Paddle steamer like in the old days
From the centre of Prague’s Rašín Embankment, the Vltava paddle steamer departs from May to September and makes its way to the Slapy reservoir. Embark on one of the most traditional boat trips dating back to the late 19th century.
The Vltava is the last of the two historic steamers on the Vltava River. It was launched in 1940 and, since 2013, has been listed among the cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. It is powered by a real steam engine, whose engine room can be viewed.
The steamer has a partially covered observation deck and does not lack a restaurant, café or lounge. It’s up to you whether you enjoy the boat trip as a one way or round trip, with all inclusive services including expert commentary on the history.
The motor ship Cecilia is sometimes deployed on the route.
Warning, we’re gonna set sail!
After leaving Prague you will marvel at the picturesque corners of the Vltava Cascade. You will be captivated by the places where the St. John’s currents streamed before the river was made passable – they inspired the musical great Bedřich Smetana to compose a symphony with the characteristic title Vltava, which has moved music professionals and laymen for generations. Can’t you hear that music in your ears? Then let it play on Spotify or Youtube.
Let yourself be carried away…
The route follows the Vrané reservoir, where you can’t miss the confluence with the Sázava River or St. Kilian’s Island, where the remains of the former Ostrov monastery can be found.
The Štěchovice lock will take you to the last section of the cruise, with an incredible almost twenty-metre difference in water levels. And what next? The most beautiful and peaceful part of the boat trip on the Štěchovice reservoir awaits you. The deep rocky valley, in which the famous Ztracenka tramp settlement is located, will literally charm you.
Disembark in Třebenice and head back upstream along the Svatojánské proudy educational trail, which runs along the entire shore of the Štěchovice reservoir. You can board the steamer to Prague again in Štěchovice. But please note! You have to complete the roughly 9 km long route within three hours. Did you miss the boat? Never mind! Suburban buses run from Štěchovice back to Prague.
And finally the Slapy reservoir
The destination dock is in Třebenice, below the Slapy reservoir, where the steamer has a two-hour break before sailing back. What does that mean? It’s a trip! You can use the time to walk along the reservoir or below it, where you discover the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, after whom the St. John’s streams got their name. Ferdinand’s Columncommemorates the rafting of the most difficult section of the Vltava River in 1643.
