This industrial hub along the River Elbe has significant chemical and steel production facilities. The city center includes medieval churches and a hilltop castle from the 14th century.
Ústí nad Labem sits at the meeting point of the Bílina and Elbe rivers in northwestern Czechia. From the city center, you can spot the Church of the Assumption's dramatically leaning tower, which tilts more than 2 meters from vertical. The medieval Střekov Castle watches over the city from its basalt cliff perch, while a modern cable car glides between the city center and Větruše Castle. Located 65 kilometers north of Prague, the city connects you to both the granite peaks of the Ore Mountains and the sandstone formations of Bohemian Switzerland.
Getting to Ústí nad Labem
You can reach the city easily from both Prague and Dresden via the D8 motorway. The main railway station connects to Berlin, Budapest, Graz, and Zürich. Train trips take about one hour to Prague and under an hour to Dresden.
Unique Architecture and Landmarks
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary's 65-meter tower leans more than 2 meters from vertical - the most tilted tower north of the Alps. World War II bombing caused this unexpected tilt. You can climb Střekov Castle, built in 1316, which rises above the Elbe River on a steep basalt cliff. From here, you'll see panoramic views of the river valley and city below.
Modern City Infrastructure
The award-winning Mariánský Bridge spans the Elbe River with its distinctive design completed in 1998. A cable car runs between the Forum shopping center and Větruše Castle, covering 330 meters while giving you aerial views of the city. At Větruše Castle, you'll find a restaurant and regular cultural events.
Education and Sports
About 8,500 students attend Jan Evangelista Purkyně University, creating an active student atmosphere in the city center. The annual Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon draws runners from across Europe. In winter, you can watch HC Slovan Ústečtí Lvi play ice hockey, while football matches run throughout the warmer months.
Natural Environment
The city lies where four geological formations meet: the Bohemian Massif, Ore Mountains, Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and the Most Basin. These create distinct rock formations and elevation changes throughout the area. The Ústí nad Labem Zoo, dating from 1908, spreads across a hillside setting, with walking paths connecting different animal enclosures.
