Looking to swap your car for something more adventurous?

Take a step back in time aboard the narrow-gauge railway that winds through the Osoblaha region in the Bruntál district, near the Czech-Polish border.

This charming line, originally opened in 1898, still runs today, offering passengers a scenic ride through rolling countryside, forests, and quaint villages.

The railway stretches just over 20 kilometers, connecting Třemešná ve Slezsku to Osoblaha, and is the only narrow-gauge track of its kind in Czechia still in regular seasonal use.

From May to November, visitors can hop aboard historic steam or motor locomotives. With windows down and the rhythm of the train echoing across the fields, it’s a peaceful way to experience this remote corner of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

Find more info here

History

 

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

After a hot start to the week, Czechia is bracing for a shift in weather.

A cold front will sweep across the country, bringing showers, thunderstorms, and a drop in temperatures — especially by Thursday, when highs may not exceed 17 °C in some regions.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a weather warning for high temperatures in southeastern Moravia, where the mercury is expected to climb to 32 °C on Monday afternoon.

Elsewhere, highs will range from 26 to 30 °C, but unstable air will trigger afternoon storms, particularly in southwestern and western Bohemia.

The cooling trend will continue into Tuesday, with skies remaining mostly cloudy to overcast. Occasional showers and thunderstorms are expected, especially later in the day. While the eastern and central regions may still reach 25 to 30 °C, western and northwestern areas will struggle to exceed 22 °C.

Wednesday will bring widespread cloud cover, with more showers and isolated thunderstorms across most of Czechia. Temperatures will range from 20 to 25 °C, indicating a steady decline as the cold front tightens its grip.

By Thursday, the weather will reach its coldest point of the week. Highs will drop to 17 to 22 °C, with only southern Moravia possibly reaching up to 24 °C. Rain and occasional thunderstorms will persist.

Friday will see a slight rebound in temperatures, reaching 20 to 24 °C, but skies will remain cloudy with continued rainfall in many areas.

The weekend promises temporary relief. Showers will become less frequent, and the sun may peek through more often. Saturday’s highs are forecast around 25 °C, with Sunday expected to hit 28 °C.

However, as the new week begins, temperatures could again climb into the low 30s, reigniting the cycle of storms and heavy rainfall in many regions.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The future of the Stalin Cultural Center, located beneath Prague’s Metronome in Letná Park, appears more hopeful after recent talks between the center’s operator and city representatives.

While previous reports signaled its closure due to a lapsed permit, a temporary outdoor-only operation is now on the table.

The venue hosts concerts, screenings, and community events. Yet over the past few weeks, the team behind the center announced that its continued existence was in jeopardy. The reason? A dispute over the unapproved use of underground spaces.

According to Adam Zábranský (Pirates), Prague city councilor, the original permit did not allow the storage of equipment in the underground areas beneath the Metronome, yet these spaces were being used as warehouses. That violation led to the city declining to extend the lease.

Center operator Jan Foltys confirmed that negotiations are underway and cautiously optimistic. “Nothing is certain until the contract is signed, but there’s a chance we could save part of this season with a provisional outdoor setup,” he said.

For now, the team behind the center is doing what they can to keep things running — at least the basics. That means keeping the toilets open and making sure the area stays clean and safe for visitors, even if the full program is on hold. If the city eventually gives the green light, they’re ready to go further — with plans already in place to build proper public restrooms in the underground space.

Years ago, the city looked into renovating the entire Stalin-era complex, but according to Zábranský, the projected costs were simply too high. The idea has since been put on ice.

Originally unveiled in 1955, the Stalin monument was once the largest sculptural group in Europe — over 15 meters tall and stretching 22 meters in length. It didn’t last long: by 1962, it was blown up as Stalin’s legacy fell out of favor under Khrushchev’s rule.

Since 1991, the spot has been dominated by the Prague Metronome, a giant swinging pendulum that has become a modern-day symbol of the city.

The area beneath it has grown into an alternative cultural space, popular with skaters, artists, and anyone looking for a good view over the Vltava.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

One day after the documentary Raději zešílet v divočině (Better Go Mad in the Wild) won the Grand Prix at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of its main subjects, František Klišík, was found dead near Prague.

He was 62 years old.

According to Metro.cz, Klišík drowned in a pond in the village of Ohrobec in the early hours of Sunday. Around 8:30 a.m., a local resident noticed an unresponsive man in the water. Emergency services and a coroner were called to the scene.

“There were no signs of foul play,” said police spokesperson Michaela Richterová, adding that the exact cause of death will be determined by an autopsy.

Klišík had reportedly been in Ohrobec to visit a friend and celebrate the film’s success. Witnesses said he was in a positive mood, though it wasn’t clear where he planned to spend the night.

The pond is located across from the village pub.

The documentary, directed by Miro Remo, follows the life of František and his twin brother Ondřej, who spent decades living off the grid in Stögrova Huť, a remote settlement in the Šumava region. The film is based on a book by Aleš Palán, who confirmed Klišík’s death in a Facebook post.

Palán’s book accompanied the documentary and focused on people who chose to live outside mainstream society.

During the 1980s, Klišík briefly lived in Prague, where he met figures from the Czech underground, including philosopher Jan Patočka, writer Egon Bondy, and the band The Plastic People of the Universe. He later became involved in the Movement for Civil Liberties (HOS) and helped establish Civic Forum after the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

He left politics behind and returned to the countryside, where he lived in a rundown farmhouse with his brother, raised animals, worked as a bricklayer, and occasionally hosted small exhibitions and concerts.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival wrapped up on July 12 after screening 108 features, 23 documentaries, and 44 shorts across 465 showings.

With more than 128,000 tickets sold, the Czech festival once again cemented its place on the global film calendar, just after Cannes and ahead of Venice.

The festival’s top honor, the Crystal Globe, went to “Better Go Mad in the Wild”, directed by Miro Remo (Czech Republic/Slovak Republic). The film’s team received a $25,000 prize.

Iran’s “Bidad”, by Soheil Beiraghi, won the Special Jury Prize and $15,000. Jurors praised its bold narrative and genre-blending story of a couple on the run through Tehran, describing it as “shot through with punk energy” and closing on a hopeful note.

The Best Director awards were shared between Vytautas Katkus for “The Visitor” (Lithuania, Norway, Sweden) and Nathan Ambrosioni for “Out of Love” (France).

Acting awards went to Pia Tjelta for her performance in Norway’s “Don’t Call Me Mama”, and Àlex Brendemühl in Spain’s “When a River Becomes the Sea.” Kateřina Falbrová earned a Special Jury Mention for her role in “Broken Voices” (Czech Republic/Slovak Republic).

The audience-favorite Právo Award went to the Czech documentary “We’ve Got to Frame It!”, a tribute to long-time festival president Jiří Bartoška.

In the Proxima competition, the top prize went to “Sand City” (Bangladesh), directed by Mahde Hasan, which the jury described as a “trembling map of the strange, abandoned, and intimate.” A Special Jury Prize went to Colombia’s “Forensics”, lauded for resisting commercialized narratives of Latin American violence with “truth, ethics, and poetry.”

Belgium’s “Before / After”, by Manoël Dupont, received a special mention for its gentle story of a hair transplant road trip turned love story, praised for its “warmth and humility.”

Among honorary awards, Stellan Skarsgård received the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution. Czech editor Jiří Brožek and actors Vicky Krieps, Dakota Johnson, and Peter Sarsgaard were honored by the festival’s president.

Other jury recognitions included:

• Ecumenical Jury Grand Prize: “Rebuilding” (USA), by Max Walker Silverman
• Commendation: “Cinema Jazireh” (Turkey/Iran/Bulgaria/Romania), by Gözde Kural
• Europa Cinemas Label Award: “Broken Voices” by Ondřej Provazník
• FIPRESCI Awards: “Out of Love” (France) and “Before / After” (Belgium)
• In the Eastern Promises industry section, Croatia’s “History of Illness” won the Midpoint Development Award. The Eurimages Co-Production Awards went to “Battalion Records” (Romania) and “In Vacuo” (Ukraine/Germany).

The next edition — the festival’s 60th — is scheduled for July 3–11, 2026.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Petr Kotík, the founder of the popular travel site Amazing Places, is launching a new project: Kouzelné Chaloupky (which means Magical Cottages) – a booking platform dedicated entirely to private getaways like cottages, log cabins, glamping spots, and tiny houses.

Unlike Amazing Places, which is known for high-end design retreats, Kouzelné Chaloupky focuses on cozy, affordable escapes that prioritize privacy and simplicity over luxury.

The platform features only independent, non-shared accommodations, such as standalone cabins and off-grid cottages – no hotels or guesthouses.

“Czech cottage culture is a lifestyle – it’s about slowing down, spending time together, and feeling at home even far from home,” said Petr Kotík, who leads the project. “We want to make this experience more accessible to everyone.”

The project grew out of a social media community that already counts 160,000 followers, and it’s now evolving into a full-featured booking site. The platform enables users to book directly, use vouchers, and take advantage of the BeAmazing loyalty program.

Each listed property goes through a basic screening to ensure quality standards. There’s no need to share spaces with strangers – every stay guarantees complete privacy.

Kouzelné Chaloupky also offers benefits for hosts. Accommodation providers can access the platform’s proprietary Nest system, choose from different cooperation models, and receive advance payments – up to 75% within a month of the booking date.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The Czech Republic is reviving its push to protect traditional meat product names—this time, across the European Union.

Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) has submitted a proposal supported by 18 EU member states, calling on the European Commission to restrict plant-based producers from using terms like “vegan sausage” or “soy schnitzel.”

The move echoes existing rules around dairy alternatives, where terms like “milk” or “yogurt” are reserved exclusively for animal-based products.

Supporters argue that consumers can be misled by familiar meat-related terms used on plant-based packaging. Critics, however, say the proposal reflects pressure from industrial meat lobbies—not a genuine concern for transparency.

At a June meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Luxembourg, Deputy Minister Miroslav Skřivánek claimed such a policy would “protect consumers from misleading information” and reduce fragmented food labeling rules across Europe.

Backing the Czech initiative are heavyweights France and Italy, as well as Ireland, Austria, Portugal, and Spain. In contrast, domestic reaction has been mixed.

Just one week after the proposal was introduced, a coalition of Czech food producers, retailers, and associations issued an open letter urging Výborný to withdraw the proposal. Signatories included Globus, Rohlik.cz, the Czech Trade and Tourism Association, and the Association of Hotels and Restaurants.

The letter calls the measure unnecessary regulation, arguing that most consumers understand what plant-based products are, even if they’re labeled as burgers or sausages. “It’s the opposite of what the government claims to support: less bureaucracy and a fair business environment,” the letter says.

“We’re appealing to the European Commission to unify labeling rules for animal-based products across all member states,” said ministry spokesperson Vojtěch Bílý.

The Food Chamber of the Czech Republic, the Meat Processors Association, and the Agricultural Chamber back the move. Their argument: clarity.

“There’s confusion in the marketplace. We’re not looking to restrict innovation—we want to ensure that consumers aren’t misled by names that don’t reflect the product’s actual content,” said Dana Večeřová, president of the Food Chamber.

The chamber also criticizes how many plant-based products are marketed as ‘alternatives.’ In their view, “imitation” would be a more accurate label unless the nutritional content mirrors the original.

 

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The historic town centre with its numerous churches, all surrounded by medieval city walls, has preserved its Renaissance look and is full of crooked lanes, romantic views and picturesque nooks and crannies.

Znojmo is a quiet town in South Moravia that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It sits near the border with Austria and Slovakia, in a region famous for its vineyards and traditional food. Locals sometimes call it “Moravian Tuscany” because of its rolling hills and charming villages.

Last year, South Moravia welcomed just over 690,000 tourists from abroad. That’s a fraction of the millions who visit Prague, which means places like Znojmo stay peaceful and less crowded.

Founded around 1226 by King Ottokar I, the town has about 34,000 residents and is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital.

One big draw here is the price. Four-star hotels often charge less than 1,500 CZK per night, and most sights are easy on the wallet. For example, you can explore the town’s famous tunnels for about 100 CZK.

These tunnels, carved in the 14th century, run under Znojmo and stretch for 27 kilometers. They were originally built as shelters during times of war and later used for storage. Over centuries, the network grew, but most people forgot about it until World War II bombing raids exposed parts of the tunnels. Since then, they have been restored and opened to visitors.

If you want a taste of traditional Moravian wine, some history, and a break from busy tourist spots, Znojmo is a solid choice.

Today, these tunnels are a major tourist attraction, offering classic sightseeing routes and “adrenaline trails” of varying difficulty. Above ground, a journey through Znojmo’s history and modern culture is incomplete without sampling local cuisine.

ReZtaurace, a microbrewery in the grounds of Znojmo Castle, serves as an ideal venue. Here, you can enjoy fragrant beef broth and wild garlic soup for 60 CZK, followed by beef tenderloin with dumplings for 200 CZK. The venue is a local favorite, with a bustling beer garden offering views of the lush valley below.

In the evening, Enoteka, a former brewery turned wine bar, offers a relaxed setting to explore over 120 wines. Prices range from 12 CZK per small sample to 80 CZK for a glass.

Nature enthusiasts will find South Moravia’s greatest splendor in Podyjí National Park. Spanning 63 square kilometers, the park includes flood plains, the river Dyje, and forests that provide a habitat for species such as otters, beavers, wild boars, and the black stork.

An e-bike ride through the park, reveals landscapes reminiscent of the Alps in summer, dotted with poppies and fragrant elderflowers.

Along the route, former Soviet watchtowers have been transformed into viewing platforms overlooking vineyards. A stop at Šobes Vineyard in the heart of the park offers a taste of its produce, benefiting from a unique microclimate.

A glass of dry Riesling costs about 20 CZK, a refreshing reward after a four-hour cycle.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

New data from Eurostat reveals that the average Czech employee works 37.8 hours per week — nearly four hours more than workers in Germany or Austria.

Over the course of a year, that adds up to 200 extra hours, or five additional full working weeks.

Yet despite the longer hours, Czech wages remain far lower than those in neighboring countries.

“Over a lifetime, a Czech worker puts in several more years of labor compared to someone in Germany,” said Jiří Vaňásek, Vice-Chair of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions.

In fact, when those weekly differences are accumulated across a working life, the gap becomes hard to ignore: Czechs can expect to work around four years longer than Germans — and some union estimates suggest the gap may be even wider due to older baseline data and changing trends in working hours.

Long Hours, Low Wages

The average Czech working life spans about 38 years, though this can vary based on education. And the compensation doesn’t match the time invested.

A 2024 report from Mazars shows the average private-sector monthly wage in the Czech Republic was CZK 46,557, compared to CZK 116,682 in Germany and CZK 126,125 in Austria (converted from euros).

According to Petr Dufek, chief economist at Creditas Bank, there are structural reasons for this imbalance.

“There’s never been a real push for work-life balance in the Czech Republic,” said Dufek. “We’re taught from early on that the day means eight hours of work, and we stick to that. Only forward-thinking companies try to get strong performance with shorter hours.”

Hardest Working Industries

Eurostat’s 2024 comparison found that Greece (39.8 hours), Bulgaria (39.0), and Poland (38.9) had the longest working weeks in the EU. The Netherlands recorded the shortest at 32.1 hours, followed by Denmark, Germany, and Austria, each below 34 hours.

Back home, the Czech Republic has seen gradual change: in 2008, the average workweek was 41.5 hours; by 2014, it dropped to 39.4 hours; today, it’s at 37.8.

Still, many workers — especially in household services like cleaners and handymen — work far more. This group logs nearly 47 hours per week, followed by those in construction and agriculture, both topping 40 hours. The shortest workweeks are in education (35.3 hours) and administrative roles (35.4 hours).

In contrast, other countries are testing shorter work weeks. A UK trial of the four-day workweek showed promising results — and every company involved has opted to continue the model.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

A Czech tourist died on Friday afternoon in the Italian Dolomites after falling from a mountain trail, Italian news agency ANSA and public broadcaster RAI reported.

The man had reportedly strayed from his group during a hike and lost his footing.

The accident occurred around 2:00 p.m. in the Val di Fassa area of the Trentino region, a popular destination for mountain hiking and climbing.

The man, who was about 50 years old, had been hiking with others toward Passo San Nicolò, a mountain pass located at roughly 2,400 meters above sea level.

According to early reports, the man accidentally left the designated trail, lost his balance, and fell onto rocks below. Members of the hiking group immediately alerted mountain rescue services, and a rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene.

However, despite swift intervention, the man succumbed to his injuries at the site. His body was later transported down to the valley by emergency crews.

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet confirmed the details, but Czech media report that officials are currently reviewing the case.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Bulgaria is set to join the eurozone in January 2026, after meeting all the necessary criteria.

The European Commission, European Central Bank, and EU finance ministers confirmed the country’s readiness in June. Bulgaria’s currency, the lev, has been pegged to the euro since 1999, so this move finalizes its long-standing monetary policy approach and gives the country full voting rights within the ECB Governing Council.

However, public opinion in Bulgaria remains divided. Nearly half of the population opposes the euro, mainly due to concerns over price increases — similar to what Croatia experienced after switching to the euro in 2023 — and fears about losing national control over economic decisions.

Czechia Maintains the Koruna – But Moves Closer to the Euro in Practice

Unlike Bulgaria, the Czech Republic has taken no concrete steps toward joining the eurozone, despite being formally committed to adoption since entering the EU. Along with Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Sweden, Czechia has delayed entry indefinitely, citing political and economic concerns.

Support for adopting the euro remains consistently low. In 2024, just 20% of Czechs supported euro adoption, while 80% were opposed. Around half of those were strongly against it. The main reasons include fear of rising prices, a loss of monetary independence, and the desire to retain the koruna as a national symbol.

Yet Czechia is already seeing some of the benefits of euroization without formally adopting the currency. Since January 2024, businesses can hold accounts, calculate taxes, and make payments in euros, pounds, or dollars. This option gives export-oriented companies more flexibility, helping them reduce currency risk while the country retains full monetary control.

Independent Policy as a Strategic Advantage

The Czech National Bank (ČNB) has used its independence to react more quickly than the ECB to inflation. In recent years, the ČNB raised interest rates earlier and more sharply than the ECB. The floating exchange rate of the koruna also acts as a shock absorber, allowing for adjustments during economic turbulence without changing interest rates.

At the same time, real convergence is still incomplete. Czech wages and prices are still below those in most eurozone countries. Introducing the euro too soon could cause domestic prices to rise faster than income, reducing consumer purchasing power.

Deeper Integration Carries Risks

Joining the eurozone is no longer just about monetary policy. Over time, it has also become a political issue, creating tensions between member states over joint debts, financial transfers, and budget rules. The original Maastricht criteria have been broken repeatedly, and the eurozone is gradually moving toward a fiscal union, which involves both potential benefits and long-term financial risks.

While the euro facilitates trade and increases investor confidence, it has not replaced the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency. The euro still accounts for about 20% of global foreign exchange reserves, well behind the dollar’s dominant position.

No Urgency for Change in Czechia

Although the Czech Republic remains officially committed to joining the eurozone, there is no political or public pressure to act. The economy continues to function well with the koruna, and the government has found legal ways to integrate euro usage in areas where it benefits businesses.

In the current economic environment, caution may be the smarter strategy. The eurozone is still facing internal challenges, and the global economy remains unstable. For now, Czechia appears to be gaining many of the benefits of euro membership without taking on its potential risks.

Czech companies that trade in euros have been able to keep their accounts in the single currency for more than a year. Adopting the euro therefore, does not bring any fundamental new advantage; it would only limit the flexibility of monetary policy.

 

Article by Matěj Novák, CEO of the payment company EasyChange.

Czech police have arrested a man suspected of planning a terrorist attack on a military site, reportedly under the direction of Russian intelligence, according to the investigative outlet Odkryto.cz.

The suspect—a 52-year-old taxi driver based in Prague—was allegedly preparing to attack a military facility using explosives.

While the target is not officially confirmed, sources suggest it was connected to the Czech ammunition initiative, a key defense program. The man reportedly operated a registered company in Prague’s Žižkov district, owned by a Ukrainian national.

Although Czech authorities have not confirmed the alleged plot, the Security Information Service (BIS) issued a public statement through the police’s account on X, noting that they are “evaluating information from both domestic and international partners.” They reassured the public that there is currently no specific threat identified.

The report comes just a day after BIS released its annual security assessment, which warned of increasing Russian and Chinese intelligence activity in Czechia. According to the agency, Russian operatives are actively attempting to recruit agents across Europe to execute acts of sabotage and disruption.

This latest incident echoes the 2014 explosions in Vrbětice, where two GRU agents from Russia’s military intelligence were linked to a deadly ammunition depot blast.

That attack killed two people and led to a significant diplomatic fallout between Prague and Moscow. The Czech government responded by expelling 18 Russian diplomats, with Russia retaliating by removing 20 Czech diplomats from its embassy in Moscow.

Security concerns have remained high since then. In March this year, a blast at an ammunition complex in Polička also raised suspicions.

Though initially attributed to a technical failure, reports later surfaced that drones had been spotted over the facility in the days before the explosion.

Police confirmed that guards did report drone activity, but the investigation has yet to confirm any link between the drones and the blast. Authorities continue to explore whether foreign interference played a role.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more