Longest Rivers Of The Czech Republic

At 267 miles in length, the Vltava is the longest river wholly in the Czech Republic (now called Czechia). Situated in Central Europe, the geography of the country is marked by low mountain ranges, a river basin to the west and a hilly region in the state’s eastern portion. Some of the rivers in Czechia flows in the country and empties into water bodies such as the Baltic Sea and North Sea.

Longest Rivers Of The Czech Republic

Elbe River

The Elbe River flows for 678 miles from the Krkonoše Mountains in the Czech Republic to the North Sea in Germany. The river is also called Labe in the Czech Republic. The river has used for maritime trade since 1842, providing trade links to Prague. In medieval times, the river was used to mark boundaries for empires such as the Charlemagne Empire. The river sustains wine-producing areas in the Bohemian region of the country. The Elbe River supports wetlands and woodlands habitats as well as birds such as cranes and storks, aqua fauna, and amphibian species. The river is also an important tourist spot for activities such as cruising and sightseeing. The Elbe River’s water is used for water-supply for domestic and industrial uses. Industrial activities have facilitated the river’s pollution.

Oder

Oder River flows for 531 miles from the Oder Mountains in the Czech Republic, and it passes through Germany and Poland before draining into the Baltic Sea. Historically, the river was an important trade route, and its banks were home to numerous Germanic and Slavic tribes. The river supports navigation in most of its length, and it has facilitated the growth of the major cities such as Ostrava. Products carried along the river include coal, iron, and coke. Power dams have been constructed on the river’s headwaters in the country. The river supports meadows, wetlands and fluvial forests along its basin.

Vltava

The Czech Republic does not share the Vltava River with any other country. The river’s primary stream rises from the Černá Mountain as Černý Potok, and it drains into the Elbe River. In medieval times, the river was invaluable for navigation, trade, industry, irrigation, and water supply purposes. The river was instrumental in the growth of the city of Prague. The river is susceptible to floods, and nine dams have been constructed for water-control and hydro-electric power generation. The Vltava River has also facilitated tourism in Prague.

Spree River

The Spree River flows for 249 miles from the Lusatian Highlands in Germany to the River Havel, a tributary of the Elbe River. The river is navigable in some parts of its course, mainly popular with leisure crafts. The river is linked with the other main rivers by use of canals such as Oder-Spree Canal for commercial purposes. In the Czech Republic, the river flows through the Ústí nad Labem region and its waters are crucial for the region’s industries.

Longest Rivers Of The Czech Republic

The rest of the country’s rivers are Morava River (220 miles and shared with Austria and Slovakia). Ohře River (196 miles and shared with Germany); Bóbr River (169 miles and shared with Poland); White Elster River (160 miles and shared with Germany); Lusatian Neisse River (157 miles and shared with Germany and Poland), and Thaya River flowing for 146 miles and shared with Austria.