How important is the public space around the river? And do we all perceive the river in the same way? Different interests factor into these questions, both the perspectives of city residents or architects who shape the spaces, as well as of politicians and other public officials. It can be said, though, that the Vltava is not automatically seen as a place to go swimming on hot summer days. In our country, there is a persistent perception that urban rivers are dirty, even though in many foreign cities, people already bathe in them. We will discuss why it is essential that the river is accessible to everyone, as well as who decides where we can and cannot access it in the first place.