Adventure along the Czech Republic’s Vltava River

21.07.2023 - 07:47 / roughguides.com

Taking in stunning chateaux, epic hiking and biking trails, enchanting cruise routes, and wild water-sports spots, the Czech Republic’s Vltava River delivers an abundance of historic and natural beauty. Connecting South Bohemia and Central Bohemia through impossibly picturesque Prague, and taking its name from the old Germanic term for wild water (Wilt-ahwa), at 430km the Vltava is the Czech Republic’s longest river. It’s also a national symbol that was immortalised by the esteemed Czech composer Smetana in his stirring Má Vlast (My Country) composition. For independent travellers who like to get off the beaten track, touring the Vltava presents a uniquely enriching experience that rewards culture vultures and outdoor adventurers alike. In addition, trips exploring the Vltava are also ideal for visitors who like to travel responsibly, with plenty of environmentally-sound ways to get around (think bikes, boats and trains). Read on for some top experiences to enjoy along the vibrant Vltava.

Stretching along the left bank of the Vltava, Prague’s District 7 is a uniquely vibrant (and lesser-visited) area of the city. With a huge concentration of galleries, museums, theatres and creative studios, it has something of a Berlin-vibe about it. At every turn, visitors are greeted by architectural innovation and reinvention, not least at the Trade Fair Palace, which houses the National Gallery’s excellent modern art collections. Then there’s the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, an ingeniously re-appropriated factory that hosts art projects, film screenings and interactive workshops.  

Airship on the roof Prague gallery DOX, Czech Republic © Anrephoto/Shutterstock

Café culture also reigns supreme in Prague 7. The Vnitroblock Centre, for example, serves some of the city’s finest coffee in a buzzy theatre, cabaret and dance studio space. This spirit of art and culture is also extended to the district’s outdoor spaces, with Letná Park boasting a dramatic, kinetic sculpture of a giant metronome within its gorgeous green grounds.

Taking a boat cruise offers an excellent, alternative way to take in Prague’s diverse beauty, with a host of rewarding routes available. A top choice is to venture to the “Venice of Prague” around Kampa Island. Situated near majestic Charles Bridge in the romantic Lesser Town district, this is the perfect way to experience Prague at a slower pace. 

View of the island of Kampa in Prague, Czech Republic © Flik47/Shutterstock

Alternatively, sail south to see stunning Střelecký Island before continuing to the myth-infused area of Vyšehrad. Legend-lovers will be interested to know that it’s from here that mythical Princess Libuse foretold of a great city whose glory would touch the stars, as Prague’s