Czech name: Kampa
Kampa Island is an “oasis” island on the Vltava River in the middle of Prague in the Czech Republic. A part of the city since the 17th-century, it is an amazing place to take awesome pictures, discover art and the architecture of many original and intact Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque structures. At the end of the Charles Bridge, it is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful city islands, and a walk in the park there is spectacular. It is a romantic and tranquil place, gives a feeling of mystery and magic, and the atmosphere makes it feel miles away from the bustling city.
Location & How to Get There
The city itself has a great public transportation system which makes it easy to get around and have good connections to the main attractions. Even though no public transport route passes through the Island, several run close by on the Malá Strana side of the river, being the 12, 15, 20 and 22 trams. The nearest Metro station’s green line A (Malostranská stop) is only a seven-minute walk away from the northern end of the Island.
What to Do & What to See
Devil’s Stream (Čertovka)
Devil’s Stream was created in the 12th century as a millrace. It is a picturesque artificial channel that divides Kampa Island from the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). The houses are right by the winding water, which gave the channel the name The Venice of Prague. The history of the channel dates back to ancient times, when the Knights of Malta in the middle ages needed to regulate the water flow for the mills in the area. Until the 16th century, there were only mills and gardens, and four preserved mills are still there.
Grand Priory Mill (Velkopřevorský mlýn)
The huge mill wheel of the 15th century is one of the most romantic and picturesque places in the city. It has been fully restored and has an impressive 8-meter wheel. It is still a working water mill and rotates as the water pushes the wheel.
Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
A walk along the pedestrian bridge – famous Charles Bridge – finds lovely scenery, monuments, statues, little stalls, painters, and street artists. You can listen to music and take lots of fantastic pictures. Many films have been shot here.
Lesser Quarter, often called Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
It has the Czech meaning of “Little Side of the River” because it is spread along the west bank of the river Vltava across the Charles Bridge from the larger areas of the New and Old Towns. It has a castle and its grounds perched above it and is a lovely and historical photo op with its classical and stately historical buildings, cobbled streets, open squares, and the landmark St. Nicholas Church.
Lichtenstein Palace (Lichtenštejnský palác)
This historical masterpiece dates back to the 16th century. The architecturally-beautiful building has been reconstructed multiple times with the latest renovation in the late ‘80s. The government owns it, and it now has luxury apartments for wealthy residents. In addition, it hosts classical music concerts.
John Lennon Wall (Lennonova zeď)
Czech youth painted a portrait of John Lennon on this wall in the 1980’s and included inspirational quotes and song lyrics as an homage to the late Beatles’ frontman. You will also see bright graffiti and peace signs and messages about various causes. The wall has become a symbol for people to scrawl what they think needs to be addressed to help the world or what they need to get off their minds. None of the original art remains due to the popularity and the creation of new art almost every day. You can visit this landmark every few years and find it looking different than when you last saw it. Every year on the anniversary of Lennon’s death on December 8, the wall is filled with flowers, candles, and people paying their respects.