The aurora borealis may be visible once again in the Czech Republic this weekend.
This rare opportunity arises due to recent eruptions on the Sun, which have released plasma clouds heading partially toward Earth, according to astronomer Petr Horálek from the Institute of Physics in Opava.
The last time this breathtaking natural phenomenon was visible in Czechia was during the summer holidays earlier this year.
“There have been very strong eruptions on the Sun in the past two days,” Horálek explained. “The first eruption occurred on October 2, and the second, even stronger one, followed on Thursday. Both produced plasma clouds traveling in Earth’s direction, and especially the second one, the strongest in this solar cycle so far, is expected to cause significant auroras—most likely from Saturday to Sunday,” he added.
Although the exact timing is unpredictable, those interested in witnessing the northern lights should keep an eye on solar wind activity.
“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the U.S. predicts a storm intensity classified as G3, meaning auroras could be noticeable or even visible in our region,” Horálek noted. However, weather conditions may pose a challenge.
“There’s a risk of cloud cover, but it may clear up, particularly around Karlovy Vary and Rakovník. In Slovakia, areas near the Low Tatras and the east may also offer clear views. But forecasts are still evolving,” he cautioned.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Mark your calendars for October 10th–13th and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of digital art at the 12th edition of the Signal Festival!
This year’s event features seven exclusive installations in the Gallery Zone, where you can purchase tickets in advance at discounted prices. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of this vibrant festival!
Signal Festival Takes Over the Castle District
This year, the Castle District will host an exciting array of installations. Among the highlights, you’ll find Filip Hodas’ video mapping of the Archbishop’s Palace, Jiří Příhoda’s monumental sculptures at Šternberk Palace (in collaboration with the National Gallery of Prague), and a kinetic art project by the London-based studio United Visual Artists at Kunsthalle Prague. Let’s dive into what’s in store!
Filip Hodas → Eternal Recurrence
The video mapping Eternal Recurrence will breathe new life into the centuries-old Archbishop’s Palace in the Prague Castle District. Using layered projections, Hodas will explore the architectural intricacies of this magnificent Baroque palace, which dates back to the 16th century. His digital narrative will trace the origins and evolution of life forms, creating an immersive visual saga.
Hodas, a renowned Czech artist with over half a million Instagram followers, is famous for his 2018 series Pop Culture Dystopia, which earned him international acclaim.
Jiří Příhoda → Capriccio, Karbola, UAPs
At the Šternberk Palace, Jiří Příhoda will present three monumental sculptures that showcase the themes he has long explored in his work. These installations are grounded in Cartesian geometry, classical architectural proportions, and the laws of physical balance. Through contrasts of light and shadow, solid frameworks and transparent structures, the sculptures evoke a sense of dynamic movement, despite their static nature.
Příhoda, one of the Czech Republic’s most prominent contemporary artists, creates monumental works that blur the boundaries between architecture and sculpture. He currently splits his time between Prague and New Mexico.
Explore Prague’s City Centre
The second route of the 12th Signal Festival takes visitors through the heart of Prague, a beloved part of the festival’s programming. This route features video mapping, captivating installations, and even live musical performances.
Desilence → The Rhythm of the Ocean
One of the two video mappings on this route, The Rhythm of the Ocean, has been created by the Spanish-Danish studio Desilence for Prague’s Municipal Library at Mariánské náměstí. This visually stunning projection offers a dynamic mural that mirrors the rhythms and processes of the deep ocean. Desilence invites the audience to venture beyond the familiar and into the dark, flowing currents of the underwater world.
Accompanied by the haunting sounds of an analogue synthesizer by American musician Suzanne Ciani, this immersive experience promises to mesmerize. Nearby, you’ll also find the partner installation MERCEDES-BENZ: AURA, conceptualized by Václav Mlynář and his team at Monument Office studio, in collaboration with Signal Creative, one of the country’s largest studios specializing in new media art.
Cao Yuxi → Dimensional Sampling
Cao Yuxi’s installation Dimensional Sampling draws parallels between the digital age’s idol worship and society’s reverence for technology. At its core is the QR code—a symbol of the digital realm, connecting users to vast information networks. The artwork’s unfolding geometry and cube-shaped monolith serve as metaphors for the interface between physical and digital worlds. This audiovisual installation in Old Town Square was developed in partnership with Hong Kong artist Lawrence Lau, offering a thought-provoking reflection on our modern digital lives.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Since October, a fresh player has entered the Czech fast food market.
Lviv Croissants, a popular Ukrainian chain, has officially opened its first Czech branch in the Palladium shopping center on náměstí Republiky. Known for its savoury and sweet croissants, the brand promises to bring a new flavor to the fast food scene.
Lviv Croissants is a well-established name in Ukraine, boasting over 170 branches. The chain has also expanded into Poland and Slovakia, with the Prague branch marking its latest international venture.
“Our croissants are handmade using top-quality Ukrainian flour, following a secret recipe. We offer a variety of fillings, from traditional flavors to more adventurous combinations like salami, egg omelette, cheese, fresh vegetables, and salad,” the company website highlights.
Expansion Plans in Prague and Beyond
The Prague branch is just the beginning. According to co-owner Andriy Halytskyy, the company has ambitious expansion plans for the Czech market.
“After Palladium, we plan to open more locations both within and outside Prague. We are already working on several new locations, analyzing different areas and cities for potential branches,” Halytskyy told Hospodářské noviny.
In addition to its European expansion, the chain is eyeing new markets, including the US, France, Germany, Turkey, and the Baltic countries.
In the Czech Republic, Lviv Croissants will operate as a franchise, managed by Jozef Onderka, who also oversees the renowned Slavia café.
The arrival of Lviv Croissants is part of a larger trend of international fast food chains entering the Czech market.
Last year, Popeyes launched its first branch in Prague, and later this year, the American brand Five Guys is expected to make its debut. Meanwhile, Wendy’s is also preparing to open its doors to Czech customers.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Appoints.cz, an innovative new startup founded by Rufat Gafarov and Rashad Zeynalli, is thrilled to announce its official launch.
Designed specifically for freelancers and service providers, Appoints.cz is now live and available for free to all users.
Appoints.cz offers a fresh and dynamic platform for professionals to showcase their services, connect with potential clients, and manage bookings effortlessly. With a suite of powerful features, the platform aims to simplify client acquisition and elevate the business management experience for service providers across diverse industries.
Key Features of Appoints.cz Include:
- Easy Booking System: An intuitive booking platform that simplifies scheduling for clients and service providers alike.
- Intuitive Discovery: Enhanced search and discovery tools to help clients find the right professionals effortlessly.
- Diverse Service Categories: From personal trainers to graphic designers, professionals across a wide range of service categories can create their profiles and reach new clients.
- Employee Management: The ability to add and manage multiple employees under one profile, making it perfect for businesses of all sizes.
- Chat and Photo Exchange: Secure, in-app communication for seamless interaction between clients and providers, including the exchange of photos.
- Notifications and Rescheduling: Stay updated with notifications and easily reschedule appointments as needed.
- Price Offer System: Flexible pricing options to suit different service models and client needs.
Additionally, Appoints.cz provides a free website and mobile apps to help professionals reach their clients anytime, anywhere. And unlike other platforms, Appoints.cz promises to actively advertise itself to bring customers directly to you, so you can focus on what you do best.
“Our mission with Appoints.cz is to empower freelancers and service providers by giving them the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market,” said Rufat Gafarov, Co-Founder of Appoints.cz. “We want to remove the barriers that often prevent talented professionals from reaching their full potential and connect them directly with clients who value their expertise.”
“We believe that a powerful online presence shouldn’t come at a cost,” added Rashad Zeynalli, Co-Founder of Appoints.cz. “By offering our platform completely free and committing to actively market the services of our users, we aim to create a win-win ecosystem where businesses grow, clients find what they need, and together, we contribute to a greener future.”
A Platform with Purpose
Appoints.cz is committed to more than just business. Every completed order on our platform contributes to our tree plantation initiative, helping to create a more sustainable planet. “By using Appoints.cz, you’re not just supporting your business growth; you’re also making a positive impact on the environment,” Gafarov emphasized.
Get Started Today
To celebrate our launch, Appoints.cz is completely free for all users! Create your profile today, showcase your services, and start connecting with clients instantly.
For more information, visit www.appoints.cz or download our mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
About Appoints.cz
Appoints.cz is a Prague-based startup dedicated to empowering freelancers and service providers by providing a comprehensive platform for client acquisition and service management. With its innovative features and commitment to sustainability, Appoints.cz aims to revolutionize the way services are discovered, booked, and managed.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Detectives in Prague 8 arrested an 18-year-old student who allegedly threatened to shoot up a class at his high school.
Upon investigation, police discovered airsoft guns, air weapons, and knives in his possession. According to MF DNES, the student directly threatened specific classmates, prompting them to inform their parents, who in turn contacted the school.
The student also expressed approval for last year’s tragic shooting at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts.
“We received a notification from the parents and addressed the situation right away,” said Jan Dalecký, the school’s principal.
“This is a student who never had any academic or behavioral issues, and there was no history of drug use. After the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Philosophy last year, we implemented strict security measures.”
The police revealed that the student explicitly threatened his classmates, expressing clear hatred towards certain individuals. “He verbally threatened to shoot up the class and even mentioned plans to obtain a firearms license,” said police spokesman Jan Daněk.
Investigators discovered that the young man repeatedly praised the actions of last year’s shooter, who killed 14 people at the Faculty of Arts.
Later on, detectives arrested the suspect at his home, where they discovered the weapons. While airsoft guns and air weapons do not require a firearms license and are legal to own from the age of 18, their presence in this context heightened concerns.
Kriminalisté zadrželi osmnáctiletého muže, který vyhrožoval, že vystřílí jednu konkrétní třídu ve škole v Praze 8. Uváděl, že si pořídí zbrojí průkaz a také schvaloval útok na Filosofickou fakultu UK. Našly se u něj airsoftové zbraně i nože a nyní mu hrozí až tři roky vězení. pic.twitter.com/z32g4v9haG
— Policie ČR (@PolicieCZ) October 4, 2024
The student has been charged with making dangerous threats and expressing approval of a crime. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison.
However, the court did not accept the proposal to take him into custody, meaning the prosecution will proceed with the student at large.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Czech police detained several Ajax Amsterdam fans after a group of them tried to break into Slavia Prague’s Eden Park stadium without tickets ahead of their Europa League match on Thursday.
“Policemen in heavy riot gear had to resolve the situation using coercive measures, and several fans were detained,” police said on social media network X.
Earlier, several hundred fans gathered in Prague’s Old Town Square and police found knives, baseball bats and batons left on site before the supporters took the underground to the stadium.
Several hundred police officers were deployed across the city to keep order before and after the match.
🎬 Sestřih remízového zápasu proti Ajaxu
Podívejte se na nejdůležitější momenty prvního domácího utkání #UEL v této sezoně. O vyrovnání na 1:1 se postaral střídající Tomáš Chorý! ✨ pic.twitter.com/IUSCH8cSEt
— SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) October 4, 2024
The Game
After 20 minutes, Christian Rasmussen was brought down in the box and Branco van den Boomen made it 1-0 from the penalty spot.
Ajax dominated the first half but they failed to add a second goal with Brian Brobbey missing a good chance. They also lost Kristian Hlynsson to injury.
Slavia Prague improved in the second half and Remko Pasveer was called into action. After an hour, Ajax made a triple change with Chuba Akpom, Anton Gaaei and Owen Wijndal all coming on.
It didn’t help stem the tide and the equaliser finally came in the 67th minute as Tomas Chory headed in. Ajax were then reduced to ten men with Youri Baas shown a second yellow card.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
One of Prague’s most stunning Baroque landmarks, the Clam-Gallas Palace, will open its doors for a special “Open Doors Day” on October 28.
This event coincides with the Czech Republic’s national holiday, marking the Day of the Establishment of the Independent Czechoslovak State.
The guided tour lasts around 55 minutes and is free of charge, but registration is required. The reservation system will open on Monday, October 7, and places are limited, so it’s recommended to book as soon as possible.
Reservations can be made via a special link.
A Glimpse Into History
Originally constructed in 1713, Klam-Gallas Palace owes its grandeur to Austrian diplomat Count Jan Václav Gallas, who commissioned famed Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer to redesign the building.
Over the centuries, it became a renowned cultural hub in Prague, hosting concerts by legends like Mozart and Beethoven, as well as theater performances and art exhibitions.
For the past 70 years, the palace housed the city archives, though cultural events continued to be held in its lavish ceremonial halls. In 2018, the palace underwent an extensive four-year renovation, restoring its interiors, courtyard, and façade to their former glory.
The Klam-Gallas Palace is located at Husova 20, Prague 1 – Old Town. While admission is typically priced at 330 CZK for adults, this one-day event offers a rare chance to experience the palace for free.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Jan Lipavsky is to remain the Czech minister of foreign affairs as an independent after he left the liberal Czech Pirate Party.
Lipavsky and Minister for Legislation Michal Salomoun resigned from the party on October 1 following an internal party vote in which nearly 80% of voters decided to leave the centre-right cabinet of Petr Fiala after Fiala dismissed the Pirate Party leader, Ivan Bartos.
“It will be an honour to continue in this work. Chairmen of four coalition parties backed me to continue,” Lipavsky told media following his talk with Fiala on October 2, adding that “I believe I will be able to continue working on Czechia being a reliable and pro-Western partner.”
Fiala also announced the legislation portfolio will be taken over by the Ministry of Justice, headed by the controversial Pavel Blazek, Fiala’s neoliberal ODS party colleague.
The foreign ministry under Lipavsky was credited for steering Czech diplomacy more clearly into the Western core after the previous cabinet of populist billionaire Andrej Babis openly flirted with Hungary’s radical rightwing leader Viktor Orban.
During Lipavsky’s tenure, Czechia also held the EU presidency in the second half of 2022 and profiled itself as a staunch backer of Ukraine. Along with Hungary, Czechia is also the only EU country backing uncritically the ultranationalist Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two countries voted against the United Nations General Assembly resolution on September 18 calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian-occupied territories within a year.
Lipavsky has also profiled himself as a rightwing Pirate after he reportedly said his party needs “to get rid of commies and ultra-lefties”, sparking criticism from his own ranks.
Staunch anti-communist rhetoric is repeatedly picked up by the Eurosceptic wing inside ODS, which includes anti-Green Deal politicians Alexander Vondra or Jan Skopecek, and who often employ it to accuse the European Commission and Brussels of being interventionist, much in the way Babis, his ANO party and other populist and far-right parties criticise the EU.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
While brunch was once mainly an American tradition, it has now firmly taken root in Prague’s culinary scene. We’ve selected some of the best places to enjoy brunch in the city.
Don’t hesitate to brunch solo—and if you don’t need to return to work afterward, why not indulge in a glass of prosecco with your meal? After all, a small indulgence pairs perfectly with a big breakfast.
Seasons at Hilton
For just 990 CZK you caenjoy unlimited consumption of Prosecco, Eggs Benedict, meat and fish carvery, sushi, rich selection of desserts and much more. Kids up to 12 years of age have 50% discount. Live music will keep the good vibes flowing. The experienced team, led by Chef Pavel Brož, uses mainly local seasonal ingredients of the highest quality.
View this post on Instagram
Eska
If you’re craving a relaxed brunch filled with crispy pastries, head to Eska in Karlín. Every day from 8 AM to 3 PM, they offer an array of classic breakfast items like scrambled eggs or eggs in a glass. But they also go beyond the usual, serving up tasty sausages, flaky toast, and their iconic potatoes in ashes. For a special touch, try washing it down with an apple mimosa—its flavor is bound to linger in your memory.
Bistro Monk
Looking for an all-day brunch experience? At Bistro Monk, brunch is not just an option; it’s a daily event. Starting from 8:30 AM at either of their two Prague locations, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of homemade bread made through long cold fermentation. The result? A loaf with a full, rich flavor and a supple crumb. Not a bread lover? No problem—indulge in their buttermilk pancakes with wild blueberry cream or try the hazelnut granola with farmhouse yogurt.
The Flat Café
Imagine stepping into a cozy British living room—that’s the vibe at The Flat Café in Vršovice. Their weekend brunch, starting at 9 AM, features a classic English breakfast with baked beans, butter mushrooms, handmade pork sausages, poached eggs, hash browns, and toast. For something lighter, you can opt for buttermilk pancakes or a fluffy omelette. And if you’re feeling indulgent, sip on a French 75 cocktail, a delightful mix of gin, prosecco, lemon juice, and zest.
The Artisan
For a more traditional Sunday brunch buffet, The Artisan offers an extraordinary 46-course spread every Sunday. Enjoy a variety of delicacies, including signature dishes from Chef David Rejhon. To enhance the experience, the venue also features live music and entertainment to complete your Sunday outing.
Etapa
An established player in Prague’s brunch scene, Etapa has garnered loyal customers with its uncomplicated yet delicious offerings. Starting at 9 AM daily, Etapa focuses on colorful vegetable dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, paired with unique flavor combinations. Their homemade 100% wholemeal sourdough bread and sweets are also fan favorites.
Cafe Savoy
Craving a Viennese-style brunch? Look no further! On weekends, indulge in an unforgettable brunch experience at Café Savoy. Their iconic French breakfast, featuring fries with their famous truffle mayonnaise, is not to be missed. If you’re looking for something different, the Savoy breakfast or the classic continental breakfast are also excellent choices. Both options come with a hot drink of your choice. Weekend brunches are served from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Café Savoy.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Nestled in a historic building just steps from Old Town Square, Lumia Gallery is the largest digital art gallery in the Czech Republic.
Located on Celetná Street, this unique space offers visitors an immersive journey into a world of light, sound, and boundless creativity.
Spanning two floors and covering 1,300 m², the gallery features 23 captivating installations that invite you to dive into a realm of visual wonders and emotional experiences.
Each installation is meticulously crafted to envelop you in an environment where light, color, and sound blend to create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Visitors can find themselves mesmerized by a kaleidoscopic cinema that morphs images into a hypnotic dance of light, or lose themselves in a mirrored labyrinth where the lines between reality and reflection blur.
Other exhibits transport you to the simulated surface of Mars, the depths of the ocean, or on a cosmic journey through the galaxy. The gallery’s experiences are further intensified by their integration with music, adding layers of depth to the overall experience.
The gallery’s recently expanded interactive section focuses on sustainable human impact on Earth, urging visitors to respect and protect nature and to recognize humanity’s place within the universe.
It explores the profound consequences of human activity on the environment and, in an interactive way, delves into the aesthetics of contrasting random and ordered structures in motion. Some installations also take an unconventional approach to the theme of the eye, a powerful symbol of knowledge and human existence, synchronized seamlessly with music.
The concept of a permanent, interactive, audiovisual art exhibition in Prague was conceived a decade ago by Filip Kočík, a photographer, artist, and producer known in the art world as Feex.
View this post on Instagram
His vision of “luminous imagination” inspired other artists and visual creators to bring this project to life. The gallery showcases works from renowned artists such as Ati Sphere, Michal Škorpík, AV Collective FotonX, Igor Teichman, and Julius Štefan.
Lumia Gallery is an inclusive space, welcoming art lovers, families, and anyone seeking an inspiring and unique experience. The gallery is pet-friendly, so you can enjoy the visit with your four-legged companion.
It is also fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts to all floors, ensuring that everyone can experience its magic. Additionally, visitors can take home a piece of the experience with original souvenirs and gifts available at the gallery’s shop.
A visit to Lumia Gallery will leave you seeing the world through new eyes, prompting you to question your perceptions and offering fresh perspectives.
Important Notice: The exhibition is not suitable for individuals with light sensitivity or photosensitive epilepsy.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Bruce Weber: My Education exhibition, showcasing six decades of work by the renowned American photographer, is currently on display at Prague City Gallery’s Stone Bell House.
Since its opening on 20 September, the exhibition has attracted attention for its diverse range of Weber’s photography, including portraits, reportage, landscapes, and fashion images.
Weber’s iconic work has been featured in Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair, and he is known for capturing cultural and political figures such as Nelson Mandela and Georgia O’Keeffe.
The exhibition also highlights Weber’s connection to the Czech Republic, featuring photos he took of actor Heath Ledger in Prague in 2000. In addition, his work with Czech icons like Eva Herzigová and Martina Navrátilová is on display.
Weber is also celebrated for his filmmaking, with documentaries like Broken Noses (1987) and Let’s Get Lost (1988), which earned an Oscar nomination. His music video collaborations include work with the Pet Shop Boys and Chris Isaak.
Curated by Helena Musilová, the exhibition has been specially designed for the Stone Bell House, with production spanning five years across two continents. Visitors can view not only photographs but also Weber’s music and fashion videos.
The exhibition runs until 19 January 2025. Tickets are available both at the gallery and online.
Location: Prague City Gallery, Stone Bell House, Staroměstské náměstí
Hours: Tue–Sun, 10 am–8 pm
Admission: CZK 200 (adults), CZK 90 (students/seniors)