In Prague's Smíchov district you'll find Imperial Meadow (Císařská louka), a 1.7 km-long island that almost reaches all the way to the Railway Bridge. It is separated from the left bank by Smíchov Harbour. You may be surprised to learn that this island was created artificially — between 1899 and 1903 soil was excavated from its western half during the construction of Smíchov Harbour. The island is sometimes confused with Imperial Island.
It used to be called Royal Meadow. It was actually just a wide riverbank, where in 1297 the great coronation feast of Wenceslas II probably took place. In the 19th century the meadow became a popular spot for Prague day-trippers. Social events and sporting matches, including horse races, were held here. Until the end of the 19th century, gold was even panned here.
Today the island hosts a marina for small craft, a campsite for caravans, sports areas and the Cinda restaurant. The island is accessible from its southern end via a bridge from Smíchov. Since 2008 the Prague 5 ferry of the Prague Integrated Transport system also calls at the island.
You can sail along Imperial Meadow on board one of our boats or steamboats if you choose a cruise longer than the one-hour cruise.
