2025 is the year of the Vltava: A guide to celebrating Czechia's most famous river

The Vltava River has long been a lifeblood of Czechia, flowing not just through the heart of its landscapes but also its cultural identity. Immortalized in Bedřich Smetana’s iconic symphonic poem Vltava, the river has come to symbolize the Czech soul.

As 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of Vltava’s first performance, the National Heritage Institute is launching a year-long celebration titled VLTAVA Famous & Navigable to honor the river’s profound significance, culminating in a large exhibition at Prague Castle on Sept. 1.

"The Vltava is a national river in all respects and the anniversary of Smetana's symphonic poem Vltava is its ideal embodiment. Monuments, music, history, sports, everyday life, all of this is the Vltava and the positive emotions associated with it, which are so needed today," says Naďa Goryczková, Director General of the National Institute of Monuments.

According to Goryczková the project's ambition is for the Vltava River to be officially recognized by the Council of Europe.

"We want to draw attention to the phenomenon of the Vltava River, to its broad historical, cultural and social significance, which will lead to the declaration of the river as a European Cultural Route.

The project brings together some of Czechia’s most prominent institutions, including the National Gallery Prague, National Museum, and Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Among the highlights is a symbolic relay that will transport water from the river’s source to Prague, representing the unity of communities along its course.

The centerpiece of the celebration is an exhibition at Prague Castle Riding Hall showcasing an extraordinary collection of art, monuments, and historical documents that illuminate the Vltava’s influence on Czech culture and history. This display will bring together contributions from museums and galleries across the country.

In addition, the Vltava Route offers an array of experiences for visitors to explore throughout the year. Chamber concerts by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra will take place at castles and chateaux along the river, while an unconventional concert in Prague’s Ledeburg Gardens promises a fusion of music and nature.

Themed tours at landmarks like the Zlatá Koruna Monastery and Hluboká Castle and a ballet performance of Má vlast at Veltrusy also pay homage to the Vltava.

The National Museum will display treasures such as Smetana’s original sheet music for Vltava and a statue of Charles IV. The National Gallery Prague will contribute landscape paintings by Czech and European artists inspired by the river, while the National Agricultural Museum will showcase exhibits on river rafting from April 5.

"The Vltava has the power to inspire artists, it is a truly extraordinary, exceptional river. The relationship with it has been reflected in art for centuries, whether it is musical or visual creation. Wherever the Vltava flows, it is a significant part of the landscape or city, of everyday life around it, and of the local visual identity. And artists capture this beautifully in their works," says Alicja Knast, general director of the National Gallery in Prague.

The Museum of Decorative Arts will feature photography, graphics, and artistic interpretations of the Vltava. Rare medieval documents, historical maps, and even gold and pearls retrieved from the river.

The Vltava’s historical and cultural importance is unparalleled. Flowing 430 kilometers from its source in Šumava to its confluence with the Elbe, the river has witnessed centuries of Czech history. Smetana’s melodic tribute captures the river’s journey in a musical masterpiece that resonates deeply with the national consciousness.

The project’s website provides further details on year-round events, venues, and ticketing information; events run through 2026.