A short walk along the Vltava cycle path between Braník and Modřany: 4 km (extendable)

• The Vltava cycle route runs for more than 400 km along or close to the Czech Republic’s longest river, from its source in the Šumava mountains to its confluence with the Labe at Mělník. Much of the route is also suitable for hikers (and several sections are used on walks in this guide).
• One of most well-known sections of this cycle route follows the right bank of the river for 28 km from Vrané nad Vltavou (near Zbraslav) through the center of Prague to Troja (where Prague Zoo and botanical gardens are situated). The route is labelled A2 and the access/start points are the train stations at Vrané or Zbraslav (which is 4 km closer to Prague). The whole of this route is perfectly suited also for walkers (and some would say this is a better way to do the trail, particularly the sections though the center of Prague, where cyclists need to use the main roads, rather than a separate path).
• Most people, however, will probably just want to walk a shorter section of this route. A nice (12 km) walk uses the northern section of the A2 (from Prague center to Troja) and then back across two parks. For a shorter walk then the 4 km section of the A2 path between Braník and Modřany is also recommended and is shown in the map below. This section has a separate asphalt path away from the main road, running directly beside the river. It is suitable for strollers.
• If desired, the route can be extended by taking the path along Modřanská rokle valley, which runs beside the picturesque Libušský stream. It has an educational trail with information boards. A good asphalt path runs for 3 km along the valley starting in Modřany. The map below shows this option extension.
• Braník and Modřany can quickly be reached by public transport from the center of Prague – using the tram is probably the nicest way. Braník has a free Park&Ride car park. Both suburbs have some good refreshment options. In Modřany, try the stylish Croatian fish restaurant Deco (map point 6) and in Braník the Café VELOKLASIK (map point 2) is worth checking out.

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

• Start the walk at the Braník train and tram stop (also next to the P&R car park)
• From the tram stop, follow Pikovická street northwards for 150m to reach the crossroads (Café VELOKLASIK is on the corner)
• At the crossroads, turn left, cross the main road and continue for 200m to reach the A2 cycle path
• Turn left onto the cycle path and follow this for 3.5 km to reach the Modřany junction
• At the junction, turn left onto the BLUE hiking trail to reach the tram and train stations (or continue on the BLUE trail for the Modřanská rokle extension, returning back the same route to Modřany tram/train stop)