History

From cruise ship to hotel. The story of Königstein on the Vltava

It was 1992 when the elegant riverboat Königstein first set sail on the Elbe. Built in the German shipyard Arminius in Bodenwerder and designed for comfortable cruising on European rivers, it began carrying passengers between Dresden and Königstein, whose name it still bears today. But this ship was not just a means of transport – it was a floating stage where stories, conversations, and experiences unfolded.

Its compact design allowed it to sail routes that larger ships could not reach due to the depth of the water, the height of bridges, or narrow locks. Over the years, it also regularly docked in Meissen and Bad Schandau, where the Elbe winds its way through the fairytale landscape of Saxon Switzerland.

On board, the Königstein offered 33 air-conditioned cabins with 70 beds, a restaurant, bar, reception, and a spacious sun deck. It was comfortable, quiet, and popular—and served as a river cruise ship on European rivers for over 30 years.

New life on the Vltava River – a stylish hotel on a boat in the center of Prague

In 2021, the ship was purchased by Prague Boats, and in May 2022, Königstein officially began its new chapter—this time as a floating hotel in the center of Prague.

The renovation was not about turning the ship into something else. On the contrary, the aim was to preserve the spirit of a cruise ship while offering comfort, style, and tranquility that you won’t find in a regular city hotel.

The ship remained a ship – with 31 cabins that were given a new look, with artistic details, natural materials, and thoughtful lighting. The bathrooms underwent a complete renovation, as did the exterior of the vessel. Palm trees, flowers, green areas, and an atmosphere that connects the city with nature were added.

A hotel that exudes tranquility and romance

River Hotel Königstein, an unconventional accommodation in Prague, is anchored directly on the Vltava River, just a few minutes’ walk from the historic center – and yet it is quiet here. The city bustles in the distance, but guests are awakened by the calm surface of the river. A water garden has been created in front of the boat – a pontoon planted with plane trees, whose leaves cast shade in summer.

On board, you can enjoy a peaceful breakfast, read, or just gaze at Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. And when you feel like experiencing the hustle and bustle of the city, Old Town Square and the famous Astronomical Clock are literally a few minutes’ walk away. At night, it is a place with a unique atmosphere – a romantic hotel in Prague without leaving the city.

Sustainable hotel in the heart of Prague

From the outset, it was clear that Königstein had to be environmentally friendly. That is why the renovation focused on ecology and energy self-sufficiency. Today, a unique solar sunflower with a diameter of 5.5 meters stands on the pontoon, rotating to follow the sun and generating electricity.

Together with photovoltaic panels on the upper deck, it supplies the hotel with energy and helps reduce its environmental impact. This makes Königstein one of Prague’s eco-friendly hotels that combine design, sustainability, and comfort.