# Vltava > river in Czechia **Wikidata**: [Q131574](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131574) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vltava) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vltava ## Summary Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic, flowing through the heart of the country before passing through Prague and eventually joining the Elbe. As a major natural watercourse in Central Europe, it serves as a critical geographical feature that has shaped the development of Czech settlements, infrastructure, and cultural identity throughout history. ## Key Facts - **Type:** River (natural watercourse) - **Location:** Czech Republic (Central Europe) - **Coordinates:** 48.858945°N, 13.893092°E (source region) and 50.34769°N, 14.474382°E (mouth region) - **Alternative Name:** Veltava - **Wikipedia Title:** Vltava - **Wikidata Description:** river in Czechia - **Sitelink Count:** 86 (Wikipedia connections) - **Related Metro Station:** Vltavská (Prague Metro, opened 1984) - **Administrative Regions Traversed:** South Bohemian Region (established November 12, 2000), Central Bohemian Region - **Districts Along Course:** Český Krumlov District, Písek District, Příbram District, Benešov District, Prachatice District, Prague-West District, České Budějovice District, Mělník District, Prague-East District - **Country Context:** Czech Republic (succeeded Kingdom of Bohemia; inception: January 1, 1993) ## FAQs **What is Vltava and where is it located?** Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic, flowing through the country's South Bohemian Region and Central Bohemian Region before passing through Prague and emptying into the Elbe. It is situated entirely within Czechia, a Central European country bordered by Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. **Which Czech districts and regions does Vltava flow through?** Vltava traverses multiple administrative divisions including the South Bohemian Region (established November 12, 2000), and passes through or near several districts: Český Krumlov District, Písek District, Příbram District, Benešov District, Prachatice District, Prague-West District, České Budějovice District, Mělník District, and Prague-East District. **What is the geographical significance of Vltava's coordinates?** The river's coordinates span from approximately 48.858945°N, 13.893092°E in its source region to 50.34769°N, 14.474382°E near its confluence with the Elbe, demonstrating its extensive northwesterly flow through the Czech landscape. **Are there any notable infrastructure or landmarks associated with Vltava?** Yes, Vltavská is a Prague Metro station named after the river, which opened in 1984 as part of Czechia's extensive public transportation network. The station serves the line crossing the Vltava river in Prague. **How does Vltava relate to the broader river classification system?** Vltava is classified as a river, which is a larger natural watercourse. This classification connects it to 275 other river entities in knowledge bases, reflecting its significance within hydrological systems. **What is the relationship between Vltava and the Czech Republic's administrative structure?** The Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic established on January 1, 1993, as a successor to Czechoslovakia. The country operates under the motto "Pravda vítězí" (Truth prevails) and is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. Vltava flows through multiple of the country's 14 regions, including the capital city of Prague. ## Why It Matters Vltava holds profound significance for the Czech Republic both geographically and culturally. As the country's longest river, it has served as a vital waterway for transportation, trade, and settlement throughout Czech history. The river's path through the South Bohemian Region and into Prague has made it integral to the development of major Czech cities and communities. The river's cultural importance is evidenced by the naming of Vltavská metro station in Prague, reflecting how deeply embedded the waterway is in Czech urban identity. Its journey from the southern Czech regions through the heart of Prague connects the country's rural heartland with its capital, symbolizing the flow of resources, people, and cultural influence throughout the nation. From an environmental perspective, Vltava represents a critical component of Central Europe's hydrological network, feeding into the Elbe river system that ultimately connects to the North Sea. The river's course through multiple Czech districts and regions makes it essential for understanding the country's geography, agriculture, and water management. The river also plays a role in Czechia's position as a Central European nation bridging Western and Eastern Europe. Its presence contributes to the diverse topography that includes the Bohemian Forest, Ore Mountains, and Carpathian Mountains, shaping the landscape that has influenced Czech history, economics, and cultural development. ## Notable For - Longest river entirely within the Czech Republic - Flows through Prague, the capital city - Passes through the South Bohemian Region, one of Czechia's 14 administrative regions - Connected to nine different Czech districts - Named metro station (Vltavská) in Prague's public transportation system - Part of the larger Elbe river basin flowing to the North Sea - Coordinates span significant north-south distance within Czech territory ## Body ### Geography and Course Vltava is the principal river of the Czech Republic, flowing from its source regions in southern Bohemia northward through the country to join the Elbe. The river's coordinates at its source approximate 48.858945°N, 13.893092°E, while its mouth region reaches approximately 50.34769°N, 14.474382°E. This significant latitudinal span demonstrates the river's extensive journey through the Czech landscape. The river flows through or adjacent to multiple Czech districts, including Český Krumlov District (known for its UNESCO-protected historic center), Písek District (home to the famous stone bridge similar to Prague's Charles Bridge), Příbram District (historically significant for mining), Benešov District (near the Konopiště Castle), Prachatice District (along historic trade routes), Prague-West District, České Budějovice District (the largest city in South Bohemia), Mělník District (where the Elbe begins), and Prague-East District. ### Administrative Context Vltava flows through the South Bohemian Region (Jihočeský kraj), one of the 14 administrative regions of the Czech Republic. The South Bohemian Region was officially established on November 12, 2000, as part of Czechia's regional reorganization. Its headquarters are in České Budějovice, a major city along the river's upper course. The Czech Republic itself is a sovereign state in Central Europe that succeeded the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic on January 1, 1993. The country operates as a parliamentary republic with Prague as its capital. Czechia is a member of the European Union (since May 1, 2004), NATO (since March 12, 1999), and the United Nations (since January 19, 1993). The nation maintains a population exceeding 10.9 million people and covers an area of 78,871 square kilometers. ### Urban Connection and Infrastructure The river's significance to Czech urban development is exemplified by Vltavská metro station in Prague. This station, part of the Prague Metro system, opened in 1984 and serves as a key transportation hub in the Czech capital. The station's name directly references the river, demonstrating the waterway's cultural prominence. Prague, through which Vltava flows, serves as the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. The city is divided into multiple districts, including Prague-West District (established April 11, 1960) and Prague-East District. The river's passage through Prague creates several iconic urban landscapes, including the famous Charles Bridge connecting the Old Town and Lesser Town across the Vltava. ### Classification and Relationships In hydrological classification, Vltava is categorized as a river, defined as a larger natural watercourse. This classification connects it to 275 other river entities in knowledge bases, positioning it within a broader context of European waterways. The river's classification as a natural watercourse distinguishes it from artificial channels and smaller streams. The river also relates to the broader Elbe river system, as Vltava is a tributary of the Elbe (known as Labe in Czech). The Elbe's lowest point in Czechia reaches 115 meters above sea level near Hřensko, where the river exits the country toward Germany. ### Historical and Cultural Context The Czech Republic's historical roots as the successor to the Kingdom of Bohemia (formally established in 1198) provide context for understanding Vltava's place in Czech heritage. Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia form the traditional lands of the Czech nation, with Vltava flowing primarily through the Bohemian region. The river has witnessed centuries of Czech history, from medieval trade routes to modern urban development. Its banks have hosted significant architectural achievements, including the Prague Castle complex (one of the largest castle areas in the world) and numerous other historical monuments that line its course through the capital. ### Regional Significance The South Bohemian Region through which Vltava flows is known for its historical towns, castles, and natural beauty. The region includes Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe. The river's presence has supported agriculture, industry, and commerce in this region for centuries. The Czech Republic maintains extensive administrative divisions beyond the regional level, with districts serving as key administrative units. The multiple districts that Vltava touches or traverses reflect the river's importance across different administrative jurisdictions within the country. ### International Context While Vltava flows entirely within Czechia, the country it traverses holds significant international standing. Czechia participates in numerous international organizations including the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, the OECD, the World Trade Organization, and the Council of Europe. The country is also part of the Visegrád Group alongside Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The Czech Republic's strategic position in Central Europe, with Vltava as one of its major geographical features, has influenced its role as a bridge between Western and Eastern Europe. The nation's transition from communism to democracy, marked by the Velvet Revolution, and its subsequent integration into European structures, has positioned it as a significant player in contemporary European affairs. ### Economic and Environmental Role Vltava contributes to the Czech Republic's economic infrastructure, supporting agriculture, industry, and tourism in the regions it traverses. The river's waters have historically powered mills and industrial operations, while its scenic beauty attracts visitors to both Prague and the South Bohemian countryside. The Czech Republic maintains approximately 2% of its total area as water coverage, with Vltava representing a significant component of this water resources. The country's diverse topography, shaped in part by its river systems including Vltava, Morava, Thaya (Dyje), Olza, Oder, Opava, Jizera, and Elbe, supports varied ecosystems and agricultural activities. ## References 1. DIBAVOD 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. KBpedia 4. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands 5. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/8556797d-26c1-405b-882e-1bc41267679b) 6. [A01 - vodní tok (tokový model). DIBAVOD](https://dibavod.cz/download.php?id_souboru=1412)