The Czech Republic is intertwined with a network of rivers. In total, there are more than eight dozen water streams in the country. Many of them are of economic importance for the population, while others are places of cultural recreation or are historical sites. The largest river in the Czech Republic is the Vltava. And the Elbe River connects two countries, the Czech Republic and Germany.
Vltava River
The Czech Republic's Vltava River originates in the south of the country, in the Šumava Mountains. In the same place, nearby, is the town of Cesky Krumlov. But if there is a very small river, then in Prague there is a large and wide river that divides the city in half.
The duty of every Czech is to go down the river in a raft or even a canoe at least once in their life. Tourists who come to the Czech Republic to enjoy the sights love to overcome this route. After all, magnificent views of both banks open from the river.
Despite the fact that the river spreads quite extensively in the city, this does not cause any inconvenience to residents in movement. After all, the shores are connected by bridges,there are a lot of them, so transport and pedestrian problems are completely solved.
However, Vlatva has a very absurd character, which the inhabitants of the country have managed to study very well. More than once, the waters of the eccentric river flooded the embankment, Streletsky Island and Kampa Island.
In order to somehow stop the flow of water during the flood, rapids were built on the river in Prague itself. And on the section from Prague to Melnik, where it flows into the Elbe, there are a dozen locks.
Vltava is considered the longest river in the Czech Republic. Its length is more than 440 km.
Elbe River
One of the main rivers in Central Europe. The source of the Elbe River is in the Czech Republic, and then for the most part it flows through Germany and flows into the North Sea. The water flow has a length of more than 1100 km.
On the border of Poland and the Czech Republic, from the confluence of many streams, the beautiful Labe (Czech) was formed. Further, turning to the southeast, the Elbe receives the Aupa tributary and the Metava tributary. From there it turns south to Pardubice, and then west to Cologne.
Near Hamburg, the Elbe receives the Bille and Alster tributaries, and then the river splits into 2 parts, but then merges again downstream. Near Cuxhaven, the Elbe ends, flowing into the North Sea.
The river is fed by snow and rain. The water level in the Elbe reaches a maximum in spring and a minimum in summer.
Since the type of the river is flat, there are no hydroelectric power stations on the river, especially since Germany is against such buildings so as not to worsen the already bad ecology of the river. Nowthe authorities of both countries are implementing a special program to purify the water. Swimming is already allowed in some areas.
Shipping is very developed on the Elbe. The port of Hamburg is one of the largest in the world.
Cities such as Spindleruv Mlyn, Jaroměř, Pardubice, Podebrady, Melnik, Lovosice, Decin, etc. stand on the Elbe in the Czech Republic.
River Ostravice
This is a river in the Czech Republic, only 65 km long. It flows in the eastern part of the country, in the Moravian-Silesian region. It divides the city of Ostrava into 2 parts, merging with another river, the Odra, in the urban area of Koblov.
For the third largest city in the country, the river is of great importance, since in its upper reaches there is a reservoir with drinking water for the townspeople. In addition, it is considered the main decoration of the city, and along it there are places of rest. These are parks, restaurants and pedestrian areas.
Other rivers in the Czech Republic
Berounka is the main tributary of the Vltava River. The river flows in the west of the country, and its length is almost 140 km. There are 5 Czech cities along the coast of the Berounka:
- Chernoshitse;
- Pilsen;
- Rzewnice;
- Berowne;
- Dobrzhichovice.
Ohře (another name for the river is Eger) is almost 300 km long. The source of the river is in Germany, in the Fichtelgebirge mountains. Then it flows to Litomerzec, and from there it flows into the Elbe near Prague.
Morava in the list of rivers of the Czech Republic occupies a leading position in terms of significance. It is named so thanks to the region of Moravia. Also crosses the borders of Austria andSlovakia. The Morava is a left tributary of the Danube.
Odra - a kind of border created by nature itself, with Germany and Poland. It starts in the Sudetenland, from where it flows further to the borders and flows into the Szczecin Bay. The length of the water channel is 903 km.
There are also rivers in the Czech Republic:
- Radbuza;
- Puddle;
- Bechva;
- Opava;
- Otava;
- Eagle;
- Corner;
- Upa etc.
However, if we still talk about which river in the Czech Republic is the most important, then we will focus on 3 rivers: these are the Elbe, Odra and Vltava.
