Usti nad Labem

Ústí nad Labem lies between the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) and the Central Bohemian Uplands in the picturesque Elbe Valley, at the confluence of the Elbe and Bílina Rivers.

It is the centre of the northern Bohemia industrial region and conurbation, a transport hub as well as the seat of Ústí nad Labem District. The Elbe port is also important for inland shipping. The industrial city is characterised by heavy industry and the chemical and food industries, and also has a power station that supplies electricity and heat to the west of the city. The previously high levels of air and water pollution are increasingly falling. The Czech state’s environmental regulations are now stricter than comparable regulations in Germany.

Ústí nad Labem is the home of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University and boasts numerous cultural and historic attractions thanks to its rich history as a free royal city. The city’s surroundings, dotted with many castles (such as the ruins of Střekov Castle, which dominate the Elbe valley), bridges and natural features, are always worth a trip. A flourishing theatre tradition and a rich cultural life provide the foundations for the annual culture festival.

Ústí nad Labem is only 120 kilometres south-east of Chemnitz. This geographical proximity has fostered a multi-faceted and friendly relationship, including links between municipal transport companies, the city theatres and hospitals, as well as joint collaboration on EU projects, children’s and youth exchanges and numerous sporting meetings. Větruše Palace, reconstructed by the city from 2001 onwards, has already housed several exhibitions by Chemnitz artists.