Devils on the Čertovka 2026: St. Nicholas Cruise for Children

"Devils on the Čertovka" is a traditional pre-Christmas event on the Vltava River. The boat rides for children and their parents are organized by Zdeněk Bergman, a Prague ferryman, in cooperation with the Museum of Legends and Ghosts. That evening, the Vltava embankment will be filled with a gang of devils, and the devils will scare the children from the banks.

St. Nicholas Cruise in Prague: What Kids Can Expect

The historic all-wooden boats Vodouch and Bivoj also sail into Čertovka. During the cruise, devils on the banks will regale you with spooky legends and stories full of fire. On the Vltava River, you’ll also meet an angel and St. Nicholas himself, who will reward well-behaved children accordingly.

Dates, Departures, and Location

• When: Saturday, December 5, 2026
• Departures: every 15 minutes from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Boats: Two Vodouch boats depart every 15 minutes; the open-deck Bivoj boat departs only at 4:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 8:45 p.m.
• From: Judita underground marina, Křižovnické náměstí 3, Prague 1
• Price: Tickets cost the same for all participants, regardless of age
• Museum included: Your ticket grants you free admission to the Charles Bridge Museum, including the nativity scene exhibition

Before You Go

• Dress warmly. The Vodouch boats are covered and heated, but the windows are open during the program. The Bivoj is completely open.
• Your ticket on your phone is all you need. Have your QR code ready before boarding the boat.
• Refreshments: None are served on board; hot drinks and mulled wine are available before and after the cruise at the Charles Bridge Museum café.
• Dogs: Unfortunately, they are not allowed on board during this event.

Tickets for the Devil's Cruises are sold on the event's website, where you can also select your departure time.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the "Devils at Čertovka" festival take place in 2026?

On Saturday, December 5, 2026, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. Boats depart every 15 minutes from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where do the "Devil's Cruises" set sail from?

From the Judita underground marina near Charles Bridge, Křižovnické náměstí 3, Prague 1. To find out where we depart from throughout the year, visit Frequently Asked Questions.

How much does a ticket cost for children?

The price is the same for all participants, regardless of age. Tickets are available on the event website, certinacertovce.cz.

Are the boats heated?

The Vodouch boats are covered and heated, but the windows are open during the program. The Bivoj is completely open, so be sure to dress warmly.

You can also join us on a tour of Čertovka outside of this event. The sightseeing cruise through the “Venice of Prague” departs from Charles Bridge daily throughout the year—in winter on heated boats and