The Úhlava is a river in the Czech Republic, a right tributary of the Radbuza River. It flows through the Plzeň Region to the city of Plzeň. It is 104.0 km long, making it the 19th longest river in the Czech Republic.

Etymology

The name is probably of Slavic origin and is derived from úhel (i.e. 'angle'), which refers to its relatively tortuous course.

Characteristic

The Úhlava originates in the territory of Železná Ruda in the Bohemian Forest at an elevation of 1153 m, on the slope of the Pancíř mountain, and flows to Plzeň, where it enters the Radbuza River at an elevation of 307 m. It is 104.0 km long, making it the 19th longest river in the Czech Republic. Its drainage basin has an area of 908.5 km2. The longest tributaries of the Úhlava are:

Course

The river flows through the municipal territories of Železná Ruda, Hamry, Nýrsko, Janovice nad Úhlavou, Bezděkov, Klatovy, Dolany, Švihov, Červené Poříčí, Borovy, Nezdice, Lužany, Příchovice, Přeštice, Dolní Lukavice, Předenice, Čižice and Štěnovice before flowing into the Radbuza at the southern edge of Plzeň.

Bodies of water

There are only 38 bodies of water larger than 1 ha in the basin area. The largest body of water is the Nýrsko Reservoir with an area of 138 ha, built directly on the Úhlava. In the basin area is also Černé jezero – the largest natural lake in the Czech Republic.

Sport

On the upper courses of the Úhlava, the Czech Paddler's Cup, organized by the Czech Canoe Union, is held every year. Higher river flow at the time of the event is ensured by the organizer from the Nýrsko Reservoir.