Ústí nad Labem - twinned with the borough of Halton in Cheshire, UK (among others around the world) - is capital of the fourth largest region in the Czech Republic, the Ústí nad Labem Region. It is built in the middle of a valley surrounding the river Elbe.
Vaňov is based on the Southern edge of Ústí nad Labem. It is typically seen as the more romantic part of the region, away from the hussle and bussle of the busy shopping district to the North. As a result of this, large parts of the area have been bought by wealthy investors, including ex-Chelsea and Celtic footballer Jiří Jarošík.
Střekov castle is on the opposite side of the valley to Castle View. Built in the 14th Century, it was originally used to collect duties and protect the waterways. In the 19th Century it was visited frequently by the well known composer Richard Wagner. Today, Střekov castle is just a tourist attraction, but nevertheless is a sight to behold in the early evenings.
If you follow the path up the side of the valley behind Castle View, you will be rewarded with stunning views from the point on the Vrkoč rock formation. As well as a Looking North up the river you can see the old train station and the shopping district behind. Directly across the Elbe you can see Střekov castle and the surrounding houses melting into the trees above. A short walk down from the point and, following the sound of splashing water, you will see the Vodopád - a 40ft high waterfall set back high into the rocks behind.