The Vltava is the river that flows through Prague, the capital of Czechia. It is the country’s longest river and is often described as the Czech national river.
The river rises in the Bohemian Forest from the Teplá Vltava and Studená Vltava, then travels north through Bohemia. Along its course it passes České Budějovice, Český Krumlov and Prague before joining the Elbe near Mělník.
Prague is especially associated with the Vltava because the river runs through the historic center and beneath landmarks such as Charles Bridge. The city’s riverfront, islands and bridges are major parts of its landscape. A common mix-up is the Elbe: the Vltava flows into the Elbe, but it is the Vltava that passes through Prague.