Charles Bridge: Prague's Iconic Stone Crossing
Walk across Prague's iconic Charles Bridge, a medieval masterpiece adorned with statues, offering breathtaking views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.
Charles Bridge, or Karlův most in Czech, is a medieval stone arch bridge that gracefully stretches across the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV, replacing the Judith Bridge that was destroyed in a flood. Completed in the early 15th century, it was initially called Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge before being named Charles Bridge in 1870. For centuries, Charles Bridge served as the only means of crossing the Vltava River, connecting Prague Castle and the city's Old Town, making Prague a crucial trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. The bridge is 516 meters long and about 10 meters wide, constructed as a bow bridge with 16 arches. Czech legend says that construction began at 5:31 am on July 9, 1357, a time chosen by Charles IV for its numerological significance (1357 9/7 5:31). Today, Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only zone, adorned with 30 Baroque statues added in the 17th and 18th centuries. These statues depict various saints and historical figures, with the statue of St. John of Nepomuk being the most famous. Touching the statue is said to bring good luck. The bridge offers stunning views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the city skyline, attracting artists, musicians, and vendors. The Old Town Bridge Tower on one side and the Lesser Town Bridge Towers on the other offer panoramic views.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Climb the Old Town Bridge Tower for panoramic views of the city and Charles Bridge.
- Take your time to admire the 30 Baroque statues and learn about the saints and historical figures they represent.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets, especially during busy times.
- Touch the statue of St. John of Nepomuk for good luck.
A brief summary to Czech Bridge
- Prague 1, 110 00, CZ
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From Old Town Square, walk southwest along Karlova Street. This pedestrian street leads directly to the Old Town Bridge Tower, the entrance to Charles Bridge from the Old Town side. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
From Prague main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží), take tram number 9 to Národní divadlo. From there, it is a short walk across the Legií Bridge (Most Legií) to Charles Bridge. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK. Validate your ticket upon boarding the tram.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Prague main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Charles Bridge typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The approximate fare is 220-270 CZK, with a base fare of 60 CZK and a rate of 36 CZK per kilometer. Taxi services like Uber, Bolt and Modry Andel are available.
