Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape

River Vltava, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Passenger Shipping (Prazska Paroplavebni Spolecnost) - PPS

VysehradPrague.JPG

The largest of the two remaining steam paddlers, "Vysehrad", in Prague where locks and channels are used to allow passage through the shallow river and its weirs.

Picture : courtesy of Nigel Clark
The operators of the two remaining sidewheelers is the PPS, successor to the Prague operations of the Prague City Transport Company, which took over the local fleet of the Czech state Shipping Company (CPSL) in 1961. The company has reverted to the name used until 1937 and little changed from that used since its grounding in 1865.

The largest of a number of shipping companies established in Prague in the wake of the liberalisation of the economy in the post-Communist era, the PPS has operated a rather unpredictable service of local cruises plus longer trips to the Slapy Dam, the traditional destination of cruises from Prague. Recently, PPS has operated a limited number of cruises northwards along the Vltava to the confluence of the Vltava and Labe (Elbe) at Melnik.

Paddlers Vltava and Vysehrad (ex-Devin) have been restored. The planned refurbishment of Vysehrad (III) stalled due to lack of funds and the vessel, having lost its name to Devin, remains tied up and in poor condition. PS Labe has been sold for further use in Germany.

A close cooperation agreement has now been signed with the second largest local cruise firm, EVD (Europska vodni doprava) and the fleet is marketed under the PPS-EVD banner. As well as four smaller motor vessels to complement seven motor vessels in the PPS fleet, the EVD also brought to the fleet the motor stern-wheel paddler Sumava, a converted tug.
OPERATIONAL PADDLE STEAMERS
Vysehrad
Vltava
LAID UP PADDLE STEAMER
"Vysehrad"   (name now allocated to steamer above)
STERN WHEEL MOTOR PADDLER
Sumava  (EVD)
OTHER PPS-EVD Motor Vessels
PPS: Odra, Visla, Luznice, Hamburg

EVD: Poseidon, Odyssea, Calypso, Kotva, Berounka, Praha
STERN WHEEL DIESEL PADDLER ON THE VLTAVA
MV Tyrs, a former tug, is operated by Spolecnost Bohemia (SB). Originally named Lipno when in the service of the CSPLO, the vessel was rebuilt for passenger operation by the Brnak yard at Decin in 1992. Originally in service between Decin and Hrensko on the Labe (Elbe), she was moved to Prague in 1993 and operates only on charter.
Return to
Paddle Steamer List
Paddle Steamer Resources Main Menu
Tramscape's aim is to make as much high quality photography as possible available to paddle steamer enthusiasts and students whilst also trying to raise awareness and as much money as possible for their continued operation. Special interest is taken in capturing paddlers in as many and varied locations as possible. The Swiss lakes, with their majestic scenery changing from every angle of view are a particular favourite and form some of the most important parts of this photographic record of these magnificent ships. The database is also intended to provide the widest source of information available on the internet on paddle steamers and steamer operations in Europe, past and present. Links are provided to external sites where many of the subjects covered can be researched further.

Raddampfer in Prag - Vapeurs à roues à aubes