| The Vltava River is the longest river in Czechia (434km). It flows from the Bohemian Forest in the south of the country into the River Elba in the north, passing through the centre of Prague on its journey. The Vltava River is the waterway around which Prague has developed over the past several thousand years. The Old Town (Staré Město), Jewish Quarter (Josefov) and New Town (Nové Město) lie on one side of the Vltava River. On the other bank is the Lesser Town (Malá Strana), with Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) dominating the skyline above it. Spanning the two sides of Prague, in the heart of the city, is Charles Bridge (Karlův most), a pedestrian river crossing and focal point for tourists. Standing on Charles Bridge, the 360° panoramic views over the river and of the historical buildings lining its banks are magnificent. The views up to Prague Castle in particular are extra-ordinary. For the ultimate visitor experience of the river, take a leisurely stroll across Charles Bridge, a river cruise under it, then climb the Old Town Bridge Tower or Lesser Town Bridge Tower, which stand at either end. This will afford you three glorious perspectives of the heart of Prague. Another way to immerse yourself in the river scene is to dine at one of the riverside restaurants. Some boast terraces which look out over the water. Nature is ever present along the Vltava River. Swans and ducks float around in search of food, while other birds glide on the thermals before swooping down to catch fish. The Vltava River has played a fundamental role in the foundation and history
of Prague. For early inhabitants of the region, it provided fresh water for drinking and crop irrigation, and was a means of navigation, both for the settlements established along its banks and for travellers passing through on the trade routes between Southern and Northern Europe. The flow of the Vltava River is strong in Prague, particularly at certain times of the year, so as well as transporting people and goods, the water was also used to power mills and industry. To tame the river, to make it easier to navigate, eight dams, a large canal and weirs have been constructed along the Slapy-Prague-Mělník stretch.
Outside of Prague, the Vltava River meanders through pretty countryside, passing by the occasional castle and historical building. | 
