A Vltava (Moldau) River Cruise is a Must for Sightseeing in Prague!

[Czech Republic/Prague Travelogue] Vltava River Cruise and the Riverside - The Beautiful Flow of the Vltava River

My days in Prague were blessed with good weather, and I was able to spend every day in the best conditions for walking around.

Even among all that, it was the Vltava River that always brightened my heart.

And on this Vltava River, many cruise ships are in operation.

From the bridges, I could always see many boats coming and going on this river.

Today, I decided to board one of those boats and enjoy the beautiful flow of the river myself.

There are many cruise companies near the Charles Bridge, ranging from luxurious large cruise ships to companies that specialize in tours on small boats.

I decided to join a cruise with a company that offers tours on small boats called Prague Venice.

This is because a guide who helped me the other day recommended this company's cruise as the best for viewing the scenery.

I immediately bought a ticket and headed to the boat boarding area.

It is indeed a small boat, but on the contrary, it has a great atmosphere and a unique charm.

According to the guide, if you are on a large boat with many passengers, you might not even be able to enjoy the scenery to your satisfaction if you cannot secure a good spot.

Furthermore, unlike large cruise ships, this boat has a lower eye level.

Because of that, you can view the scenery from closer to the water's surface, so it is recommended as the better way to experience the Vltava River.

Boarding complete. The staff's uniforms are also perfectly sharp. This cruise seems quite popular, as we departed with a full boat.

Finally, we set off.

It is indeed a cozy boat, so the view from the windows is very easy to see. On the left in the photo is the famous Charles Bridge.

Just as the guide said, the water surface is right there, so I could feel the coolness of the river.

The cityscape of Prague viewed from above the river is truly exceptional.

A smile naturally spreads across my face at the beautiful scenery.

Charles Bridge seen from below.

Being able to see things from a different angle than usual is the real thrill of a cruise.

Passing through Charles Bridge, I look up the Vltava River.

The peaceful scenery is soothing.

Enjoying Charles Bridge and Prague Castle from this angle is something only a cruise ship can offer.

Also, this cruise allows you to go into the waterways along the river. This is an experience you absolutely cannot have on a large cruise ship.

Although it is for a short time, being able to go sightseeing while slowly moving through the city's waterways is one of the selling points of this boat tour.

The cruise ends in about 45 minutes to just under an hour.

The duration is just right, very appropriate.

I am extremely satisfied.

I felt from the bottom of my heart that I had spent a wonderful time.

Why not join this boat tour when you go sightseeing in Prague?

Now, after the boat cruise, I took a tram to an area a little further upstream on the Vltava River.

This is the area where the third bridge upstream from Charles Bridge is located.

I decide to take a leisurely walk from here towards the Charles Bridge area.

As I start to cross the bridge, I can see a large ship docked on the opposite bank. It seems to be used as a restaurant.

As I continue further along the bridge, I can see the riverbank.

A young man and woman are sitting side by side.

It's just like the Kamo River in Kyoto.

A heartwarming atmosphere is drifting in the air.

As you walk along the river, you will encounter various buildings.

The one on the left is apparently used as a restaurant now, but Prague is truly a place that never lacks picturesque scenery.

As you continue a little further, you will reach an area with an island in the middle of the river.

This island was also wonderful.

The inside is like a park, wrapped in a peaceful atmosphere.

The Vltava River viewed idly from here was exceptional.

The Vltava River viewed near the Charles Bridge is of course beautiful, but how beautiful is the lush, green Vltava River a little further away from there.

I lost track of time and found myself staring at it.

On another island, tourists enjoying themselves in rental boats pass right in front of you.

This was also a quiet and calming place.

Rivers are truly wonderful.

But why am I so drawn to the Vltava River?

As I was gazing at the Vltava River while thinking about such things, something suddenly came to mind.

It was the Kamo River in Kyoto.

When I was a graduate student, the Kamo River flowed right by my university.

It was less than a 10-minute bike ride from my house.

When people think of the Kamo River, they probably think of the view from Shijo Bridge, which connects Shijo Kawaramachi and Gion in Kyoto.

I also love walking along the Kamo River in Shijo.

However, the Kamo River I love the most is much further upstream than that.

It is the nature-filled Kamo River where I always used to walk.

That said, it is only about 2 km north of Shijo Bridge, but the scenery is surprisingly different.

We are now about 1 km from Shijo Bridge.

Since the scenery changes this much in just 1 km, I think you can imagine how much more lush and natural the atmosphere becomes as you go further.

This is the only photo I have on hand, so this is all I can share, but I truly love this Kamo River.

Whether I was having fun or going through hard times, feeling happy or troubled, I often walked along this river.

I remember that whenever I was lost or thinking things over, I would often head to the Kamo River.

The Kamo River symbolizes my time in Kyoto.

For me, the two years I was able to study in Kyoto were truly a wonderful time.

I am sure that the wonderful experiences from that time became my formative experiences and are always present in my heart.

That may be why I am so drawn to the Vltava River, as it reminds me of that.

The Vltava River is more than just the Charles Bridge.

Why not step away from there and take a leisurely stroll?

You will be able to see a different side of Prague, distinct from the bustling Old Town.

Continued

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