Imperial Island (Císařský ostrov) is the largest Prague island, with an area of about 29 ha. It lies on the Vltava in the Bubeneč cadastral area and is shared by the city districts Prague 6 and Prague 7. Part of the Royal Game Park (Stromovka) used to lie on what is today the island. It is often confused with Imperial Meadow.
Between 1899 and 1902 the Podbaba navigation canal and lock were built here. The canal is 2.8 km long and in its upper section cut off gardens belonging to the Royal Game Park. It also severed the original river branch flowing to the Imperial Mill. That branch was largely filled in. The so-called Little River is its surviving torso.
On the right side of Imperial Island lies what is probably the last natural section of the Vltava channel in Prague with rapids. After the floods of 2002, an allotment colony, a dog training ground, open-air equestrian arenas and a large part of the valuable mature trees were lost. The well-known Prague equestrian centre was rebuilt after the catastrophic flood, including stables and a covered outdoor riding arena.
Three bridges and a footbridge lead to the island. In 1967 the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant was put into operation on the island. The need for its modernisation and extension is currently a frequent topic of discussion.
You can sail alongside Imperial Island aboard one of our boats or steamboats.
