Vltavská cyklotrasa

Description of the route: From Jíloviště, first descend into the wide valley of the Berounka, which leads you along its bank to its confluence with the Vltava. The Vltava will then become your faithful companion for a while, giving you many opportunities to observe the life and nature along this beautiful river and in its nearby surroundings. You will witness how the Vltava cautiously enters the territory of the capital city of Prague on its long journey from the forests of Šumava. Along this comfortable route, there are several "refreshment stations" in the form of restaurants and kiosks waiting for you. Start: From Jíloviště, head along the red cycling trail towards Černošice. Route guide: Jíloviště: The village lies at the foot of the Brdy Highlands, which here form a natural dam between two of the most beautiful Czech rivers, the Vltava and the Berounka. At the level of Jíloviště, the two rivers are approximately 3 km apart, but shortly after Zbraslav they merge into one river. In the vicinity of Jíloviště, you can admire the beauty of both rivers from the high rocky terraces before their confluence. Černošice: In Černošice, you will cross a footbridge over the Berounka and connect to cycling trail A1, which follows the left bank of the Berounka (direction Radotín). Radotín: Right at the beginning of Radotín, the first refreshment station awaits you with a pleasant outdoor seating area and a playground (about 500 m later, there’s another one). Continue along cycling trail A1 along the bank of the Berounka until its confluence with the Vltava. Confluence: Just before the Berounka joins the Vltava, it flows under the Lahovice Bridge. During the recent reconstruction of this bridge, viewing towers were built on its sides from which you can observe the "engagement" of these two rivers. Continue along cycling trail A1 along the left bank of the Vltava. Malá Chuchle: Here, you have two paths to choose from. You can either pass under the Strakonická road and continue on A1 around the Barrandov rocks up to the Barrandov bridge, or stay on the left bank of the Vltava all the way to the Barrandov bridge. Barrandov Bridge: After crossing Barrandov Bridge, you will reach the other bank of the Vltava in Braník. From the bridge, you can see the Vltava entering the territory of the capital city of Prague. You can also see the rocky cliff of Vyšehrad from where, according to legend, the mythical horse Šemík jumped. His master was Horymír, whom Šemík saved with his daring jump from certain death. However, he himself perished while doing so. But don’t grieve, hop on your immortal "iron steed" and continue along the right bank of the Vltava against its current on cycling trail A2 towards Zbraslav. On this section, several "refreshment stations" await you. Zbraslav: Upon reaching Zbraslav, you will cross the Vltava on the Závodu míru bridge, saying farewell to the Vltava. Just after the bridge, turn left and continue on the blue cycling trail back to Jíloviště. However, if you still have a bit of time, you can visit the local small zoo or Zbraslav Castle, which serves as an exhibition venue for the National Gallery of Prague. In the square, you can refresh yourself in the restaurant U Vejvody, which with its interior decor, reminds you of the life and work of this local native and world-renowned composer. But remember that it is still a long way up to Jíloviště :-) .