Čertovka - a hidden gem of Prague that you must experience from a boat

What is Čertovka?

Čertovka, also known as the Devil's Channel, is an artificial canal that separates Kampa Island from the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). It is about 740 metres long and dates back to the Middle Ages. It was built to bring water to the mills, and you can still see the Grand Priory Mill with its large wooden water wheel, one of the most photographed spots in Prague.

Where does the name Čertovka come from?

There are several stories behind the name:

• One says it comes from the devilishly fast current that once drove the mill wheels.
• Another legend tells of a quarrelsome miller's wife nicknamed "the she-devil" (čertice in Czech). The canal is said to be named after her.
• Either way, Čertovka has a magical air that hangs over the whole Lesser Town.

What you will see on a boat tour through Čertovka

From the street you can only glimpse Čertovka from Kampa and a few small footbridges. Only a Prague Venice boat tour shows you its real charm:

• Mill wheels, especially at the Grand Priory Mill, whose turning paddles take you back to the old days.
• Lesser Town houses standing right above the water, an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in Prague.
• Hidden corners of the narrow canal that really do recall Venice.
• Stories and legends told in commentary available in 19 languages.

How to see Čertovka by boat: practical information

Čertovka lies in the Lesser Town between Kampa Island and the Malá Strana riverbank, just below Charles Bridge. From land you only see parts of it; the whole canal can only be travelled by boat.

• Departure point: Judita pier below Křižovnické Square, right next to Charles Bridge on the Old Town side. Tickets are sold online or at the Charles Bridge Museum box office (Křižovnické náměstí 3).
• Duration: 45 minutes on the Vltava and through Čertovka. Boats depart every 10 minutes all year round, in winter in covered, heated boats.
• Price: EUR 22 for adults, EUR 14 for children aged 2 to 12, children under 2 travel free.
• Included: commentary in 19 languages, one drink with a small snack and entry to the Charles Bridge Museum.

Why is Čertovka called "Prague's Venice"?

The mix of water, historic houses and mills gives Čertovka an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in Prague. The narrow canal and wooden boats create the illusion of being in Venice, only in the heart of the Czech capital.

A great tip for couples and families

• For couples: gliding through the narrow canal in the evening light is unforgettably romantic.
• For families: children love the stories of mill wheels and water sprites.
• For travellers: commentary in 19 languages means everyone understands the stories of old Prague.

What to combine Čertovka with

The Čertovka canal is part of every Prague Venice boat tour. After the cruise you can head to:

• Kampa Island, a green park full of art.
• Charles Bridge Museum, entry is included in your boat ticket.
• Lesser Town lanes with cafés, pubs and quiet corners a few minutes' walk away.

Summary: Čertovka, a magical corner of Prague you should not miss

In the evening Čertovka has a special atmosphere: the water reflects the setting sun, the mill wheels turn lazily and Prague slows down.

If you want to see the city differently, board a Prague Venice boat and let it take you into this hidden canal. You'll see why Čertovka is the heart of romantic Prague.

Book your Čertovka boat tour today and see "Prague's Venice" the way the millers knew it.