Friday, November 29, 2024
Starting in 2025, Czech municipalities may get the powers to determine the number of short-term rental permits on their territories, following the approval of draft law amendments by the country’s government that still need to be passed in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
The passing of the new legal changes would affect the operations of platforms, such as Airbnb and Booking, where most of these properties are advertised to tourists.
Also, in terms of cities, this will most likely affect Prague more than any of the other municipalities, since it’s the capital that gets the most visitors due to its unrivalled size and popularity.
According to the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), the short-term rental offer is highly concentrated in the historical centre of Prague, with landlords owning multiple apartments making up 80 per cent of the total listings.
As recently as last April, there were roughly 8,000 apartments for short-term accommodation in the Czech capital.
The Czech authorities are specifically irked by the opaque nature of platforms like Airbnb, which refuse to share internal data about the tourist numbers. That’s a problem as it can be an obstacle when it comes to proper law enforcement, such as in the cases of noise disturbances.
That’s why an important part of the proposed amendment to the law is the introduction of the e-Turista electronic system, where rental property owners will have to register and obtain a license number to be displayed on the platform listings.
This will allow the Ministry of Regional Development to have a better overview of short-term rentals and collect the necessary fees and taxes. The system will launch in trial mode next year and is expected to be fully operational by July 2025.
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Prague Zoo is wrapping up the holiday season with a special treat for children: an admission fee of just 1 crown.
Along with the symbolic entry price, the zoo has lined up an exciting weekend program filled with activities and events that promise fun for the whole family.
Starting today, some of the zoo’s animals will receive ice cubes as part of a fun summer send-off. Visitors can watch polar bears, kea parrots, capybaras, bison, and taipans interact with these chilly treats.
Guests are also in for a cool surprise with heaps of ice cubes placed around various locations, including the Children’s Zoo, the Paper Mill, the Radegast statue, and the Dja and Bororo Reserves.
This Friday, children under the age of 15 can enter the zoo for just 1 crown. They can participate in the Quiz Trail, a family-friendly game that begins on the Education Centre terrace.
Additionally, a special puppet show titled “Hurvinek and the Uninvited Guest” will be performed at the Education Centre on both Saturday and Sunday, catering to children aged six and above.
Sunday is extra special as the zoo celebrates International Primate Day with guided feeding sessions featuring young orangutans and gorillas.
These feedings will take place at various exhibits throughout the day, wrapping up by 3 pm. While the zoo will remain open until 7 pm this weekend, starting Monday, the closing time will shift to 6 pm.
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The World Motorcycle Championship, MotoGP, is set to make its much-anticipated return to Brno in 2025 after a five-year hiatus.
Although the exact date of the race has not yet been announced, it is expected to take place in August, as is traditional. Under the current agreement, the Masaryk Circuit will host the World Championship until at least 2029.
The Czech MotoGP event was cancelled in 2020 due to financial difficulties. However, with new organizers stepping in, the ownership of the circuit has undergone significant changes.
The Autoclub of the Czech Republic, led by President Jan Št’ovíček, and Automotodrom Brno, now owned by Karel Hubáček, have taken over as the new co-organizers. They replace the previous organizers—a consortium between the South Moravian Region and the city of Brno.
The city of Brno, the South Moravian Region, and the Czech state will all contribute financially to the championship.
“We expect the city to contribute CZK 35 million annually to cover the event costs. The return of such high-profile races reinforces our commitment to positioning Brno as a leading destination for major international sporting events,” stated Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková.
The total budget for the event is estimated to be around CZK 100 million.
There is also speculation about the possibility of Brno hosting a Formula 1 race in the future. “We have initiated preliminary discussions, and the response has been positive,” said Jan Št’ovíček, President of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, as quoted by Seznam News.
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The creator behind the popular YouTube channel NASS has brought new life to a vintage film of Prague from 1946.
Using advanced neural networks and modern graphic tools, he restored and colorized an archival video that captures the city’s streets shortly after World War II.
The restoration also includes an increased frame rate of 60 frames per second, resulting in a smoother and more dynamic visual experience.
In an attempt to enhance the viewing experience further, the video was dubbed with sounds similar to those that might have been heard at the time, though not authentically sourced from the original recording.
Additionally, the colors were selected through an automated process, meaning they do not reflect the historical accuracy of the era’s true hues.
Despite these creative liberties, the restoration offers a fascinating glimpse into Prague’s post-war atmosphere, providing viewers with a fresh perspective on a city rich in history.
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Müller, a prominent German retail chain known for its drugstores, toys, and other consumer goods, is preparing to expand further east.
The company plans to open its first store in Slovakia this year, with the Czech Republic likely to follow. However, entering the Czech market won’t be easy, as it is already dominated by established players such as dm, Teta, and Rossmann.
The recent entry of the Polish drugstore chain Hebe has further intensified the competition.
In mid-August, Müller announced its intention to continue expanding into Slovakia, where it has already registered a dedicated internet domain. “Müller has successfully operated in neighboring countries like Austria and Hungary for many years, and also has positive experience in Slovenia and Croatia, making it well-prepared for its entry into Slovakia,” the company stated.
However, the company’s ambitions appear to extend beyond Slovakia. Müller has posted a job opening on its website for an expansion manager for both Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Many in the Czech retail industry expect Müller to enter the Czech market soon, although the company has not confirmed when this might happen.
Zdeněk Skála, managing director of analytics firm Skála a Šulc, agrees. “While the market is saturated with both major and smaller players, a new competitor with a smart price and marketing strategy can always find a niche,” he adds.
Among the existing players, the domestic chain Teta operates the largest number of brick-and-mortar drugstores in the Czech Republic, with around 500 locations. The German chain dm had 255 stores as of September last year, while another German competitor, Rossmann, has been actively expanding its network in recent years.
What sets Müller apart from its competitors is its diverse product range. Besides drugstore items, Müller stores also offer fashion accessories, CDs and DVDs, toys, and stationery. In Germany, the chain operates around 600 stores and has a substantial presence in Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.
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Despite a relatively successful hotel season this year, with European tourists once again flocking to Prague, several of the city’s prestigious hotels have been put up for sale.
Following media reports about the potential sales of the Hilton and Four Seasons hotels, it has come to light that they are not the only properties on the market.
The five-star Andaz Hotel, belonging to the American Hyatt chain, is currently up for sale for around CZK 3.5 billion. Located in the center of Prague on Senovážné Square, this news was confirmed by several sources familiar with the negotiations.
“We are unable to comment on this matter at the moment,” said Lenka Fabian, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Andaz Hotel, when asked about the sale.
This luxury hotel was developed through an expensive reconstruction of the former Cukrovarnický Palace, a neoclassical-style building on Senovážné Square.
The palace, built between 1912 and 1916 by the Sugar Millers’ Association and designed by architects Theodor Fischer and Josef Zasche, served various functions after World War II.
After the fall of communism in 1989, it came under the ownership of the now-bankrupt Investment and Postal Bank and later ČSOB. The building’s transformation into a hotel was overseen by UBM Development Czechia.
Lingering Impact of the Pandemic
The sales of these high-profile hotels are mostly handled discreetly, with offers circulating privately. Industry experts point to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as the main reason why many global players are now divesting from their Prague hotel holdings.
Prague’s largest hotel, the Hilton on Pobřežní Street, which features around 800 rooms and over 7,000 square meters of conference space, is also on the market. The property has hosted notable guests, including former US presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, and is expected to sell for approximately CZK 7.5 billion.
Another iconic property, the Four Seasons, which is located along the waterfront near the Charles Bridge, is also seeking a new owner. This luxury hotel has accommodated Liverpool footballers, world leaders, and celebrities like Madonna. Its asking price is set at CZK 3.6 billion.
Meanwhile, there was speculation regarding the potential sale of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Malá Strana, but the owners have recently denied any such plans.
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Sparta Prague will return to the Champions League for the first time in 19 years, marking their ninth appearance in the elite tournament.
The Czech side secured their spot by defeating Malmö 2-0 in a decisive home match, following a similar win in Sweden last week.
Both teams missed penalties in the first half, with Sparta’s Veljko Birmančević and Malmö’s Anders Christiansen failing to convert.
The deadlock was broken in the 80th minute when Lukáš Haraslín successfully scored his third penalty attempt of the match. Shortly thereafter, Albion Rrahmani, making his debut for Sparta, sealed the win with a second goal.
Sparta previously eliminated Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers and Romania’s FCSB, earning around 18 million euros (approximately 466 million CZK) for advancing to the group stage.
This season, the Champions League will feature a new league format with 36 teams competing in a single table. The draw on Thursday in Monaco will determine Sparta’s eight opponents, with each team playing eight matches—four at home and four away—against different clubs.
The match began with a minute’s applause in memory of Swedish coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, who passed away on Monday at the age of 76.
Early on, Malmö missed a key chance when former player Birmančević sent a penalty shot over the bar. Moments later, Sparta’s goalkeeper Vindahl saved a penalty from Christiansen, keeping the game level.
Sparta continued to press forward, but it wasn’t until the 78th minute that Busanello’s foul on Preciado resulted in a second penalty for the home side. Haraslín made no mistake this time, scoring his fourth goal of the qualification campaign.
Proměněno ✅ #acspartapic.twitter.com/Jfj8gvCTIK
— AC Sparta Praha (@ACSparta_CZ) August 27, 2024
A few moments later, Rrahmani, the club’s most expensive signing, scored on his debut after a pass from Haraslín.
Sparťani a sparťanky, 𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒓𝒂𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊 🙌 #acspartapic.twitter.com/eq2cpc62JC
— AC Sparta Praha (@ACSparta_CZ) August 27, 2024
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The Grape Harvest Festival, or “Vinobraní,” is a cherished autumn tradition across the Czech Republic, celebrating the season’s grape harvest.
Throughout September, cities come alive with fairs offering concerts, theater performances, and… burčak festivals! This low-alcohol, partially fermented grape must is famous for its refreshing taste and purported health benefits.
If you’re looking to experience the best of these festivities, here’s a guide to the top events happening in Prague in 2024.
Set in the stunning courtyard and garden of the Troja Château, this festival offers a rich cultural program in addition to its wine and delicacy tents. Visitors can enjoy performances by street theaters, children’s choirs, dance groups, and other artists. The event also includes a creative corner for kids, competitions, and free guided tours of the château.
Where: Trojský zámek, Prague 7
When: September 7, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
The Wine and Burčak Festival in the Royal Garden of Prague Castle is a two-day event showcasing top-quality Moravian wines alongside an engaging cultural program. Attendees can enjoy folk group performances, fencing demonstrations, and more.
Where: Royal Garden, Prague Castle, Prague 1
When: September 7-8, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
The event also offers theater performances, children’s entertainment, and live music from folk and contemporary groups. Due to ongoing renovations at Jiřího z Poděbrady Square, this year’s event will take place in Mahlerovy Sady, under the Žižkov Television Tower.
Where: Mahlerovy sady, Žižkov, Prague 3
When: September 13-14, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Vinobraní on Kampa Island
Kampa Island will host several traditional Moravian music and dance ensembles, offering guests a chance to taste Moravian wines, burčak, sausages, cheeses, and other regional specialties.
Where: Ostrov Kampa, Prague 1
When: September 14, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Vinobraní at the Botanical Garden
This two-day celebration takes place in the scenic Prague Botanical Garden, near Troja Château and the Prague Zoo, making it an ideal weekend destination. The event features a terrace with stunning views, music and dance performances, and, of course, the star attractions—wine and burčak made from grapes harvested from the garden’s own vineyard.
Where: Nádvorní 134, Prague 7
When: September 14-15
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults: 250 CZK, children: 150 CZK (Includes a guided tour of the winemaking exhibition and entry to the Fata Morgana greenhouse.)
Discount: Online ticket purchases are 20 CZK cheaper.
This festival unfolds in two parts. The first day kicks off at Náměstí Míru with performances by national music ensembles and popular contemporary groups. The following day, the celebration moves to Havlíčkovy sady (Grébovka Park), offering an even more extensive cultural program.
Where: Náměstí Míru 20/600, Prague 2
When: September 20, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
On its second day, the Grébovka Harvest takes place in Havlíčkovy sady. Visitors can sample fresh burčak made from grapes grown at the foot of Villa Gröbe, known for its exceptional wines. The park will be filled with tents offering delicious food, wine, and various handicrafts. The event also features performances by sommeliers, theater shows, competitions, concerts, and live medieval music.
Where: Havlíčkovy sady 2188, Prague 2
When: September 21, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
The fourteenth annual Kunratice Harvest Festival will take place at the historic Kunratice Fortress in Prague. Over three days, visitors can sample burčák, a young wine, along with more than 150 wine varieties from across the Czech Republic. To complement the wine, a wide array of grilled meats, sausages, cheeses, and other delicacies will be available.
The festival will feature performances by traditional Czech cymbal bands, popular music groups, and lively hosts to keep the mood festive. Attendees can also participate in a tasting competition, listen to winemakers’ stories about the winemaking process, and enjoy an evening fire show.
Where: Behind Kunratice Park, Prague 4
When: September 20-22 (Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Cost: 150 CZK for one day, 200 CZK for all three days
The Vysočany Wine Festival, a three-day event, is organized by the local Machalka winery, which will offer its own burčák and wines. A highlight of the event will be the traditional Moravian winemaking ritual known as “zakrytí hory.”
Where: Prosecká 906/34b, Prague 9
When: September 27-29 (Friday: from 4:00 PM, Saturday: from 11:00 AM, Sunday: from 3:00 PM, all ending at 7:00 PM)
Cost: Free entry
St. Wenceslas Vineyard Festival
Located in the heart of Prague, the St. Wenceslas Vineyard is one of the oldest and most picturesque vineyards in the Czech Republic, dating back to the 10th century. This festival celebrates the vineyard’s rich history with a focus on two main grape varieties: Riesling and Pinot Noir, among others.
Where: St. Wenceslas Vineyard, Staré zámecké schody 251, Prague 1
When: September 28, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Entry is 250 CZK, which includes a tasting glass and tokens. Additional tokens can be purchased for 300 CZK (10 tokens). Advance tickets are available at a lower price.
The festival will feature tents offering a variety of wines and beers from Czech producers, alongside snacks that pair perfectly with wine. Guests can enjoy live music throughout the event and participate in several wine-related competitions, including a corkscrew bottle opening contest, blind tastings, and challenges to identify flavors in the wine’s bouquet.
Where: Náplavka, Rašínovo nábřeží 22, Prague 2
When: September 27-28, from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: 100 CZK (includes a tasting glass)
Visitors can sample and purchase wine, burčák, and fresh delicacies directly from farmers, as well as enjoy ready-to-eat dishes like baked goose with dumplings, roast beef, and pancakes. The festival will offer attractions for children and daily performances by Czech music groups on a dedicated stage.
Where: Markétská 2, Prague 6, Břevnov Monastery
When: October 4-6, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free entry
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Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have dropped to their lowest levels since February, with petrol priced between 35 and 38 crowns per liter and diesel even a crown cheaper.
This decline has led to an unexpected trend: Polish drivers are now crossing the border to fill up in the Czech Republic, taking advantage of the more affordable prices.
The town of Zlaté Hory in Jesenice, located just a short distance from the Polish border, used to see only a few cars a day at its petrol stations. Most of these were Czech vehicles heading to Poland to refuel, as prices were more favorable there. However, the situation has changed dramatically.
Petrol stations in Poland, such as those in Chalupki near Ostrava, now charge nearly three crowns more per liter compared to Czech prices. As a result, Czech vehicles have disappeared from Polish stations, while cars with Polish license plates are becoming a common sight at Czech border petrol stations.
“Since prices have risen in Poland, they are coming here to fill up,” noted the operator of a petrol station in Zlaté Hory.
Economist Lukáš Kovanda attributes the lower fuel prices in the Czech Republic to two key factors.
“Firstly, the global oil prices are declining, and secondly, the Czech koruna has strengthened significantly against the US dollar. These factors are driving down the cost of fuel in the Czech Republic,” Kovanda explained.
Residents of the border region also point to the influence of Poland’s internal political situation on fuel prices.
“Before the Polish elections, we used to go there for cheaper petrol and diesel, which were almost ten crowns less than here. Now, prices have leveled off, so we prefer to stay in the Czech Republic,” shared one respondent in a CNN Prima News poll.
Fuel prices are expected to drop further this week, potentially by up to 40 hellers, with a more gradual decline anticipated throughout September.
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After several years, Prague is set to regain a direct air connection with Canada.
Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, has announced the launch of a new seasonal route between Prague and Toronto, beginning next year.
The news was shared by Prague Airport on the social media platform X. Flights on this route are scheduled to operate from June 6 until the end of September. Tickets are already available for purchase.
Air Canada will offer flights three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The outbound flight from Prague will depart at 12:35 p.m. and land in Toronto at 3:45 p.m.
The return flight from Toronto is scheduled to depart at 8:25 p.m., arriving in Prague the following day at 10:45 a.m. Round-trip tickets are currently priced from approximately 16,000 CZK.
This new route marks the return of direct flights between Prague and Canada, a service that has been absent since before the coronavirus pandemic.
In the past, Air Transat operated direct flights to Canada, and CSA (Czech Airlines) also served this route.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is the flag carrier and the largest airline of Canada, by size and passengers carried. The airline, founded in 1937, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to 222 destinations worldwide.
Air Canada’s major hubs are at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
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A new cultural and leisure centre named “Stanice 6” is set to open on the site of the former railway station Praha-Bubeneč in Prague 6.
The former station building will become a community center with a sports, a gallery, bistro and a cultural hall where concerts, exhibitions, and other community events can take place.
“We aim to create a pleasant indoor workout area connected to Stromovka rather than a traditional gym with sophisticated machines. The café will be contemporary and open, with the station platform becoming a popular summer space,” says Martin Kontra.
The gallery will occupy the railway building’s first floor, maintaining the building’s layout from the late 19th century.
Valuable historical elements, like the platform roof’s wooden structure and the painted ceiling in the original waiting room, have been restored. The original railway sign “BUBENEČ” has also been reinstated.
The former platform will be repurposed as a bistro garden. The building’s immediate surroundings and the platform have been modified with new granite paving. Two parking spaces are reserved for operational needs.
“By remodeling and modernizing the building, we aim to revive its former beauty and give it a new function. The interior will be open, providing space for various social and cultural events. We demolished non-original partitions, created new openings in load-bearing walls, and modified existing door openings,” says architect Ondřej Tuček.
The new centre, named Stanice 6 (Station 6), is due to open on 28 August, 10 years to the day since the last train stopped at the station.
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Natalie Stichová, a 23-year-old Czech gymnast, tragically fell to her death after plunging nearly 80 meters down Tegelberg Mountain in Bavaria, Germany, on August 15.
The incident occurred during a sightseeing visit near the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, known for inspiring Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
The accident reportedly took place while Natalie was attempting to take a selfie at the edge of the mountain, hoping to capture the perfect shot with the picturesque castle in the background.
According to a friend who spoke to Czech media, Natalie was standing dangerously close to the edge when one of her legs appeared to slip, causing her to fall. The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We will never find out whether she slipped or whether a piece of the rock edge broke off.”
Natalie was accompanied by two friends and her boyfriend, David, at the time of the fall. Police described the route as a “challenging climb.”
Despite the severe injuries from the fall, Natalie initially survived and was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter. However, after six days in critical condition, her family made the heart-wrenching decision to take her off life support on August 21 due to irreversible brain damage.
Natalie was a celebrated athlete in the Czech Republic, regularly sharing photos of her travels and adventures on Instagram, often showcasing herself on mountaintops in her workout gear. She had recently begun training junior athletes and was beloved by many in her community.
Her sports club, Sokol Příbram Sports Gymnastics, expressed deep sorrow in a statement: “Natalia spread smiles throughout her short life, and that is how we will remember her forever. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and close friends, sending them strength and support. To honor Natalka’s memory, you are welcome to light a candle at our gymnasium.”
