VLTAVA

The 'Vltava' (; ) is the longest river in the Czech Republic, draining into the north from its source in Šumava through Český Krumlov, České Budějovice, and Prague (''Praha''), merging with the Elbe (''Labe'') at Mělník. It is 430 kilometers long and drains about 28,090 square kilometers; at their confluence the Vltava actually has more water than the Elbe, but joins the Elbe at a right angle to its flow so that it appears a mere tributary.
Several dams were built on it in the 1950s, the biggest being Lipno Dam in Šumava.
In August 2002 a flood of the Vltava killed several people and caused massive damage and disruption along its length.
The best-known of the classical Czech composer Bedřich Smetana's set of six symphonic poems ''Má vlast'' (''My Country'') is called ''Vltava'' and is an evocation of the course the river takes.

Contents

Physical Description

Etymology

Physical Description

★ Drain vs mouth height difference is 1016 m.
The main current carrying from the drain is named Černý potok (Black Brook).

Etymology

Both the Czech name Vltava and the German name Moldau are believed to originate from an old word meaning 'river' (cf. Scandinavian ''älv'').