In Prague, the Vltava River was used as a source of water for households and manufacturing. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the development of the city was closely connected to the river as its current was used to transport building timber and later on all kinds of goods. Big industrial plants and harbours were gradually built on the banks…
Suddenly, water wasn’t needed for transport any more. Cargo transport currently plays second fiddle as it is just the boats used for passenger transport that can still make money. Most of them serve recreational purposes with the exception of the boats that replace trams during the renovation of Vyšehrad tunnel.
The harbours in Holešovice, Smíchov and Radotín have been declining in importance. Holešovice Harbour has all but disappeared, and the place of loading and unloading has been transformed into a fully-fledged part of Prague with administrative buildings, residential houses, golf courses and hotels. Holešovice, Karlín, Libeň are three development areas which will in the future significantly improve the appearance of the city.