The Chrudimka is a river in the Czech Republic, a left tributary of the Elbe River. It flows through the Pardubice Region. It is 106.0 km long, making it the 18th longest river in the Czech Republic.

Etymology

The river is named after the town of Chrudim.

Characteristic

The Chrudimka originates in Krouna in the Iron Mountains at the elevation of 705 m and flows to Pardubice, where it enters the Elbe River at the elevation of 216 m. It is 106.0 km long, making it the 18th longest river in the Czech Republic. Its drainage basin has an area of 866.2 km2. The longest tributaries of the Chrudimka are:

Course

The most notable settlement on the river and the final destination before it enters the Elbe is the city of Pardubice. The river flows through the municipal territories of Krouna, Kameničky, Hamry, Hlinsko, Vítanov, Vysočina, Trhová Kamenice, Horní Bradlo, Seč, Bojanov, Libkov, České Lhotice, Svídnice, Slatiňany, Chrudim, Tuněchody, Úhřetice, Úhřetická Lhota and Pardubice.

Bodies of water

There are several reservoirs built on the Chrudimka: Hamry, Seč, Seč II, Křižanovice I and Křižanovice II. The largest body of water in the basin area is the Seč Reservoir with an area of 220 ha. Its purpose is primarily flood protection, but it is also used for recreation, hydropower generation and water retention in the dry season. There are 83 bodies of water larger than 1 ha in the basin area.

Fauna

The fauna in the river and its immediate surroundings is represented by edible frog, common toad, northern pike, European bullhead, common kingfisher, European otter and European crayfish.

Economy

Before the Křižanovice II Reservoir there is Práčov, the largest hydroelectric power station in the Pardubice Region.

Tourism

Along the course of the river from its source to Chrudim there is an educational trail called Krajem Chrudimky ("through Chrudimka's region"), which is 82 km long. The Chrudimka is suitable for river tourism. It belongs to the undemanding rivers suitable for beginner paddlers.