Moldau

Moldau is the German name for the Vltava, the longest river that entirely runs within the Czech Republic. It is a central waterway in Bohemia and a symbol of the Czech landscape. The length is about 430 kilometers, and the river plays a key role in regional water management, navigation, and recreation.

Geographically, the Vltava rises in the Bohemian Forest from the confluence of the Černá Vltava (Black Vltava) and the Bílá Vltava (White Vltava) near Vyšší Brod. It generally flows northwest across Bohemia, passing Prague, before joining the Elbe (Labe) at Mělník just north of the capital. Along its course it connects numerous towns and landscapes, including the Prague metropolitan area, which makes it a defining feature of the Czech capital.

Hydrology and infrastructure are closely tied to the river. The Vltava hosts several reservoirs formed by dams for hydroelectric power, flood control, and water supply. The Lipno reservoir is the largest in the Czech Republic, with other significant structures at Orlík and Slapy. Dams and barrages influence travel, ecology, and local economies, while the lower reaches remain navigable for certain vessels.

Culturally, the Moldau is well known beyond Czech borders, notably through Bedřich Smetana’s symphonic poem The Moldau (Vltava), the best-known part of his Má vlast cycle. The piece dramatizes the river’s course across Bohemia and has contributed to the river’s iconic status in art and national identity.