Výtoň

Origin of the word "Výtoň" comes from the Czech verb "vytínat", which meant collecting the toll by cutting off one twelfth of a raft of logs of wood which floated from the Vltava River. People, who lived in the Podskalí village, the so-called Podskaláci earned their living from floating the wood.

At the present time, the name Vyton transferred as a name for the area of a street intersection of the Svoboda Street and Rašín Embankment. Výtoň is also the tram stop near this intersection and the adjacent ferry dock.

The present building Výtoň used to be the former customs house. The building has a late Gothic center and was built in the 16th century. The first floor is wooden and the ground floor is made of brick. The first floor was walled up for Rudolf II. The building was occupied by the collectors of New Town, the controller and two officers.

Today you will notice one curiosity: the building is situated in a small trench, which shows the original ground level. The increase of the surrounding terrain developped due to the construction of Prague's waterfront. In 1833, the customs administration ceased to exist and temporarily, a pub U Koppů occupied the building. The idea to build a museum that would reported on life in Podskalí eventually won.

Today the building houses a branch of Museum of the City of Prague with two permanent exhibitions - Vanished Podskalí and The history of Prague steam navigation. Also, the Vltavan Association has had its base here since 1871; the association that keeps the ancient traditions of Podskalí.

You can go see Výton on board of our ships and steamers. Sail with us on a two-hour cruise, cruise with lunch or dinner cruise. The itinerary can be viewed here.