ČRo Vltava

If you’re passionate about classical music, literary storytelling, and high-quality audio, ČRo Vltava offers a unique listening experience that blends deep cultural content with impeccable sound. Streaming in lossless CD-quality FLAC (16-bit / 48 kHz), this station stands out as one of Europe’s most refined public radio channels.

A Station Born for the Culturally Curious

Český rozhlas Vltava, also known simply as ČRo Vltava, is a flagship cultural station under Czech Radio (Český rozhlas). It was launched on September 4, 1972, with its iconic theme inspired by Bedřich Smetana’s symphonic poem Vltava. But the station’s roots go even deeper—back to 1964, when the 3rd Program of Czechoslovak Radio was established to serve the most discerning listeners.

Vltava has always had a mission: to deliver aesthetic, intellectual, and emotional experiences through high-level cultural programming. Even during the censorship of the communist era, the station found ways to support artistic integrity, often broadcasting works by blacklisted authors under pseudonyms.

Following the Velvet Revolution, ČRo Vltava openly celebrated banned works and has since embraced its role as the cultural heart of Czech public radio.

What You’ll Hear on ČRo Vltava

ČRo Vltava broadcasts 24/7, and its programming is a carefully curated mix of:

• Classical music – both historical and contemporary (40% of weekday airtime)
• Jazz and alternative music – including dedicated shows like Jazzový podvečer and Jazzové dopoledne
• Literary programming – including radio plays, author readings, and audiobook-style storytelling
• Cultural journalism – with long-form interviews and commentary via Mozaika, Vizitka, and the podcast Akcent

This multidimensional approach makes ČRo Vltava a cultural platform that educates, entertains, and inspires listeners all around the world.

Lossless Streaming for Pure Listening

Like all premium ČRo stations, Vltava streams in pristine FLAC format at 16-bit / 48 kHz. That means every broadcast—whether it’s a Mahler symphony or a spoken-word performance—is delivered with uncompressed clarity. This makes a huge difference for audiophiles and cultural enthusiasts who crave fidelity and nuance.

If you’re using quality headphones or a Hi-Fi system, you’ll hear the richness of live instruments, the spatial depth of orchestras, and the expressive dynamics of human voices—just as they were recorded.

Part of the ČRo Lossless Family

ČRo Vltava is just one of several Czech Radio stations offering lossless, CD-quality audio. Together, they form a powerful ecosystem for music and culture lovers:

• ČRo Jazz – A digital station dedicated to jazz in all its forms, with a special focus on Czech and European jazz.
• ČRo D-dur – A classical-only station streaming complete symphonies and operas with no commentary, perfect for uninterrupted listening.
• ČRo Radio Wave – A youth-oriented cultural station that explores contemporary music, pop culture, and social issues with cutting-edge style.
• ČRo Vltava – A cultural radio channel blending classical and alternative music with radio plays, literary readings, and arts journalism.

All of them stream in FLAC, so you can explore a world of sound without ever compromising on audio quality.

Tune In to ČRo Vltava

Whether you’re reading, working, or winding down in the evening, ČRo Vltava is the perfect companion. It invites you into a thoughtful, well-composed world—where music, literature, and culture converge in stunning sonic detail.