Kampa Island
Kampa lies between the Vltava and the Čertovka channel on the Malá Strana side of Prague. Its waterside houses, former mills and open park offer a different pace from the streets around Charles Bridge.
How the island took shape
Kampa appears in medieval records. Rubble from the great fire of 1541 was brought here, raising the ground level and making room for more houses. Its setting has changed over the centuries, from gardens and working riverbanks to the public spaces visitors know today.
Between the river and the Čertovka
The narrow Čertovka separates Kampa from the rest of Malá Strana. Known in English as the Devil’s Stream, the channel served the mills along its banks. The houses and mill wheels beside the water are among the details that give this corner of Prague its character.
Views from Charles Bridge
Kampa’s waterside buildings have appeared in countless paintings and photographs. Looking down from Charles Bridge gives you one view of the island; walking beside the channel gives you another. The nickname “Prague Venice” refers to this close relationship between houses and water.
Gardens, houses and mills
Bricklayers, carpenters and stonemasons lived here and worked around Charles Bridge. Houses and palace gardens developed alongside the mills, and separate gardens were later brought together as a public park.
Pottery markets are another part of the history of the island’s central square. Look for current event listings if you would like to include a market in your visit.
Exploring from Mostecká
Kampa is an easy neighbourhood to include in a walk from our house. Follow the river, look for the old mill wheel and leave time to enjoy the park before returning towards the bridge.