Final answer:
The Vltava River is the watercourse that traverses Prague and ultimately joins the Elbe River. This river is not only central to Prague's charm but also an essential part of the broader river systems that underpin European transit and commercial networks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The river that flows through Prague before emptying into the Elbe is the Vltava River. The Vltava is an important river in the Czech Republic and is known for the scenic views it provides in and around the city of Prague. After winding through Prague, the river continues and eventually joins the Elbe River, which is a significant waterway in Central Europe leading to the North Sea.
European rivers like the Vltava have historically contributed greatly to transportation and trade by providing navigable routes through much of the continent. The network of rivers and canals across Europe has been vital to the economic development and historical progression of the region. Notably, the Rhine and Danube rivers are among the most well-known in Europe, with the Danube flowing east through various major cities before reaching the Black Sea.