Mělník
Mělník is a city in Central Bohemia. It lies on the confluence of two of Bohemia most important rivers - Vltava and Elbe. It is located 25 km north of Prague.
Understand
Mělník is known as the place where Vltava flows into Elbe (this is more tradition than reality, Vltava is actually wider and has more water than Elbe in Mělník). It is however a relatively big city with 19 thousand inhabitants, with some of them commuting to Prague everyday. The city actually lies some 80 meters above the confluence, which provides some great views of the confluence.
Mělník was founded in 10th century as a castle guarding the confluence. Today, there is a large chateau at the place of the former castle.
Get in
By train
Mělník lies on the railway between Lysá nad Labem and Ústí nad Labem. This railway following the right bank of Elbe is meant mainly for cargo trains, but sees a lot of passenger traffic as well. Because of this railroad, Mělník has two-hourly direct connection by express train to Litoměřice, Ústí nad Labem, Stará Boleslav, Poděbrady and Kolín. If going from Prague, you have to change trains at Všetaty. The journey from Prague takes about one hour and costs 79 Kč.
- 🌍 Mělník train staion.
By bus
There are direct buses going from Prague every half hour. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 46 Kč, payable to the driver. Buses however usually depart from Ládví station (red metro line C), which is a bit far off the center, so it might be easier and faster to use the train.
- 🌍 Mělník main bus station.
By car
It is a quick journey by car from Prague. Parking in city center is paid during weekdays, with first 90 minutes being free.
By bike
It is an easy bike trip from north of Prague to Mělník by bike. It is about 35 km if using the country roads with little traffic. Most of the terrain is flat, so you can do it in two or three hours.
By boat
Historical steamboat sails to Mělník from Rašínovo Nábřeží in Prague. It sails out early in the morning and returns in late evening. Sailings are only in summer, check their website for more details. It costs 790 Kč both ways, 1990 Kč with dinner.
Get around
The historical city center is small and walkable. From the train and bus station, it is one and half kilometer walking.
See
- 🌍 Chateau Mělník (Zámek Mělník), ☏ +420 315 622 121, rezervace@lobkowicz-melnik.cz. 9ː30 - 16ː30. A large chateau above the river confluence. One of the few chateaux in Czechia which you can visit without a guide 110 Kč.
- 🌍 Church of Sts Peter and Paul, ☏ +420 731 518 750, farnostmelnik@seznam.cz. A large Gothic church from 10th century, one of the oldest in Bohemia. The interior is free to enter, you can also climb the tower with an excellent view of the city and confluence (50 Kč) or visit the church ossuary (40 Kč)
- 🌍 Regional Museum Mělník, +420 315 630 922, ☏ +420 315 630 922, muzeum@muzeum-melnik.cz. 9ː00 - 17ː00, closed on Mondays. A small museum in former monastery offering permanent exhibition regarding wine-making and pram-making, which both have tradition in Mělník. 50 Kč.
Do
You can bike around in the relatively flat area.
Drink
Mělník has a tradition in wine-making. Local wine is usually dry and worth of tasting. You can arrange some wine tasting at the local museum.
Sleep
- 🌍 Autocamp Mělník, autocamp@campmelnik.cz. A camp located only 1 km away from the centre. Offers two person barrels, little chalets, camper and tent spots. It had a big swimming pool and a restaurant.
- 🌍 Penzion Piranha, ☏ +420 315 621 422, info@pizzeria-piranha.cz. There is also a pizzeria in the building. 1300 Kč for double room.
Go next
- Kokořínsko - nearby protected landscape area with interesting rock formations and opportunities to hike. 19 km
- Říp - a solitary hill rising up from the surrounding flat area, there are many legends about it. Offering a great view. 17 km.
- Prague - 30 km