restaurants and cool bars. The islands offer a relaxing idyll away from the busy city streets.

Having a major river dissecting the city means Prague has more than its fair share of bridges. The most famous of these is the Charles Bridge. It was damaged in the flood of August 2002 and had to have two its main pillars repaired. The views from the bridge are stunning and there are lots of stalls and musicians for the many pedestrians to enjoy. Another famous bridge is the Most Legii or Bridge of Legions which was named after the Czech Legion. There are many other bridges spanning the Vltava, each of them a photographer’s dream as they offer a unique opportunity to capture a different snapshot of this historic and wonderful city. The Vltava River has played a big part in the history of Prague and is an ideal way to take in the amazing Gothic architecture and atmosphere that the city has to offer. Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.