View of the Peace Race Bridge from the residential area of Prague-Zbraslav

Most Závodu Míru

Most Závodu Míru Prague: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Most Závodu Míru—commonly known as the Peace Race Bridge—stands in Prague’s Zbraslav district as a remarkable blend of engineering achievement, historical memory, and cultural symbolism. Connecting communities across the Vltava River, it not only serves daily commuters and cyclists but also commemorates one of Central Europe’s most celebrated sporting events: the Peace Race (Závod míru). This guide provides detailed insights into the bridge’s history, architectural features, visitor information, and its broader significance within Prague and Czech culture.

View of Most Závodu Míru bridge from Praha-Zbraslav train station side

Introduction
Historical Overview: Early Crossings and the Original Zbraslavský Bridge
The Peace Race and the Modern Bridge (1964)
Engineering and Architectural Features
The Legacy of Ing. Vladimír Tvrzník
Symbolism and Cultural Importance
Urban and Regional Significance
Practical Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Directions)
Nearby Attractions and Guided Tours
The Peace Race Today and Related Events
Accessibility, Safety, and Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Travel Tips
References

Historical Overview: Early Crossings and the Original Zbraslavský Bridge

The Zbraslav area, now a southern district of Prague, has been a key river crossing for centuries. The first permanent bridge—Zbraslavský most—was a wrought-iron structure built in 1896, featuring an advanced design for its era. Its three-span configuration (42 m + 62.6 m + 42 m), at a cost of 136,000 Austro-Hungarian zlatý, connected Zbraslav to Závist and provided convenient access to the Praha-Zbraslav railway station (cs.wikipedia.org). For decades, it facilitated commerce and travel, integrating Zbraslav more closely with Prague’s expanding urban area.

However, by the mid-20th century, growing traffic volumes and heavier vehicles rendered the old iron bridge obsolete. This reflected a national trend towards modernization and reinforced the need for a more robust crossing (zbraslavhistorie.info).

The Peace Race and the Modern Bridge (1964)

To answer modern needs, a new reinforced concrete bridge was constructed just downstream of the original site. Completed in 1964, it was named Most Závodu míru (Peace Race Bridge) to honor the renowned Závod míru cycling event, which passed through Zbraslav that year (visitvltava.cz). The naming marked both a local milestone and the bridge’s connection to Cold War-era ideals of peace and international cooperation promoted by the Peace Race (sportovniprogram.cz).

For a short time, the old and new bridges stood side by side—a striking image of technological progress—before the dismantling of the iron predecessor (ods.cz).

Engineering and Architectural Features

Most Závodu míru exemplifies mid-20th-century Czech engineering. The bridge is approximately 210 meters long, with a main arch span between 75 and 86 meters (depending on source), and a roadway about 12 meters above the river (cs.wikipedia.org, visitvltava.cz). Its main arch supports a carriageway 9 meters wide, accommodating two-way traffic, as well as pedestrian sidewalks for safe crossing.

Characteristic of functionalist design, the bridge’s clean lines and practical materials—reinforced concrete—reflect a focus on durability and efficiency, typical of Czechoslovak infrastructure projects in the 1960s.

The Legacy of Ing. Vladimír Tvrzník

The bridge’s construction was led by engineer Vladimír Tvrzník, whose expertise left a significant imprint on Zbraslav’s built environment. Locals sometimes refer to the bridge as “most Vladimíra Tvrzníka” in his honor (ods.cz).

Symbolism and Cultural Importance

The Peace Race Connection

The Závod míru (Peace Race), established in 1948, was a major international cycling event celebrated as the “Tour de France of the East.” Its passage through Zbraslav in 1964 coincided with the bridge’s opening, symbolizing unity and friendship across Eastern Bloc nations (zavodmiru.com). The bridge’s name and legacy continue to resonate with both cycling enthusiasts and those interested in Cold War history.

For Zbraslav residents, the bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s a symbol of local pride and a living memory of the city’s expansion in the late 20th century (Tyden.cz). Community events, historical retrospectives, and cycling activities often center around the bridge, reinforcing its role in regional identity.

Urban and Regional Significance

Strategically, Most Závodu míru is the first bridge over the Vltava when traveling downstream in Prague (cs.wikipedia.org). It links Zbraslav and Závist, provides access to the railway station Praha-Zbraslav, and connects to regional roads including the II/102. The bridge’s location near the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers further enhances its importance as a transportation and recreational hub.

Recent infrastructure upgrades have improved traffic flow, especially during closures of other major Prague bridges (praha-lipence.cz).

Practical Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Directions)

Opening Hours: The bridge is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles 24/7.
Tickets: There are no entrance fees or tickets required.
Getting There:
- Public Transport: Take a train or bus to Praha-Zbraslav station; the bridge is a short walk away.
- By Car: Accessible via the II/102 regional road.
Accessibility: The bridge features wide sidewalks suitable for walking and cycling, and is generally accessible for visitors with limited mobility.

Nearby Attractions and Guided Tours

Zbraslav Historic District: Enjoy charming streets, local eateries, and riverside walks.
Confluence of Vltava and Berounka Rivers: A scenic spot for nature walks and photography.
Guided Tours: While regular guided tours are not offered specifically for the bridge, local historical societies occasionally organize walks and events. Check with the Zbraslav municipal office or tourism websites for updates.

Although the original Peace Race no longer takes place in its classic form, its spirit survives in the under-23 version, the “Závod míru Grand Prix Jeseníky,” and in the bridge’s ongoing cultural relevance (zavodmiru.com). The bridge is sometimes featured during cycling events and commemorations.

For those interested in attending the modern race, note that it currently routes through Moravian and Silesian towns rather than Prague. Start/finish areas are open to the public and require no tickets (Závod míru official).

Accessibility, Safety, and Sustainability

Accessibility: Most start/finish areas and the bridge itself are accessible to people with limited mobility. Some rural or mountainous Peace Race stages may be more challenging.
Safety: Crowds are common during events; adhere to safety barriers and follow event staff instructions.
Sustainability: Use public transport where possible and support local businesses to minimize environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Most Závodu míru open to pedestrians and cyclists?
Yes, the bridge is accessible to both pedestrians and cyclists at all times.

Are there any tickets or entrance fees?
No, the bridge is free to visit and cross.

How do I get there by public transport?
Take a train or bus to Praha-Zbraslav station. The bridge is within walking distance.

Are guided tours available?
No regular tours, but local society-led walks may occur—check local listings.

What’s the best time to visit?
Spring through autumn offers the best weather and views, but the bridge is open year-round.

What else can I see nearby?
Explore Zbraslav’s historic district and enjoy riverside walks at the Vltava-Berounka confluence.

Summary and Travel Tips

Most Závodu Míru is more than a bridge—it’s a vital urban connector, a lasting symbol of peace and cooperation, and a window into Prague’s 20th-century history. Its reinforced concrete design exemplifies Czech engineering of the 1960s, while its legacy ties the city to the iconic Peace Race and the ideals of international friendship. Freely accessible and conveniently reached by public transport, the bridge invites visitors to explore lesser-known facets of Prague’s heritage. For deeper engagement, consider visiting during local events or using resources like the Audiala app for guided tours and historical context. For further insights, consult zavodmiru.com and visitvltava.cz.