The name Vltava is derived from the Proto-Germanic words wilt-ahwa, i.e 'wild water'.

[2] The longest tributaries of the Studená Vltava are:[3] The river flows through the municipal territories of Haidmühle in Germany and Stožec and Nová Pec in the Czech Republic.

The Czech part of the river is located within the Šumava National Park.

[4] River-bound birds include common kingfisher, white-throated dipper and grey heron.

The river is also home to the protected species of freshwater pearl mussel and brook lamprey.