Confluence of the Elbe and Vltava

Directly below the Mělník chateau, the Vltava, the longest river in the Czech Republic, flows into the Elbe.

The above sentence may strike anyone. It is well known that the Elbe flows into the Vltava! How do you explain this confusion? The area of ​​the Elbe river basin was once inhabited by the Celts, who considered this river in the country to be the main stream.

Not only the Vltava River, but also the Vltava canal flows into the Elbe at this point. It is this that is much clearer than the confluence of the Vltava and the Elbe, and therefore the navigation canal is often confused with the flow of the Vltava. When you reach a place where the confluence of the rivers is clearly visible, remember that from the top view, the Vltava flows into the Elbe first and only then the canal, which you will recognize as being the narrowest.

Vltava river
The length of the river in the Czech Republic is 430.2 km and its average flow is 149.9 m3 / second. Its catchment area occupies more than half of Bohemia. Its spring can be found in Šumava nad Kvildou at an altitude of 1,172 meters. Initially it is called Černý potok and later Teplá Vltava. At the confluence with the Cold Vltava, the Vltava is formed.

river Elbe
The length of the river Elbe is 235 km and its source can be found at Labská bouda in the Giant Mountains at an altitude of 1,384 meters. The name Elbe begins at the confluence of the Elbe Creek and the White Elbe.

The area of ​​the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers is a rich natural site and part of the Úpor protected area. It is also the last rich site of snowdrop snowdrops in Central Bohemia.

Where is the most beautiful view of the confluence from?

There are several viewpoints, from where there is a nice view of the confluence of the Vltava and the Elbe. One of them is Vrázova vyhlídka or a restaurant on the Mělník hill. The lookout can be reached in a few steps from the center of Mělník.

Author: Andrea Štyndlová