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In pictures: Prague’s iconic Charles Bridge

Prague's Charles Bridge across the Vltava River, Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge – or Karlův Most – is one of Prague’s most iconic, and busiest, sights. Built in the late 14th century, it was the only way to get across the Vltava River for nearly 500 years. The bridge is lined with over 30 statues with imposing gothic-style towers protecting each end. Everyone’s seen the classic photo of the deserted bridge in the mist, it’s one of the most recognisable images of Prague. You might struggle to recreate it yourself though, as the Charles Bridge is one of the city’s most popular attractions, packed with a mass of tourists, artists and gift stalls for most of the day. But if you’re there in the winter or get up before dawn you can have it to yourself, otherwise some of the best views of the bridge are from the riverbank on the Prague Castle side of the Vltava.

The Charles Bridge across the Vltava River in Pargue, Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge across the Vltava River in Pargue, Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge across the Vltava River in Pargue, Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge across the Vltava River in Pargue, Czech Republic

26 Comments Post a comment
  1. Beautiful shots, as always, Lucy!

    August 20, 2012
    • Thanks Suzanne, it was a bit of a struggle to get any that weren’t swarmed with people!

      August 21, 2012
  2. aBitofCulture #

    I’d have loved to have gone there in the 70s when no-one had been there.

    August 20, 2012
    • It would’ve been great to see it when it was still an undiscovered tourist spot, it definitely isn’t now!

      August 21, 2012
  3. Saw this in my “Reader” and thought it was an entry for Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post – Black & White. Could be!

    August 20, 2012
    • It could indeed! I love black and white shots, especially when it’s cloudy or the light’s not great. I liked your Sunday post ones, you’ll be getting into it too now!

      August 21, 2012
    • Thanks Lucy. It was a revelation!

      August 21, 2012
  4. I loved Prague! Walking across the bridge every day was crazy – so many people – you did well to get some less crowded pictures! Even in the winter, the bridge was a zoo! Couldn’t get enough of the energy though. Nice shots!

    August 21, 2012
    • Thanks, it was hard to find a gap in the crowds but early evening was best – most of the day it’s packed though and sometimes you can hardly move!

      August 23, 2012
  5. Reblogged this on Gplusb's Blog and commented:
    very touching

    August 22, 2012
  6. I love the Charles Bridge. I know it’s crowded, but I still remember how wonderful it was to walk across it the first time I went there (early 90s) and look at the water, at the beautiful architecture, and people watch.

    August 24, 2012
    • I’ve heard that it was a lot quieter in Prague in the early 90s, must have been great to see. Though it’s still beautiful on the bridge even with all the people there now.

      August 25, 2012
  7. A lovely sequence. Really gives a feel of the place and makes me even more keen to get there!

    September 3, 2012
    • Thanks, when I first saw it I was a bit disappointed as it was so busy, but in the gaps from the crowds you really get to see how stunning it is. Though may be worth the early alarm call for photos next time!

      September 4, 2012
  8. I just love this post Lucy. Photos, inspiring and the narratives, I am inspired :)

    September 4, 2012
    • Thanks, it’s such an iconic sight and just as inspiring in person.

      September 4, 2012
  9. Beautiful shots, it’s like I’m back in Prague again!

    I would go again, beautiful place and lovely people.

    September 29, 2012
    • Thanks, I would so go back too, such a fascinating city and so much to see there.

      October 1, 2012
  10. très beau shoot :D je serai à Prague bientôt j’ai hâte

    http://groomtobeblg.wordpress.com

    October 3, 2012
  11. As busy as the bridge is, it truly is spectacular. I’ve been to Prague several times and there were always crowds, but I hope that the next time I visit, I’ll be able to see it either late at night or in the early morning. Nice shots, Lucy!

    November 4, 2012
    • Thanks, I’d like to go and see it in winter with the mist or snow… and a few less people. It is still beautiful busy or not though.

      November 4, 2012
  12. More awesome photos Lucy. You have a real talent mate :)

    November 21, 2012
    • Thanks Ardun, I’d have loved to see it without any people on but tried to get a few interesting angles.

      November 26, 2012

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. Prague | Fenya's Travels
  2. Travel plans for 2012 – version two | On the Luce

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