Usti nad Labem

Usti nad Labem is the second largest city in North Bohemia and the main city of the Usti nad Labem Region. This industrial city may not be one of the prettiest cities in the Czech Republic, but it is a good starting point for hiking and trips in attractive countryside. The city sits along the banks of the Elbe, 20 km from the Czech-German border. The "nad Labem" part of its name means "on the Elbe" and "Usti" means the river mouth.

With a population of more than 91,000 (2024), it is the seventh most populous city in the Czech Republic. The city sits along the main road and rail connections between the Czech Republic and Saxony, making it easily reachable for a day trip from Prague or Dresden. The climate is continental with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is May through September for hiking and sightseeing.

The city was heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently rebuilt in the communist era, resulting in a mix of historic and modern architecture. The Elbe riverfront and the surrounding sandstone mountains provide attractive natural scenery.

By Plane

The closest international airports are Prague (PRG, IATA) and Dresden (DRS, IATA), with Prague having a wider selection of connections. From Prague airport, travel to the main station and take a train to Usti nad Labem.

By Train

This is often the best and fastest option. It takes between 1 hr 10 min and 2 hr from Prague main train station. The Dresden-Prague Eurocity also stops here, as does the Eurocity between Hamburg, Berlin, and Budapest. The overnight Metropol train from Budapest via Vienna also stops here. The main station (Usti nad Labem hlavni nadrazi) is on U Nadrazi. For day trips from Dresden, the Elbe Labe Ticket can be a good option, especially in a small group.

By Car / Road

From Prague, the road connection is mostly highway (D8 connecting Prague with Saxony) and takes approximately 1 hour. From Dresden, the drive takes about 45 minutes via the Elbe valley.

By Bus

From Florenc bus station in Prague, it takes 1 hr 15 min by bus.

18 bus and 13 trolleybus lines can get you almost anywhere in the city. The public transport system is efficient and affordable. Walking is feasible in the centre. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available.

• Strekov Castle — An iconic castle ruin at Na Zachazce 844. The castle is a landmark of Usti nad Labem. Adults 75 Kč, children/students/pensioners 55 Kč, children under 6 for 1 Kč. Reachable by walking 4 km from the main station or taking bus 17 or 27 to "Pod Hradem."
• Usti nad Labem Zoo — At Drazdanska 454/23, about 2 km from the centre by bus. More than 200 species including orangutan, rhinoceros, and leopard. Apr-Oct 09:00-18:00; Nov-Mar 09:00-16:00. Adults 120 Kč, children/seniors 60 Kč.
• Mariansky Bridge — An unusual modern bridge over the Elbe from the 1990s.
• Chateau Velke Brezno — At 403 23 Velke Brezno, 10 km from the centre. May-Sep 10:00-18:00. Adults 90 Kč, children 60 Kč.
• Kostel Nanebevzeti Panny Marie — A neo-Gothic church on the main square.

The city is a good base for hiking in the Central Bohemian Uplands and Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Walking tours of the city centre and the Elbe riverfront are popular. Boat trips on the Elbe River offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The Strekov Castle provides panoramic views from its hilltop position. Day trips to nearby Teplice spas and Decin are easy by train.

Usti nad Labem offers traditional Czech cuisine at reasonable prices, with some international options.

• Na Rychte — Small brewery, restaurant, and hotel. M-Sa 10:30-00:00, Su 11:00-22:00. Brewery excursion possible.
• Taj Mahal — Indian restaurant at Hradiste 96, near the main station. 11:00-23:00.
• Pivovarska senkovna — Old restaurant existing since 1884 at Velka Hradebni 235/20. Traditional Czech cuisine. Soups 29 Kč, mains 85-120 Kč. M-Th 10:00-23:00, F 10:00-00:00, Sa 11:00-00:00, Su 15:00-22:00.

• Na Rychte — Small brewery with restaurant and hotel. M-Sa 10:30-00:00, Su 11:00-22:00.

Tap water is safe. Czech lager is widely available.

• Budget: Basic hostels near the train station offer beds from around 350 Kč.
• Mid-range: Clarion Congress Hotel Usti nad Labem at Spitalske namesti 3517. Comfortable rooms from approximately 1,200 Kč.
• Upscale: Interhotel Bohemia at Mirove namesti 2442/6, right on the main square. Rooms from around 1,800 Kč.
• Heritage: Vetruise Chateau at Fibichova 392 offers a unique stay in a historic chateau with a restaurant.

• Labe Department Store (OD Labe) — At Revolucni 2732/9. Department store with more than 100 shops.
• FORUM Usti nad Labem — At Bilinska 3490/6, 3 minutes walk from the main station. Biggest department store in the city with cinema. Open 09:00-21:00.

• Germany (Saxony, Berlin) — Cross the border for Saxon Switzerland and Dresden.
• Prague (70 km south) — The Czech capital, 1 hr by train.
• Bohemian Switzerland National Park (30 km north) — Sandstone arches and hiking.
• Teplice (25 km west) — Historic spa town with thermal springs.
• Decin (20 km north) — City with a castle and Elbe riverfront.
• Litomerice (25 km south) — Small historic town in beautiful landscape.