Úpa

The Úpa (Aupa) is a river in the Czech Republic, a left tributary of the Elbe River. It flows through the Hradec Králové Region. It is 78.1 km long.

Etymology
The name is of the Illyrian or Celtic origin, from the word which meant 'river'.

Characteristic
The Úpa originates in the territory of Pec pod Sněžkou in the Giant Mountains at the elevation of 1424 m, on the slope of the Studniční hora mountain. It has the highest source of all Czech rivers. flows to Jaroměř, where it enters the Elbe River at the elevation of 250 m. It is 78.1 km long. Its drainage basin has an area of 513.1 km2, of which 490.3 km2 in the Czech Republic and rest in Poland.

The upper course is characterized by a large drop and a rocky river bed. Its tributaries are mainly small mountain streams. The longest tributaries of the Úpa are:

Settlements
The most notable settlement on the river is the town of Trutnov. The river flows through the municipal territories of Pec pod Sněžkou, Horní Maršov, Svoboda nad Úpou, Mladé Buky, Trutnov, Suchovršice, Úpice, Havlovice, Slatina nad Úpou, Červená Hora, Žernov, Česká Skalice, Říkov, Rychnovek and Jaroměř.

Bodies of water
There are 266 bodies of water in the basin area. The largest of them is the fishpond Špinka with an area of 35 ha. A canal from the Úpa also supplies the Rozkoš Reservoir, but it does not belong into the river's basin area.

Protection of nature
The section of the river between Červená Hora and Česká Skalice and the immediate surroundings is known as the Babiččino údolí ("Grandmother's Valley"). It is protected as a national nature monument with an area is 331.0 ha. Protected species of birds such as the common kingfisher, grey wagtail, white-throated dipper, river warbler and common merganser are tied to the Úpa. Other notable representatives of the fauna in the protected area are the European crayfish, European bullhead, Eurasian otter and green snaketail.

Sport
There is a slalom course on the river in Trutnov. The Trutnovské slalomy competition is held here every year since 1965.

Tourism
The Úpa is suitable for river tourism, but in the summer there is usually a lack of water in the river. The upper course is only suitable for experienced paddlers. The most popular section is therefore the section from Trutnov-Bohuslavice to Česká Skalice.

Grandmother's Valley is connected with life and work of Božena Němcová, who belongs among the most impactful Czech writers. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The area of the Ratibořice Castle and valley is protected as a national cultural monument.