*A 17 km flat circuit beside the historic Hořín canal and final section of the Vltava river, starting near Mělník*

• The longest (and most famous) Czech river, the Vltava, concludes its 430 km journey under the vine clad terraces of Mělník. Those final kilometers, prior to the Vltava’s liaison with the Labe, are curiously understated; the river seemingly diminished compared with its grand procession through Prague. Certainly in those last km, the neighbouring Vraňany – Hořín canal appears wider and more impressive.
• This circuit follows both the canal and the river in an unusually rewarding flat walk, allowing a neat comparison between these two famous waterways. The canal was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century to enable shipping to bi-pass the confluence of the Vltava and Labe. Its most famous feature is the impressively deep Hořín lock, completed in an art deco style.
• The walk actually starts in the village of Hořín, which is on the southern side of the Labe river, overlooked by the spectacular chateau in Mělník. Hořín itself has a (smaller) chateau but this is not open to the public. Both chateaux are owned by the Lobkowicz dynasty, which also has a family funeral chapel in the village.
• The suggested route initially follows the footpath beside the canal for 7 km as far as the village of Lužec nad Vltavou and then returns along the cycle path with runs close to the Vltava. This footpath is part of the the E10 European long distance trail and is also the start of the final section of the Blaník-Říp pilgrimage route. Just off the canal path there is the nicely done Zelčín mini zoo, designed for smaller children.
• On the return leg along the Vltava it is worth stopping at historic village of Vrbno, with its Romanesque chapel, originally dating from the 12th century. The village was repeatedly devastated by the flooding Vltava – look for the watermark from the 2002 floods.
• The route is almost completely flat. The cycle path is asphalt, whereas the canal footpath can be muddy and might be a challenge with a stroller. For refreshments, there are a couple of pubs in Lužec and a snack bar (only open in summer) in Vrbno.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Hořín can be reached by bus form Mělník (or it is just a short walk from the town center) . There are various parking option in the village, including a small free car park next to the lock
• Starting in the village centre, next to the chateau, join the BLUE trail heading in the direction of Hořín – zdymadla. The lock is reached in 600m
• At lock, cross the canal and then turn right to follow the BLUE trail directly beside the canal
• After 3 km, the trail crosses the canal via a bridge – at this point it is possible to divert to the left to visit the mini zoo
• Cross the canal using the Zelčín bridge and then continue on the BLUE trail for a further 3.3 km to reach the village of Lužec
• From Lužec, follow the Vltava cycle path – marked 7 with yellow signs – all the way back to Hořín lock, which is reached in 8 km
• It is worth diverting to see Vrbno church and the surrounding houses at the halfway point on the cycle path