Lidl has officially opened its first outlet store in the Czech Republic, offering customers significant discounts on clothes, tools, household goods, and other consumer items.

The store, located in Prague’s Štěrboholy Retail Park, promises savings of 40% to 70% on its wide-ranging inventory.

The new outlet spans 1,700 square meters, featuring only new and flawless goods at reduced prices. Lidl spokeswoman Eliška Froschová Stehlíková confirmed that the inventory will be restocked weekly based on demand.

“Our aim is to establish a consistent sales channel for products that need to make way for new promotions in our standard stores. This concept draws inspiration from similar Lidl outlets successfully operating in countries like Hungary, Portugal, and Spain,” she explained.

If the Štěrboholy outlet proves successful, Lidl plans to expand this concept to other locations across the country, providing more opportunities for shoppers to take advantage of discounted prices.

The outlet store is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In addition to ample parking, visitors can enjoy a variety of drinks and coffee on-site, making their shopping experience more enjoyable.

Lidl entered the Czech Republic in 2003, later than its main competitor, Tesco.

Its launch was marred by controversies over the illegal felling of trees at the sites of its first stores. However, Lidl gradually gained a strong foothold in the local market and is now the retail leader.

In the financial year 2023/2024, its sales reached 88.6 billion crowns, with a net profit of 1.9 billion crowns.

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The historic center of Prague came alive with New Year celebrations as thousands of people gathered to welcome 2025.

Old Town Square and parts of Wenceslas Square were the main hotspots, despite ongoing construction limiting access in certain areas.

While the atmosphere was festive, emergency services were on high alert, responding to fires and minor injuries throughout the night.

Crowds Fill Old Town Square Amid Construction Challenges

In the evening, Old Town Square saw a steady influx of tourists. The usual New Year hub, Wenceslas Square, was less crowded this year due to construction work in its upper section, which limited pedestrian movement and discouraged large gatherings.

Security forces noted a higher number of visitors at Old Town Square compared to previous years.

According to Prague City Tourism, approximately 100,000 tourists arrived in the city for the celebrations, a slight increase from last year’s 90,000. Visitors from countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Ukraine filled the streets, joined later by locals braving the cold for the festivities.

Emergency Services Handle Dozens of Incidents

Emergency responders were kept busy throughout the night. Firefighters attended eight fires by 10 p.m., mostly involving garbage bins and vegetation. A more serious incident occurred on Spálená Street, where fireworks ignited objects on a balcony. By 2 a.m., the total number of interventions had risen to 32.

To manage potential injuries from fireworks and alcohol, Prague’s Medical Rescue Service deployed extra resources, including the Golem rescue vehicle at Old Town Square. Equipped with 12 beds, the unit treated minor injuries and cases of excessive alcohol consumption. By the end of the night, 25 individuals had received medical attention, four of whom suffered injuries related to fireworks.

Security Measures Tightened Across Prague

With thousands of visitors flocking to the city, security was a top priority. Police officers, some armed with long guns, patrolled key areas, including Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and surrounding streets. Increased numbers of officers also monitored soft targets such as train stations, airports, and shopping malls.

As a precaution, authorities temporarily closed parts of Smetanovo nábřeží and Křižovnická streets, diverting tram line 93. The Karlovy lázně and Staroměstská tram stops were also suspended for the evening.

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The first baby of 2025 born in Prague is a boy named Artur.

He was born 26 minutes after midnight at Motol University Hospital, according to hospital spokeswoman Jana Merxbauerová.

Shortly after, at the Institute for Mother and Child Care in Podolí, another boy was born at 12:41 AM. Named Matěj, he weighed 3,240 grams, said spokeswoman Gabriela Hošková.

Two births were also expected during the night at Thomayer University Hospital in Krč, with another newborn anticipated after midnight at Královské Vinohrady University Hospital.

Prague’s first baby of 2024 was a girl named Lara, born just eight minutes after midnight at Bulovka University Hospital.

A Reward for New Year’s Day Babies

Prague maintains a long-standing tradition of rewarding babies born on New Year’s Day.

Every child born on January 1 to mothers with permanent residence in the capital receives a 15,000 CZK gift from the city. According to municipal records, this practice likely began in the 1960s.

Initially, only the first baby of the year received a gift, but since 2000, all New Year’s babies have been included in the celebration.

The Czech Statistical Office reports that 9,062 children were born in Prague between January and September of 2024.

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Prague is gearing up for the New Year’s Eve celebration, with an estimated 100,000 tourists arriving from the Czech Republic and abroad.

In response, hundreds of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters will be on duty to ensure public safety and maintain order during the festivities.

Heightened Security Across the City

Police forces from various departments will patrol the streets, focusing on enforcing regulations and preventing disturbances. Officers will particularly monitor compliance with local decrees that ban the use of pyrotechnics in specific areas, such as the city center, embankments, parks, hospitals, the zoo, and shelters.

Violators face fines of up to CZK 10,000 on the spot, or as high as CZK 100,000 through administrative proceedings. The use of sky lanterns is prohibited across the capital.

Eva Kropáčová, a police spokesperson, emphasized the importance of adhering to these restrictions: “Officers will be on the lookout for violations in restricted areas to ensure a safe environment for all residents and visitors.”

Police have assured the public that, while there are no known security threats, patrols will be visible in areas with large crowds and so-called “soft targets.”

Emergency Services on High Alert

From 3 p.m., medical personnel will be stationed at key locations, including Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with 30 paramedics on standby. A mobile medical unit, equipped to treat up to 12 patients at a time, will be set up at Old Town Square. Additional vehicles, such as a Polaris quad bike for rapid urban navigation and a specialized Iveco logistics vehicle, will support the response teams.

Ambulance services will operate at full capacity, with reinforcement crews ready across the city. “Special vehicles like the evacuation unit Fénix and the off-road Atego will be stationed for immediate deployment,” said rescue service spokesperson Jana Poštová.

Due to ongoing construction at Wenceslas Square, celebrations there are expected to be more subdued this year. However, security measures remain robust, with two rescue crews stationed at the square until at least 3 a.m.

Public Spaces and Market Operations

Organizers of the Christmas markets have coordinated with city authorities to ensure a smooth transition into the New Year.

“Ambulances and private security teams will be present on both squares starting at 7 p.m. Refreshment stalls will operate until midnight, while the observation bridge at Old Town Square will close at 10 p.m.,” said Hana Tietze, spokesperson for Taiko, the Christmas market organizer.

About Last Year

During last year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, police responded to around 1,000 emergency calls, which included reports of illegal fireworks, minor fires, and altercations. Nine people were arrested, and nearly 70 infractions were documented.

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Thanks to a recent solar eruption, astronomy enthusiasts might be able to witness the aurora borealis on New Year’s Eve.

According to astronomers, a plasma cloud of charged particles ejected by the Sun last Thursday is expected to hit Earth on the evening of December 31.

This could trigger a geomagnetic storm strong enough to make the northern lights visible even in the Czech Republic, says Petr Horálek from the Institute of Physics at the Silesian University in Opava.

“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a geomagnetic storm of up to class G3, likely starting in the second half of New Year’s Eve. However, the occurrence of the phenomenon isn’t guaranteed, as predicting solar wind behavior is highly complex,” Horálek explains.

To increase your chances of seeing the aurora, Horálek recommends finding a clear view of the northern horizon, far from light pollution, and keeping an eye on real-time aurora monitors. The University of Opava has also released a video guide with detailed instructions for viewing the northern lights.

While the aurora remains uncertain, skywatchers can already spot Venus, which is shining brightly in the southwestern sky at dusk. Venus, often referred to as the “Evening Star,” is currently the third-brightest object in the sky after the Sun and Moon.

According to Horálek, Venus will become a key player in celestial events in 2025, particularly in conjunctions—apparent close encounters with other celestial bodies.

“We’ll observe Venus as a dazzling Evening Star from January to the end of March, visible above the western horizon at dusk and into the late evening. On January 10, 2025, it will reach its greatest eastern elongation, its furthest angular distance from the Sun in the evening sky. A month later, it will be at its highest position above the Central European horizon,” Horálek adds.

For those interested in observing the aurora, the astronomer recommends the websites www.solarham.com or www.spaceweatherlive.com, or the mobile app Aurora Alerts.

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Prague residents can expect higher water and sewage bills in 2025.

The city council approved a price hike during its final meeting of the year, citing inflation and infrastructure investments as key reasons for the increase.

Starting in January, the price of water per cubic meter, including VAT, will rise by 4.4%, from 144.88 CZK to 151.27 CZK. This translates to an increase of 6.39 CZK per cubic meter.

“Based on average water consumption, the rise should cost about 20 CZK more per person each month, or 240 CZK annually,” said Infrastructure Councilor Michal Hroza (TOP 09). He added that despite the adjustment, Prague’s water and sewage prices remain well below the socially acceptable limit defined by the OECD.

The OECD sets this threshold at 2% of a household’s annual net income. For Prague, this benchmark corresponds to a water price of 243.83 CZK per cubic meter.

A Gradual Price Strategy Through 2035

The price increase aligns with a city strategy approved through 2035, designed to secure funds for the development and modernization of infrastructure. This plan allows for annual price adjustments by the average inflation rate plus 2% until 2028. After that, increases will align only with inflation.

While the rise in 2025 is modest compared to this year, the economic backdrop played a significant role in mitigating further increases.

A Contrast to 2024’s Sudden Hike

This year’s price hike, effective from January 2024, was sharper, with water costs rising by 17 CZK per cubic meter. This amounted to 671 CZK more annually per person, significantly affecting household budgets.

Inflation at the time was 11%, leading the city to forgo adding an extra 2% to the increase. However, the national government raised the VAT on drinking water from 10% to 12% under its fiscal consolidation package, further straining residents.

Declining Water Consumption Trends

The high costs have contributed to a historic decline in average water consumption, which fell to 103 liters per person per day last year—the lowest in Prague’s history.

Since the Velvet Revolution, water consumption in Prague has been decreasing. In 1990, the average consumption per person was 209 liters per day, but prices were drastically lower. A cubic meter cost just 80 heller, rising to 3 CZK by 1991.

The trend shifted in the following years as prices soared, and residents began conserving water. By the turn of the millennium, daily consumption dropped to 143 liters, and prices climbed to 33 CZK per cubic meter.

Technological advancements, including water-efficient appliances and energy-saving measures, have also driven reductions in consumption. Greywater recycling systems have become more common in recent years, further contributing to lower usage.

Over the past 15 years, water consumption has stabilized at under 120 liters per day. The 2023 figure of 103 liters is even lower than the previous record set in 2010.

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Czechia, with its diverse mountain ranges and well-developed ski infrastructure, offers a variety of options for winter sports enthusiasts.

Here are some of the top ski resorts to consider for your next winter getaway:

1. SkiResort Černá hora – Pec

Located in the Krkonoše Mountains, this is the largest ski resort in Czechia, boasting over 50 kilometers of slopes. It offers modern facilities, including cable cars and chairlifts, and caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. The interconnected areas provide a diverse skiing experience.

Buy your ski pass at home

You need just one ski pass to have an access to all the 50 kilometres of slopes. You can buy it on-line and pick it up at any of the 9 sKiosk vending machines.

2. Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort

Also situated in the Krkonoše Mountains, Špindlerův Mlýn is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the country. With approximately 25 kilometers of slopes, it offers a variety of runs for all skill levels. The resort is known for its vibrant après-ski scene and regularly hosts international competitions. Choose one of the 5 ski areas. The best-known area is Svatý Petr (St. Peter), followed by Medvědín, Hromovka, Labská, and finally Horní Mísečky.

Buy your ski pass at home

Of course, you can use one common ski pass for all of the areas. You can easily buy them on-line and thus get lower price, enjoy loyalty program and avoid queues.

3. Harrachov Sports Centre

Famous for its ski jumps, Harrachov also provides excellent conditions for downhill skiing and snowboarding. The resort features well-maintained slopes and is suitable for families and recreational skiers. Its location near the Polish border makes it accessible for international visitors.

Buy your ski pass at home

The resort consists of 3 ski areas where you can ski with 1 ski pass. Buy it online and avoid queues. What more, you will get a better price.

4. Ještěd Sports Centre

Located near Liberec, Ještěd offers a unique skiing experience with views of the Ještěd Tower. The resort has a range of slopes suitable for different skill levels and is easily accessible from Prague, making it a popular choice for day trips.

Buy your ski pass at home

Get your ski pass before arriving to get a better price and avoid queuing. Buy it online via GOPASS.

5. Klínovec Ski Resort

As the largest resort in the Ore Mountains, Klínovec provides over 30 kilometers of slopes. It is part of the InterSkiregion Fichtelberg-Klínovec, allowing skiers to enjoy cross-border skiing between Czechia and Germany. The resort offers modern amenities and a variety of runs.

Buy your ski pass at home

On one ski pass, you can go down 31.5 km of slopes. Buy it online.

6. Špičák Ski Resort in Železná Ruda

Situated in the Bohemian Forest, Špičák is ideal for both skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers a snow park and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The picturesque surroundings add to the charm of this destination.

Buy your ski pass at home

On one ski pass, you can go down 31.5 km of slopes. Buy it online.

7. Lipno Ski Resort

Located in South Bohemia, Lipno is particularly popular among families and beginners. The resort offers gentle slopes, ski schools, and a range of winter activities, including ice skating on the frozen Lipno Reservoir. Its comprehensive facilities make it a great destination for a winter holiday.

8. Relax & Sport Resort Dolní Morava

Nestled in the Jeseníky Mountains, this resort offers a mix of skiing and other winter activities. With well-groomed slopes and modern lifts, it caters to skiers of all levels. The resort also features attractions like the Sky Walk, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

9. Ski Arena Karlov

Also located in the Jeseníky Mountains, Karlov offers a variety of slopes totaling over 12 kilometers. The resort is known for its family-friendly environment and night skiing options. Its diverse terrain makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Buy your ski pass at home

Buy your ski pass online from the comfort of your home. Thus you will avoid the queues and will get a better price.

10. Kouty nad Desnou Ski Resort

This resort boasts the longest slope in Moravia and is equipped with a six-seater chairlift. Kouty nad Desnou offers a range of runs and is a gateway to the Jeseníky Mountains, providing opportunities for both downhill and cross-country skiing.

 

When planning your trip, it’s advisable to check the current snow conditions and any travel advisories. Additionally, downloading the Zachranka mobile app can enhance your safety by providing quick access to emergency services and real-time information about mountain conditions.

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The end of the year in the Czech Republic will bring unpredictable weather, with rain, snow, and icy conditions. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as roads may become hazardous.

Meteorologists have issued warnings for icy conditions overnight and into Monday morning, especially where freezing fog persists.

Monday’s forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies across the country. In the southern regions, skies may clear partially, but fog—potentially freezing—will linger in places. Light snow or drizzle is expected intermittently. Daytime temperatures will range from -1°C to 3°C, with occasional peaks of up to 5°C.

Tuesday promises slight relief with clear to partly cloudy skies. Daytime temperatures will climb to between 2°C and 7°C, though areas affected by prolonged fog will remain colder, around 0°C.

Wednesday will bring more cloud cover, particularly in northern areas where rain and snowfall are forecast. Snowfall will primarily occur at elevations above 800 meters. Freezing fog may also appear intermittently. Temperatures will range from 3°C to 7°C, but areas with fog will stay around 1°C. A moderate southwest wind of 2–6 m/s is expected, with gusts in parts of Bohemia and Silesia reaching up to 15 m/s.

By Thursday, skies will become predominantly cloudy to overcast. Rain or showers are likely across most regions, with snowfall expected at higher altitudes—initially above 800 meters and later above 300 meters. Daytime highs will reach 4°C to 9°C, followed by a cooling trend from the north later in the day.

From Friday through Sunday, cloudy skies will dominate, with snowfall or snow showers in places. Lower altitudes may initially see mixed precipitation or rain. Daytime temperatures will range from -2°C to 3°C.

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Prague is gearing up for a surge of tourists this New Year’s Eve, with at least 100,000 visitors expected to arrive in the city on December 31 and January 1.

These travelers will include both Czechs and international tourists, mainly from Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, Spain, the UK, the USA, and several Asian countries. This figure marks a 10% increase compared to last year.

The projection comes from Prague City Tourism, the city’s tourism development agency, and is supported by data from the Czech Hotel and Restaurant Association.

According to their findings, the city’s hotels, hostels, and other accommodations are already 85% booked for the upcoming festive period.

In December 2023, Prague welcomed 709,607 domestic and international visitors. This year, the number is expected to rise to 750,000, solidifying Prague’s position as a key travel destination during the holiday season.

Changing Tourism Trends

Prague has historically been a favored destination for Russian tourists during December and January. However, following the Czech Republic’s decision to suspend tourist visas for Russian nationals due to the war in Ukraine, the flow of Russian travelers has significantly diminished.

This gap has been filled by increased visitors from the United States, neighboring European countries, and domestic travelers.

The city’s efforts to reposition itself in the tourism market have led to a notable shift in visitor demographics.

Targeted campaigns have attracted wealthier tourists who prioritize high-quality services, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Foreign tourists spent 40% more in Prague in 2023 than they did in pre-Covid 2019, a clear indicator of this trend.

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Welcome 2025 with an unforgettable celebration at LEVELS.

The New Year’s Odyssey party will take you on a journey filled with futuristic performances, exciting activities, and a vibrant atmosphere that promises a unique way to start the year.

The event features a futuristic theme, including laser effects, a mirror show, and a captivating LED ballet. These elements set the stage for a night that combines entertainment with cutting-edge visuals.

Guests can enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat buffet, complemented by champagne on the Champagne Stage. For those looking for some added fun, there will be unlimited access to amusement machines throughout the night.

As midnight approaches, head to the terrace on the 5th floor for a fireworks display and a toast under the stars, creating a memorable moment to mark the transition into the New Year.

The evening also includes special performances, light animations, and acrobatics, ensuring plenty of activities to enjoy.

Each guest will receive a small gift to commemorate the night.

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“I made another $540 in crypto today without having to trade.”

According to the interview, Grayson is a computer science student who graduated in 2018. While working in a computer store, he studied the CrytocoinMiner cloud mining platform that anyone can participate in. When he was about to start cloud mining, the new coronavirus ravaged the world, and he lost his job. Yes, he was unemployed, and in the real social concept, he failed. He returned home with the only computer that could help him make money and the remaining $5,000. During this period, he was decadent and saw through many things. So, he decided to try whether cloud mining can really make money, because he had no job to earn income.

“I regretted not participating in the cloud mining platform when I found it in 2018. But I don’t regret it either, because I was rational and I started to participate after a long period of observation, and I also made my first pot of gold from cloud mining.” After four years of real cloud mining income, Grayson decided to share this good news because he paid off all the debts incurred during the coronavirus and depression. Grayson said, “Now I can easily earn more than $540 a day, which is enough for my daily expenses and to save a certain amount of funds for future emergencies.”

What are CrytocoinMiner? Are they safe?

This is a company founded in 2018. They designed a simple and easy-to-use page (so far, the page of the website has not changed much), so that experienced or inexperienced miners can quickly get started, which also made their global membership quickly exceed 3.7M+. They are a company regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and operate under the supervision of the LSE (London Securities and Exchange Commission) and ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission). According to statistics, the company contributes about 4.5% of the global hash rate.

How to join CrytocoinMiner?

Just visit their official website, click to register, and follow the steps to set up. If you don’t understand, you can watch their tutorials or directly consult the 24-hour online customer service.

How much does it cost for CrytocoinMiner to help me make money?

1. You can earn money by registering. You will be given $10 for free when registering, and you can also get 5% daily interest income by signing in every day.

2. Buying contracts will earn you more. CrytocoinMiner has launched a variety of computing power contracts with a daily interest rate of up to 5%.

For example, the following contract pays interest daily:

For example: If you invest $30,000, you can buy $30,000 worth of BTC [super computing power], with a contract period of 48 days and a contract daily interest rate of 1.8%.

The amount of passive income you can get every day after purchase = $30,000*1.8%=$540.

After 48 days, your principal and profit = $30,000 + $540*48 = $30,000 + $25,920 = $55,920

(The computing power value of the contract is different, the investment amount and term are different, and the income is also different. Please log in to the CrytocoinMiner official website to view more contracts)

Warm reminder: Since its launch, CrytocoinMiner’s innovative business has been imitated by some companies and even used to create scams. Please be careful to identify it. If you want to participate in our money-making business, please participate or download it through our official website CrytocoinMiner.com.

A little bit of language first. The full name is obložený chlebíček (singular) or obložené chlebíčky (plural) which literally means “small garnished bread(s)”.

However, if you say just chlebíček or chlebíčky, everybody in the Czech Republic will know what you mean.

What type of sandwiches are these?

The most important feature is that there is only one slice of bread. Besides this basically, anything goes. In general we could say that a chlebíček has three main parts: bread, spread and garnish. The bread is usually plain white baguette called veka.

The spread can be anything from butter through typical Czech sandwich spreads like vlašský salát (vlašák). As for the garnish, there are traditional garnishes like cheese, ham, egg and gherkins but there are also luxurious varieties with caviar and smoked salmon. As for the size, the original chlebíčky sandwiches were rather small, nowadays they come in different sizes.

Brief history of chlebíčky

The creator of chlebíčky was a Czech charcuterie shop owner Jan Paukert who founded his shop in 1916 and invented the open sandwich not long after. It was the painter Jan Skramlík who came to his friend Paukert and said that he didn’t like the canapés called jednohubky because they were too small.

He suggested that the ideal party food should be for two to three bites. And Paukert did well in taking his friend’s advice. His customers liked the new sandwiches instantly and Paukert’s shop became famous in the whole city of Prague. Many celebrities of that era loved his sandwiches. Among them Jan Werich or Vlasta Burian who even organized parties for his friends where chlebíčky was served.

Chlebíčky now

The popularity of these party sandwiches is still huge. And no wonder, they have a much better bread-garnish ratio than usual sandwiches and because they’re open they look very pretty which makes them ideal party food.

People make them typically for birthday or New Year’s Eve celebration but you’ll find them also at very fancy and VIP events.

How to make these sandwiches

As mentioned, anything goes. The original Czechoslovak standardized recipes contained around 100 types of chlebíčky. 

If you want to make some of the traditional ones, you will need a white baguette for bread and some of the typical spreads: vlašský salát, pařížský salát, garlic spread or egg spread…and for the garnish some ham, sliced or grated cheese, boiled eggs and slices of red pepper, tomato and gherkins.

Libeřské lahůdky

Libeřské lahůdky have several outlets throughout Prague. However, in each and every one you will be treated to the same high level of quality, whether you pop into the shop near Wenceslas Square or in Vinohrady quarter.

Lahůdky Zlatý kříž

Lahůdkářství Zlatý kříž (Golden Cross Delicatessen) calls itself a sandwich paradise. And it is not a case of being arrogant it is simply the truth, because it sells 70 types of various sizes!  And if it seems to you that your chlebíček orgy has left you with an extra pound or two, you can try the low calorie range.

Chlebíčky Letná

Many years have passed but it’s still as good … the sandwich bistro in Letná quarter has not really aged at all and in Prague you won’t find a soul that hasn’t heard about it. An open faced sandwich here will cost you about 30 crowns and you can take your pick from the classic topping range – ham, cheese, crab salad, Hermelín cheese and lots of other tried and trusted ingredients.

Sisters

Two small and cosy sandwich bistros called Sisters are located in Spálená Streest and at the beginning of Dlouhá Street, which is reputed for its bars and wild night life. So before setting off for a party or to the nearby Old Town Square, have a snack – have a chlebíček.

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