Moldau / Vltava

The Vltava, known as the Moldau in German, rises in the Bohemian Forest and winds northward for some 430 kilometres as the longest river in the Czech Republic, passing through forested hills, narrow valleys and broad plains before joining the Elbe near Mělník. Reservoirs such as Lipno and Orlík shape stretches of the landscape into calm water surfaces, while the banks between Český Krumlov, České Budějovice and Prague alternate between steep cliffs, meadows and historic towns. Leisure revolves around the water and its shores: canoeists and kayakers enjoy quiet reaches and gentle rapids, cyclists follow extensive riverside paths, and the reservoirs invite swimming, paddling and sailing. In Prague river cruises and walks along the embankments are popular, while further afield hikers, anglers and picnickers find space in the green river meadows.