"Wild River" in Prague. Do you know what river flows in Prague?

Prague stretches along both banks of the Vltava River. is also one of the sights of the capital.

Walking on the Vltava embankment, you often see tourists making water excursions and viewing the city from the river. For example, one of the walks along the Vltava River goes along the Prague-Troja route. Troja is an area in Prague where the Prague Zoo and Troja Castle are located.

Departure is from the main river station, Namnesti, access to the embankment next to the dancing house.

Prague was fascinated by the Russian poetess Marina Tsvetaeva, in her notes she noted: “How I want to go to Prague! I never wanted to go back to any city in my life, but I want to go to Prague!”

The famous Russian poet (after all, we remember that Tsvetaeva did not like being called a poet) can be understood. Prague fascinates and captivates and magically affects those who have been there at least once, forcing them to return again and again.

And Tchaikovsky, after his stay in Prague, was bewitched by "a moment of absolute happiness," as he later writes in one of his diaries.

Panorama of roofs, towers and in the rays of dawn and shining with golden-pink light in the rays of sunset, narrow medieval streets and melodic Czech speech - all this leaves an indelible mark on the memory.

The Vltava is one of the longest rivers in the Czech Republic, its length is 446 kilometers.

Vltava in translation from the old German means " wild river". At first glance, quiet and calm, the Vltava can rebel and furiously rush its waters, destroying everything in its path. Based on one of these riots, the work of Benrich Smetana "At the Devil's Rock" was written.

This river in Prague has a wayward character. Along the Vltava they organize not only tourist excursions on ships, but also extreme alloys.

The main route for rafting is the river route, which runs from Vyshy Brod to Borshov. Rafting on the river is carried out by rift or canoe.

The Vltava river in Prague attracts all the colorful society.

The waters of the river reflect the spiers - a fortress that previously served as the residence of the kings, and now - the President of the Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov is listed world heritage UNESCO. Its castle, which is the main attraction and architectural dominant ancient city, inferior in its grandeur and historical significance only Prague Castle.

Rafting on the Vltava river

Today the Vltava is a recognized world center active tourism. Whitewater rafting is popular among both professional athletes and amateurs. The route itself is very interesting and varied. On the way of the tourist there are historical monuments and amazing architectural ensembles. His eye is pleased with the picturesque nature, which is distinguished by its diversity due to the changing terrain.

When rafting down the Vltava, parents often take teenagers with them, but in this case there should be at least one experienced person in the group. Currently this route is different developed infrastructure: there are convenient campsites, parking lots, restaurants on the banks of the river, where you can taste delicious freshly prepared dishes.

The Vltava crossing the Czech Republic leaves an indelible impression in the heart of everyone who has met it. Thus, observing the unbridled power of the stream in the upper reaches of the river, the famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana created his work "Vltava", which became a real pearl of the cycle "My Motherland" (in the original "Ma Vlast"). And, probably, every person should at least once visit the steep bank of the Vltava, feel the beauty and strength of this beautiful mountain river.

Do they consider boating on the Vltava their “visiting Mecca”?

The Vltava is the longest long river in the Czech Republic - 433 kilometers. This is the largest tributary of the Elbe in the Czech Republic. The sources of the Vltava are in the Shumava under the Black Mountain, and it flows into the Elbe near the town of Mnelnik. The name of the river is first found in the Chronicles of Fulda in 872. In the Chronicle of Cosmas (beginning of the 12th century), for the first time, Czech version titles. In 872 it is still Fudlaha, in 1113 it is Wultha, in 1125 it is Wlitaua. The roots of the word should be sought in the Germanic languages ​​\u200b\u200b- "wilth-ahwa" - aha - that is, wild water (wilth - wild - wild, ahwa - water). From here arose the Czech version - Vltava, or Vltava. So, the Vltava is a wild river. I wonder what's back in German the name returned as borrowed from Czech, with the letter "v" replaced by "m" and "n" - Moltana

The largest width of the Vltava is in the Shtitkovskaya dam - 330 meters, the smallest in the Modřany Strait - 40 meters.

In 2002, the flood destroyed the dam and made its way to Prague. Many bridges were damaged, the water level in the Vltava rose to such a level that many buildings were flooded, and there was water on the street. A bunch of historical buildings stand on the banks of the Vltava and are already unimaginable without the already familiar context in the form of a river. There are also many pleasure boats and boats on the Vltava. On pleasure boats, tourists are offered a wonderful tour along the river with a tour of all the sights that are in the field of view. One of the most memorable tourists memorable places is the Visegrad Castle, which is located on the right bank of the Vltava.

Many tourists are very fond of night tours along the main river of the Czech Republic. In boats, which are moored along the banks of the river, guests can sleep and eat. The Vltava River ends its sole movement in the town of Melnik, where it flows into one of the largest rivers in Europe - the Elbe. For a Czech, this is not just a river, but an integral part of the history of the Czech state. Since ancient times, it has played a significant role in the life of the people. Wild and unstoppable in the upper reaches, it calmly and smoothly carries its waters at the confluence with the Labe (Elbe) near the city of Melnik. During floods, the Vltava turns into an unbridled horse - uncontrollably, with a roar, rushing among the rocky shores, sweeping away everything from its path.

Impressed by this unbridled power "At the Devil's Rock" in the upper reaches of the Vltava, the famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana wrote his immortal work "Vltava" from the cycle "Ma Vlast" (My Motherland). On the banks of the river there are many ancient castles and cities, including one of the most beautiful cities Europe, the pearl of world architecture - Prague. For many centuries it stands on both banks of the Vltava, romantically reflecting in the water with the evening lights of the Castle (formerly the residence of kings, and now the president).

Rafting down the Vltava has long been one of the favorite tourist routes inhabitants of the Czech Republic. Every Czech who considers himself a trump (tramp - outdoor tourism in Czech tourist slang) is simply obliged to go down the Vltava at least once in his life - as a Muslim to visit Mecca. After a big flood in 2002, it was restored and expanded tourism infrastructure. If earlier the upper Vltava could be called the Mecca of Czech watermen, now at least a third of all tourists are Germans and Dutch. Often you can hear French and English speech.

Observing the unbridled power of the stream in the upper reaches of the river, the famous composer Bedrich Smetana created his work "Vltava", which became the pearl of the cycle "My Motherland" (in the original "Ma Vlast").

Israelis come here from Russian speakers. For them it is not only tourist entertainment but also a nostalgic meeting with untouched nature and the mild climate of the middle zone, framed by ancient castles, gray-haired antiquities, cultured and calm people. Main route rafting on the Vltava: from Vyshy Brod to Borshov, about 70 km long. The whole route can be completed in 4 walking days, but if you really want to admire nature, visit castles, sit down with beer in the iconic tavern "Lord U FIK", you will need much more time. Rafting on the river is carried out by canoe or raft. Rafting or canoeing - everyone decides for himself. For canoes there is an age limit: from 10-12 years. On a raft: from 2 years. The great popularity of this route is due to its diversity - along the way there are many historical monuments and interesting natural formations. There are a lot of equipped parking lots and Vodatsky state pudeks (stalls-restaurants right on the shore).

The minor planet 2123 Vltava is named after the river.

Often, small children go along with adults. This does not mean that there is nothing interesting for adrenaline lovers. Quiet sections often end in a jez (Jez is a small dam with an inclined channel for boats to pass - the so-called slack (slajs (z) na, slang). Passing only by rafts or experienced watermen in a canoe. then you won’t drown in a life jacket, but you are guaranteed a sufficient number of bruises and the possibility of losing the boat and things.

In a canoe, when passing the schleisna, at least the helmsman (zadak - zadak - captain) must have experience in passing the schleisna. Sailor (hacek - hacek) and zadak must be played as a team. In any case, the presence of a passenger (porcelan) is undesirable. Families and whole companies go on a hike. The guitar can be heard not only in the evening, in the parking lot (in the camp, slang), but also right on the water, everyone sings old Trump songs and greets passing boats with the famous Czech Vodatsky "ahooooy" recognize). In response, you will also hear "agay" regardless of your language and nationality.

Every nation has its own river. The Russians have the Volga, the Egyptians have the Nile, the Americans have the Mississippi. And these are not just rivers, these are the threads that linked the fate of the people, the country and centuries of history together.

The Czechs have the Vltava

Excursions along the Vltava

• Majestic Prague Castle (9.00 €, 2 hours)
• 3 hour sightseeing tour of Prague (10.00 €, 3 hours)
• 1-hour walk along the Vltava River with an audio guide (12.00 €, 1 hour)

Geographical position

Vltava - largest river Czech Republic, its length is about 430 km, the basin area is slightly more than 28,000 km2. It flows through almost the entire territory of the country, originating on the Black Mountain in national park just six hundred meters from the German border and flowing into the Laba, or Elbe in German, in the northern part of the country near the city.

The roots of the name of the river are in Old German. In translation, it means "fierce, wild river", the mention of it has been found in chronicles since 872.

The Vltava more than once in its course changes the nature of the flow: it can be stormy, as in the upper reaches, in the national park "Devil's Wall", where the riverbed is "locked" by a narrow canyon; can be smooth and calm, like in Prague or in and.

The banks of the Vltava are beautiful and picturesque. forest, rocks, small lakes, bends - all this forms one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Traveling along the river will give the guests of the country an unforgettable experience.

The Vltava is also good for the active water tourism: it has sections that are considered the most dangerous in Europe for rafting. This, for example, is a section of the river in the upper reaches, in the Devil's Wall park - favorite place for fans of extreme descent on kayaks and canoes.

Several dams and reservoirs have been built on the river. They are designed to provide hydroelectric power plants with water, protect the population from floods, and act as a storage reservoir. In addition, reservoirs on the Vltava - beautiful place for recreation and fishing.

To the rhythm of the music

With the advent of summer, the Vltava islands turn into huge concert venues. Here on the island, as well as on the islands, an annual international festival"United Islands", which hosts musical groups of various directions - rock, pop, electro, jazz, folk, indie. Entrance to the festival is free. There are also creative workshops and other recreational activities for viewers of all ages.

For many residents and guests of Prague, a favorite place summer holiday is Smichovsky beach. All day long children and adults play volleyball and badminton, sunbathe and just enjoy the beautiful weather. Near the beach there is a cinema "Výletní kino Smíchov", where you can watch not only the latest news, but also old films that have long been included in the golden fund of world cinema.

Along the mouth of the Vltava, there are several large bicycle trails at once. Going along one of them, you can get to the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka, and from there - to the Karlstejn fortress. The other side of the river is equipped with paths for rollerblading and scooters.

For active rest Also suitable is the Yellow Lazne (Žluté lázně), a large sports and fitness complex located in the Podol region right on the waterfront. The complex offers visitors catamaran rides, sports grounds (football, volleyball, tennis), large swimming pool, as well as the opportunity to play chess with huge pieces on a giant board.

The picturesque Vltava is beautiful at any time of the year, and the embankments along its banks and bridges are real works of architectural art.

Vltava and the history of the country

At all times, the river has been both a road and a source of food, and strategic object. A long time ago, people realized that the proximity of the river gives many advantages, and began to settle on its banks. The Vltava in this sense is a living illustration of the development of the Czech Republic as a state.

Here gothic castle Rosenberg. Founded in the 13th century by the ancestor of the Rosenberg family, Karl, it rises above the river like a guard, like a soldier on the border. The castle stands on a cape in the bend of the Vltava and therefore impregnable.

Czech krumlov - beautiful city Czech Republic over the Vltava. The river in this city helped people to develop production: silver deposits were discovered here, a paper mill was built. The Vltava supplied the peasants' fields with water, and Krumlov prospered both as an industrial and commercial city.

At České Budějovice, the Vltava receives the Malše River and together they form an interesting natural ecosystem. The city has long since learned to use its gifts: it developed production and trade. But it also suffered from numerous wars too: almost every war that touched the Czech Republic left its traces here, and largely because of the strategic position at the confluence of two rivers. The modern Vltava supplies water to a nuclear power plant that generates the electricity that is so necessary for today's Czech Republic. In Budejovice, the Vltava often shows its wild character: floods are very frequent here.

Below Budejovice, the Vltava is again surrounded by rocks and cliffs, and the river becomes meandering. On one of high cliffs Orlik Castle is visible - a stunning building in the Renaissance Baroque style of snow-white color. Now it is a national heritage site and a private property owned by K. Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. And it arose as a customs office that processed the transportation of goods along the river in the 14th century.

Another interesting object on the Vltava - the ruins of the monastery of the Beheading of John the Baptist on the Island. This is the oldest monastery of monks in the Czech Republic. Where else, if not on a secluded island in the middle of the river, to establish a monastery for prayer, contemplation and worship of God? The Vltava protected the cells of the Benedictine monks from unnecessary intrusions.

The pearl of the Czech Republic on the Vltava - Prague. One of the most beautiful cities Europe with rich history, cultural and economic life. Center of Prague - Prague Castle- located on the high bank of the river, it is truly perfect place For royal palace. Prague Castle from the other side bridged, the most beautiful of them is the bridge-museum Charles Bridge. Vltava, Prague Castle, bridges - like a Czech "brand", always recognizable and popular.

So for centuries, the Vltava has participated in all spheres of the country's life, protecting, protecting, giving shelter, food, work - everything that is called life. And the Czechs pay their river with love and care.

As an epilogue

At the source of the Vltava in 1922 a small guest house for tourists was built. During World War II, Soviet prisoners of war were placed in the house. After the war, a small monument to these soldiers was erected there. It was demolished in 1991.

This story tells us that times, people, events come and go, like everything temporary in a person's life.
Only the Vltava will remain.