Explore The Podskalská Customs Office at Výtoň: A Prague Exhibition on Vltava River History and Heritage

This exhibition is housed in a 16th-century building on the Vltava river embankment, dedicated to the history of the extinct Podskalí settlement and the traditional work of Vltava river rafters. It explores the lives of the people, freight and passenger transport on the river, and the early days of Vltava steam navigation.

The Podskalská Customs Office at Výtoň stands as the last monument commemorating the bygone era of the Podskalí settlement and the demanding work of the Vltava River rafters. Located on the river embankment in a building dating back to the 16th century, the exhibition delves into the rich history of the vanished Podskalí settlement, the daily lives of its inhabitants, and the evolution of freight and passenger transportation along the Vltava River. It also touches upon the genesis of Vltava steam navigation, offering a detailed look into Prague's maritime heritage. The historical context of the building itself is significant, situated near the former "výtoniště" where tolls were collected on wood brought to Prague via the Vltava. The exhibition details the history of Podskalí, from its medieval origins as a fishing and woodcutters’ settlement to its eventual transformation due to urban development. The narrative extends to the wood-faring guild, its economic importance, and the eventual decline of the trade with the advent of dams. Additionally, the page highlights the "Vltavan" association, a mutual support organization for river workers, and prominent figures like František Dittrich, a key founder and philanthropist. A restored limnigraph from 1907, used for measuring water levels, is also a point of interest, underscoring the historical significance of the site for river monitoring.

Basic admission is 80 CZK, reduced is 50 CZK, and family admission is 160 CZK. Opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00, with closures from Monday to Friday.