Prague residents will have to wait at least another decade for the long-promised Metro D line, as the city’s latest timetable now sets the opening for 2034.
This section, stretching from Pankrác to the new depot in Písnice, is supposed to open all at once — nearly half a century after the completion of Line B.
The city once hoped the state would cover at least a quarter of the costs — about CZK 12 billion. The rest would be drawn from European funds.
But that plan proved unrealistic. Back in 2019, costs for the section from Náměstí Míru to Písnice were estimated at CZK 73 billion. Two years later, that jumped to CZK 98 billion. Today, it stands at CZK 120 billion — and may climb further.
“Unfortunately, previous political administrations did virtually nothing regarding Metro D, so it wasn’t realistic to meet the original 2023 completion date,” said Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates), Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport. “Instead, we used EU funds to expand tram lines.”
Airport Link Abandoned
When Line A was extended to Motol, many hoped it would eventually continue to Václav Havel Airport. In 2018, an analysis suggested the extension would cost CZK 27 billion and take eleven years to build, with stops at Bílá Hora, Dědina, Dlouhá Míle, and Staré Letiště.
Instead, focus shifted to a high-speed rail line between Kladno and Masaryk Station, with a stop at the airport. That project — under discussion for over 30 years — is finally under construction and expected to be completed by 2030.
In the meantime, airport transport has seen a minor upgrade. Buses from Veleslavín were replaced with longer trolleybuses, improving capacity and comfort.
“The three-section trolleybuses are a step forward, but a metro extension to the airport would have been the real solution,” said **Ondřej Matěj Hrubeš** (ODS), transport councilor for Prague 6.
Tram Lines Take Over
With Metro D stalled, the city has turned to expanding the tram network to improve public transport access to western districts. Two years ago, the line from Divoká Šárka was extended to Dědina. Future plans include extending this route via the Prague Ring Road to the Dlouhá Míle terminal, which will connect to the new rail line.
In February, city officials approved zoning changes to allow a new tram line from Motol to Vypich.
The 2.2-kilometer line will better connect Řepy, Břevnov, and Prague districts 5 and 6 by the end of the decade.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Czech political leaders expressed deep respect and condolences following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning at the age of 88.
Across the political spectrum, tributes highlighted his humility, compassion, and efforts to modernize the Catholic Church for the 21st century.
“He was a man of deep faith who worked tirelessly to reshape the Church so it could better fulfill its mission in today’s world,” said Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), who met Francis in June 2022 at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. “He showed concern for those facing injustice and radiated humanity and humility.”
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský echoed that sentiment, calling Francis “a voice of compassion, justice, and hope in a troubled world.” He added: “My sincere condolences to the faithful and to all who were inspired by his words and actions. Honor to his memory.”
Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák (STAN) praised Francis for trying to guide the Catholic Church into the modern era with integrity. “He honestly sought to ensure the Church entered the 21st century with dignity,” he said.
Andrej Babiš, leader of the opposition ANO movement, remembered Francis as a symbol of humility and unity. “I admired his effort to bring people together and his constant pursuit of goodness. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.”
Former Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) described Francis as “not just a religious leader, but a symbol of modesty and kindness who connected believers and non-believers alike.” She noted that his passing coincided with Easter Monday: “I pray, but I do not mourn. His love remains with us.”
The death of Pope Francis signals a major shift for the world’s estimated 1.37 billion Catholics, noted Jan Bartošek (KDU-ČSL), Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. “The end of one era, the beginning of another. Francis earned widespread respect, even outside Catholic circles. He set the bar high,” Bartošek said. “Easter is a symbol of hope, and with it, we now look ahead to the election of a new pope.”
Health Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) pointed out that Francis’ legacy lies in his focus on the poor and vulnerable, echoing the values of Francis of Assisi, the saint whose name he adopted—the first pope in history to do so.
Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (STAN) added, “Perhaps the Catholic Church has never had a leader so open, so modest, and so committed to necessary change.”
“A Shepherd Who Inspired Through Action”
Science Minister Marek Ženíšek (TOP 09) highlighted the symbolism of Francis’ death during Easter—a time of renewal and rebirth. “He was a man who opened the Church to the world and refused to look away from its challenges. For that, we owe him thanks.”
Minister of Culture Martin Baxa (ODS) reflected on Francis’ historic role as the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to lead the Church. “He welcomed all who approached the Church with sincerity,” Baxa said. “He brought faith closer to ordinary people, not only through his teaching but through his humble presence.”
Labor Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) described Francis as “a good shepherd who led through example, often with a gentle and unique approach that drew people to faith.” Reflecting on the timing of his passing, Jurečka said: “He is entering God’s arms at a time when hope triumphed over death.”
The Prague Museum is unveiling a remarkable exhibition marking 80 years since the Prague Uprising at the end of World War II.
The centerpiece: original fragments of the Old Town Hall bell, destroyed in 1945, alongside a reconstruction of its original sound.
The exhibition opens free to the public on May 5, located on the ground floor of the Old Town Hall.
The display includes preserved parts of the 14th-century bell, a replica model created from 3D-scanned fragments, and an audio rendering of how the bell likely sounded before it was silenced during the war.
This special exhibition is part of a broader memorial project honoring the 80th anniversary of the 1945 uprising, which also features commemorative events, lectures, and a public procession through central Prague.
The museum had 46 preserved fragments of the destroyed bell in storage. These pieces were carefully scanned with 3D technology and then printed at a quarter scale.
Collaborating with a Czech bell foundry, researchers were able to reconstruct the bell’s profile and tone.
Its recreated sound will be played publicly for the first time during a commemorative event on May 5, 2025, and again on May 8 at 4:00 p.m., marking the exact hour the bell fell silent in 1945.
Memorial Events Across the City
To commemorate the uprising, the museum is organizing a memorial march on May 5 from the National Theatre to Old Town Square. The route passes through three symbolic barricade points: Národní třída, the Estates Theatre, and Železná Street.
In the afternoon and evening, the names of 3,000 victims of the Prague Uprising will be read aloud on Old Town Square in a public remembrance event.
A complete program of all activities surrounding the anniversary can be found at prazske-povstani.cz.
A Brief Look at the Prague Uprising
The Prague Uprising began on May 5, 1945, just days before the end of WWII in Europe. Czech resistance fighters launched a coordinated effort to liberate the city from Nazi occupation. They succeeded in forcing the German garrison to surrender, preventing further civilian casualties, and accelerating the arrival of the Red Army.
However, the post-war communist regime erased much of this history. General Karel Kutlvašr, who led the uprising, was later sentenced to life imprisonment. Many others involved were also persecuted after the February 1948 Communist coup.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
On April 26, beer lovers will gather at Břevnov Monastery Brewery for the second annual festival, held at Czechia’s oldest monastery, founded in 993.
The highlight of the festival is a collaboration among five Czech monastery breweries, brought together through the Pilsner Urquell Brewers’ Choice initiative.
Each has created a unique “Pilgrimage Beer”, experimenting with smoked malt in different styles and proportions. In total, seven exclusive smoked beers will be available for tasting, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the diversity of monastic brewing in one place.
Joining the five Czech breweries is a special guest from Slovakia’s Červený Kláštor and Prazdroj’s Volba Sládků (Brewmaster’s Choice), rounding out the list of participants.
The hosting Břevnov Monastery Brewery has prepared a special surprise: a historical beer based on a 1585 recipe by Tadeáš Hájek of Hájek, court physician to Emperor Rudolf II.
This rare brew, made exclusively for the festival, offers a taste of 16th-century beer traditions. While last year’s edition showcased the brewing process, this year the focus shifts to sampling and storytelling.
Brewing Smoked Beer at Home
Beyond the tastings, the festival includes a thematic side program delving into the history of monastery brewing. Visitors can join guided tours of the Břevnov brewery and attend live brewing demonstrations led by experts from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.
These sessions will show attendees how to brew smoked beer at home.
The program also includes lectures and cultural performances. Entry to the entire event is free of charge.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Czechia is facing a sharp rise in Legionnaires’ disease, with health officials warning that this year’s infection count will likely surpass last year’s record-breaking numbers.
In just the first quarter of 2025, over 200 cases of legionellosis—an illness caused by the Legionella bacteria—have already been confirmed. That’s twice as many as in the same period last year.
According to Novinky.cz, the country recorded 620 cases in 2024, the highest annual total to date. A year earlier, there were 342. The longer-term trend is clear: in 2019, there were 280 recorded cases; a decade ago, just 25.
Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal. Last year, at least 50 people died from the illness, which mainly threatens seniors and individuals with weakened immune systems.
“And their numbers are growing,” said epidemiologist Roman Chlíbek. “Consider how many patients now suffer from immune deficiencies or cancer.”
The illness is caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Symptoms often resemble the flu at first—fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue, followed by a worsening cough. If untreated, the bacteria can spread in the lungs and lead to severe pneumonia. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial.
A Plumbing Problem—and More
Experts believe poor maintenance of water systems is largely behind the surge. This includes old or neglected pipes, unmaintained faucets or shower hoses, and heat exchangers. Air conditioning systems and improperly heated water in boilers also contribute—especially as many households reduce water heating to cut energy bills.
“Legionella is highly adaptable and survives well in warm water,” Chlíbek explained. Hot water should reach at least 50°C, while cold water must stay under 20°C to limit bacterial growth.
“Water temperatures below 50°C allow Legionella to thrive,” confirmed Hana Bendíková, head of the anti-epidemic department at the South Bohemian Hygiene Station. “In many homes, the hot water only reaches 30 to 40°C.” Her region has reported 29 cases this year.
The Czech Republic isn’t alone. Australia, the United States, and Spain also reported elevated case numbers last year, highlighting that this is not just a Czech plumbing issue.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
A spectacular video mapping show will transform the façade of the National Theater in Prague on Wednesday, April 23, offering a free public performance.
The light show is scheduled to begin at 8:50 p.m., with the public invited to gather and experience the display from nearby Střelecký Island.
The event marks the 120th anniversary of the premiere of Kytice (Bouquet), a cornerstone of Czech literature and theater.
The play, inspired by the poems of Karel Jaromír Erben, has remained one of the most iconic works in the Czech cultural canon.
The show is sponsored by Pilsner Urquell, which will help turn the evening into a full experience.
From 6:42 p.m., two hours before the video mapping begins, a designated viewing area will open on Střelecký Island. Attendees will be able to enjoy freshly tapped Pilsner beer and light refreshments as they wait for the performance to begin.
Entry is completely free, and no tickets or registration are required. The location offers a clear view of the theater’s historical façade, making it an ideal spot to take in the visuals, sound, and atmosphere of the evening.
The combination of cutting-edge light projection, historical context, and open-air celebration is likely to make it one of the most memorable events in Prague this spring.
- 📍 Where: National Theater, Prague
- 🕗 When: Wednesday, April 23, at 8:50 p.m. (Viewing area opens at 6:42 p.m.)
- 🍺 What: Video mapping show + refreshments by Pilsner Urquell
- 🎟️ Admission: Free
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Tourists visiting the Czech Republic could soon pay more for their stay, as a group of lawmakers proposes to double the tourist fee from 50 CZK to 100 CZK per night.The measure is designed to help cities, especially Prague, cover the growing costs of cleaning, security, and maintaining public spaces impacted by mass tourism.
If approved, the capital could collect up to 1 billion CZK annually, a substantial increase from the 885 million CZK collected last year, according to the Czech Statistical Office.
Cities across Europe, they argue, already charge higher accommodation fees.
“Vienna, Paris, and Amsterdam all impose far steeper tourist taxes, yet their tourism sectors continue to thrive,” the proposal states. Lawmakers emphasize that visitors are willing to pay more when revenues clearly benefit local services.
The proposal allows municipalities to adjust the fee based on local demand. Tourist-heavy areas like Prague could raise it to the full 100 CZK (about 4 euros), while quieter towns could keep it low—or eliminate it entirely.
Prague: A City Under Pressure
Prague welcomed over eight million tourists last year, a 9% increase compared to 2023. Yet it remains one of the cheapest European capitals when it comes to tourist fees—charging just two euros per person per night, compared to five to seven euros in Barcelona or Brussels, or even 22 euros in Amsterdam.
Officials in Prague 1 have already called for an even higher increase—to 200 CZK per night—and have discussed the matter with Regional Development Minister Petr Kulhánek (STAN).
However, MP Michal Zuna says the 100 CZK cap is a political compromise. “Yes, it’s a 100 percent jump, but that still puts Prague in the mid-range of European cities. It’s not too low, not too high,” he told FORUM 24.
How Do Fees Compare Across Europe?
Tourist taxes vary widely:
- Rome: between 75–170 CZK per night
- Milan: from 50–125 CZK
- Florence: between 25–125 CZK
- Greece: charges 200 CZK per night, but only during the peak season
- Paris: rates vary by accommodation type, from 45 CZK to nearly 400 CZK
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Baked goods in some form or other are staples of Easter traditions across Europe. The Hungarians have fonott kalacs; Italians have colomba pasquale, and the English have their hot-cross buns.
Here in the Czech Republic, the two classic Easter baked goods are mazanec and beránek. Apart from sharing some connections to other European customs, these two foods can lay claim to centuries of tradition.
Long-lasting food
Mazanec is a sweet, though not cloyingly so, bread filled with raisins and often topped with almonds. Beránek is a cake baked in the shape of a lamb. Many commercial varieties are covered in chocolate.
The earliest evidence of baking mazanec apparently goes back to the 15th century. The noted Czech writer Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová later included a recipe in her popular cookbook, Domací kuchařka, (a Household Cookery Book).
The tradition of baking lamb-shaped sweet bread extends even further back in time. It is claimed the Jewish people of ancient times prepared bread in the shape of a lamb.
The basic ingredients of mazanec haven’t changed much. It is made from flour, yeast, milk and eggs. Rettigová’s version called for sweetened cream and grated lemon rind. Today, people add sugar, vanilla, and sometimes nutmeg, though none of these items would have been so widely available centuries ago.
Mazanec probably got a foothold into the culture because it and similar breads were cheap festive dishes in the past. In Czech history the bread had a strong association with poorer families. The food was a treat, but it wasn’t too extravagant.
Mazanec
The beránek, while older, has undergone more changes. The more recent chocolate-coated sponge cake varieties would have been unrecognizable to Jewish people thousands of years ago or to Czechs of the late Middle Ages. Yet, when one is properly prepared it has an obvious visual appeal and its symbolism makes it an attractive centerpiece on the Easter table.
The enduring popularity of both no doubt also stems from people’s love of baking and baked goods, especially when they are prepared by family members. These simple traditions reinforce those family bonds, especially when a recipe has been handed down.
Beránek
Recipes:
Easter bread (Mazanec)
- 1/2 kg flour (polohrubá)
- 120 g melted butter
- 100 g sugar
- 3 yolks
- 1 cube (42g) of fresh yeast
- 2 dcl lukewarm milk
- Pinch of salt
- 30 g sliced almonds
- 40 g raisins
- Vanilla
- Lemon peel
- Rum
- Almonds for sprinkling
Make the kvásek (yeast mixture)from half of the lukewarm milk, one teaspoon of sugar, and crumbled yeast. In a separate bowl, beat the butter with sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, lemon peel, salt, a little bit of rum. Slowly add the leavened yeast mixture and the rest of the milk.
Little by little start adding flour, almonds, and raisins. Knead the dough with a wooden spoon until bubbles are made. Cover it with a dishtowel, place on a warm place and let it rise for 1 hour. Shape one or two loaves, place on a baking sheet, and brush with whisked egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake at 180 C for about 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 100 C and bake for another 30 minutes (the total amount depends on the size of the loaves).
Lamb Cake (Beránek)
- 4 eggs (whites and yolks separated)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cup flour (polohrubá)
- 1 package (12g) of baking powder
- 1 package of vanilla sugar
- 1 package (200ml) of whipping cream
- Butter for buttering the mold
- Flour (hrubá) for sifting the mold
Butter a middle-sized lamb-shaped mold and sift with flour. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Whip the yolks with sugar. Add flour mixed with baking powder and vanilla sugar. Pour cream and then carefully add the whipped eggwhites. Pour into the mold and bake for 45 minutes.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Czech government will introduce stricter rules for taxi drivers from outside the EU starting in July, aiming to tighten oversight of a rapidly growing sector dominated by foreign nationals.
The change comes amid concerns over safety, regulatory gaps, and the sheer number of taxis on Prague’s roads.
Last year, 5,405 new taxi driver licenses were issued in Prague alone—double the figure from 2020. In total, there are now an estimated 16,000 taxis operating in the capital, though city data suggest only about 3,500 would be sufficient to meet demand.
The overcapacity, driven in part by the rise of ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt, has triggered a government crackdown.
From July 2025, taxi drivers will need a valid driver’s license from Czechia or another EU country to operate legally.
Licenses will be granted only for the duration of a driver’s permitted stay, replacing the previous five-year validity. Police will also be empowered to carry out on-the-spot checks of drivers’ documentation and vehicle registration.
Crackdown on Non-EU Drivers
According to Vít Hofman, spokesperson for Prague City Hall, many applicants for taxi licenses are from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria.
“The number of foreign drivers has risen sharply, particularly with the expansion of services like Uber and Bolt,” he told Novinky.cz. “Unfortunately, many of them are unfamiliar with local traffic laws, lack driving experience, and don’t know their way around the city—putting passengers and others at risk.”
The government is now acting on proposals submitted by Prague authorities earlier this year. These changes were included in a broader amendment to the Road Transport Act, approved last week by the Senate and now awaiting the president’s signature.
Under the new law, all taxi vehicles must be registered in the national taxi database and display a round yellow sticker on the windshield to aid identification during checks.
Municipal police will have expanded authority to stop taxis for regulatory compliance inspections—not just for traffic safety reasons.
Growing Concerns Over Safety
While insurance companies don’t track the nationality of drivers, they do report a noticeable rise in traffic accidents involving taxis. Most taxi vehicles are owned by private companies, further complicating accountability.
Another concern is that some foreign drivers continue working after their visas or permits expire, or even operate while staying in the country on tourist visas. Alena Mühl, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Transport, confirmed that enforcement gaps have allowed this to happen.
According to official data, of the nearly 15,000 taxi licenses issued last year, more than 6,000 went to Ukrainian citizens, with 1,153 issued to Uzbeks and 117 to Nigerians.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
A 12-year-old boy was fatally struck by a tram on Milady Horákové Street in Prague late Thursday morning, near the Hradčanská tram stop.
Despite immediate efforts by bystanders and emergency responders, the child died at the scene.
The collision occurred shortly after 10 a.m., according to police spokesperson Jan Daněk, who confirmed that resuscitation efforts began immediately after the accident. The boy, who police later confirmed was a foreign national, was trapped under the tram and had to be extricated by firefighters.
“We are responding to a collision between a tram and a 12-year-old boy. Resuscitation is underway,” Daněk told Czech news outlet Novinky.cz.
Eyewitnesses began lifesaving resuscitation with guidance over the phone before paramedics arrived and took over.
Karel Kirs, spokesperson for the Prague Ambulance Service, stated that medical teams, including a physician and transport inspector, attempted resuscitation for 45 minutes. Despite their efforts, the child could not be revived.
“Operators and witnesses began emergency resuscitation by phone, which we continued. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the child died on the spot,” Kirs said.
Criminal investigators have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. The tram driver tested negative for alcohol, according to police.
Tram service between Vítězné náměstí and Hradčanská was suspended following the accident. Trams headed toward the city center were rerouted via Brusnice and Prague Castle.
Traffic in the area remains partially restricted, with police, emergency services, and firefighters still present at the scene.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
For the first time in more than 60 years, oil from Russia will no longer flow into the Czech Republic.
Instead, the country has officially completed its transition to the Western TAL oil pipeline, making it fully independent from Russian crude.
The first increased delivery of non-Russian oil has successfully arrived from a tank farm in Trieste, Italy, to the Central Oil Tank Farm in Nelahozeves, where it will continue on to the Litvínov refinery.
The announcement was made Thursday by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura, and Jaroslav Pantůček, General Director of MERO ČR, the state-owned company managing oil transit infrastructure.
“We’ve taken another important step towards energy independence,” said Prime Minister Fiala during a press conference in Nelahozeves.
Thanks to the expanded pipeline, the Czech Republic can now receive up to eight million tons of oil per year through Western routes—enough to meet the full demand of local refineries.
“This is the first time we’re using the increased capacity of the TAL pipeline under live operations,” said Pantůček. “The oil arrived yesterday from Trieste, and this afternoon, MERO ČR will begin transporting it to its owner, Orlen Unipetrol, for processing in Litvínov.”
The move follows a 2022 decision by the Czech government to fast-track a project known as TAL-PLUS, which expands the capacity of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) that links Italian ports with Central Europe.
The decision came shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which prompted many EU countries to reduce energy dependence on Moscow.
Construction and technical upgrades for the expanded pipeline began in May 2024. According to earlier statements by Finance Minister Stanjura, the entire cost of achieving oil independence—estimated at 1.6 billion CZK—will be covered by MERO ČR from its own revenue.
This marks a historic shift in the country’s energy infrastructure, ending more than 60 years of reliance on the Druzhba pipeline, which had supplied Russian oil since the Soviet era.
Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Prague’s public transport network will operate with reduced service during the Easter holidays, as confirmed by Filip Drápal, spokesperson for ROPID.
On Maundy Thursday, services will follow “half-holiday” schedules, meaning longer intervals between buses and trams, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hours. However, the metro will continue to run on its regular weekday timetable.
Public transport on Good Friday will follow Saturday schedules, while on Easter Monday, services will operate according to Sunday timetables.
School lines and designated school services on regional and suburban routes will be suspended throughout the Easter period.
“Because the half-holiday timetables are only valid for a single day, they won’t be posted at individual stops,” said Drápal. Instead, passengers are advised to check the current schedules on the official website www.pid.cz or via mobile transit apps.
The changes are standard for public holidays in the Czech capital, and commuters are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays.