Prague Morning, Author at Prague Morning

This year’s Open House Prague Festival, an annual celebration of Prague architecture, takes place May 15–21, 2023.

The 9^th edition of the festival is going to open more than 100 buildings and spaces around Prague on the weekend for free.

Starting May 15, there is also going to be an accompanying program with walking tours, lectures, and discussions. Several buildings in the program also offer tours in English.

Anniversary Triplet: Prager – Machoninová – Barvitius

With this year’s program, the organizers are commemorating Karel Prager, one of the eminent Czech architects of the 2^nd half of the 20^th century, born 100 years ago this summer.For the first time during the festival, visitors can enter the former branch of Komerční banka in Smíchov, explore the university campus in Jinonice from the 1990s, or see the backstage of the New Stage of the National Theater, opened 40 years ago.

Another important architect of the 20^th century is Věra Machoninová, who celebrates a milestone birthday this September. Her work in the style of brutalism is represented in the program by the administration building of Teplotechna Praha and DBK Shopping Center, which is considered one of the peak works of post-war architecture in the Czech lands.

This year’s program is also dedicated to Antonín Viktor Barvitius. On the occasion of the 200^th anniversary of the architect’s birth, the festival is opening Gröbe Villa in Havlíček Park, Villa Lanna in Bubeneč, and the Church of St. Wenceslas in Smíchov.

More New Buildings in the Program

With 27 first-time participants, the program also features the former Hotel Intercontinental, which is currently under reconstruction, soon to be reopened under the name Fairmont Golden Hotel Prague. The renovation of the famous brutalist building is led by TaK Architects, authors of the award-winning reconstruction of Bubenská 1. Because of the on-going construction works, entry to the building during the festival is only possible after prior registration.

The public can also visit Terminal 4 at Václav Havel Airport Prague, which has recently undergone an extensive reconstruction. Reserved for government delegations, the administration and check-in building is the oldest part of the airport. Designed by Adolf Benš in the style of functionalism, the building won gold immediately after it was finished at the International Exposition of Art and Technology in Paris in 1937.

Other government-related buildings featured in the program for the first time include the monumental Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic, formerly the seat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia located on Ludvík Svoboda Embankment.

The festival will also open the Nostitz Palace, a late baroque seat of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. Here visitors can see the minister’s office, gallery, billiard room, and the chapel.

This year’s program features a number of successfully converted industrial buildings. One of the buildings at Braník Brewery was turned into a Dance Art Center, the former Bratři Vinopalové Factory – which produced devices for airplanes – now offers luxurious apartments under the name Vanguard Prague, and the former Breitfeld-Daněk Factory in Karlín is now a busy journalistic center of the media house Economia. Next to Economia, festival visitors can also enter Machine House, which serves as the main office of the studio QARTA Architecture. In Smíchov, the local transformer station now serves as an exhibition hall of 400 ASA Gallery. Finally, KOH-I-NOOR Factory in Vršovice – formerly the production site of world-famous snap fasteners – is also going to be turned into a residential area in the future. The now vacant factory is sure to attract urbex fans.

The festival offers something for everyone. Those who are not afraid of heights can climb up to the top of several water towers or roofs and terraces of high-rise buildings such as the former administration building of Motokov in Pankrác (now City Empiria), where visitors can enjoy a view of the city from the 27^th floor. The program also includes a number of schools and educational institutions, historical palaces, modern offices, hotels, and even a crematorium.

Tours in English

While tours in most buildings take place only in Czech, there are a number of buildings that offer tours in English. These include historical palaces such as Adria Palace, a unique example of Czechoslovak architecture from the 1920s, or Petschek Palace, a luxurious building which infamously served as a Gestapo seat during World War II.

English tours also take place at Hotel International Prague, a monumental hotel from the 1950s where visitors can access the tower with terraces or the nuclear fallout shelter; Congress Center Prague, formerly Palace of Culture built to host congresses of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia; or House of Fashion on Wenceslas Square, a former symbol of luxurious shopping where visitors can climb up to the roof and enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

Tours in English take place throughout the day, except for The Fizz Prague, a modern accommodation for students, where English tours take place on both days of the weekend at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Admission to all buildings is free. The former Hotel Intercontinental is still under construction, which is why prior registration is required. Registrations will open in the beginning of May. Entry to all remaining buildings is possible without prior registration.

Czech gastro is experiencing big change. According to Dotykačka statistics, whereas cafés and bistros have witnessed a considerable increase in sales, the typical Czech pub is shrinking.

In four years, the catering industry’s overall sales increased by 32%. “This corresponds exactly to the rate of price increase, so the current situation appears to be not much different from before the pandemic,” says Petr Menclík, the head of Dotykačka.

However, only at restaurants does the 32% rise in sales match the total average. Cafés and bistros are booming, with sales increasing from 115 to 127 percent. Traditional pubs are the laggards, with a 30% lower turnover than before the epidemic.

People’s perceptions about the ultimate bill figure also have an influence. “Normally, you pay 150 or 200 crowns for a coffee with a cake or croissant in a café, but with beer, the customer looks at every crown,” added Menclík.

Menclík feels that if the Finance Ministry’s plan to impose VAT on draught beer becomes law, it will strike another blow to traditional Czech hospoda. “Increasing the price of beer would have a significant impact on demand.”

Restaurant revenues increased by 16% in the first two months of the year, 3% more than the industry average. “The figures are in line with the rate of price increases.” In other words, revenues increased in direct proportion to how much more costly enterprises were.”

According to the present comparison, sales of businesses in the south-west and north-east increased the least year on year, by about 5%. These are also the areas where the majority of companies have closed.

Overall, the gap between major cities and the countryside is growing significantly, with pubs in small villages faring the poorest.

The largest sales are reported by businesses in Prague and regional towns. According to Dotykačka statistics, sales in Prague businesses increased by 23% year over year. However, in areas with fewer than 5,000 people, gastro raised sales by only 3% in the previous year.

“Part of the beer consumption has moved home, and to more premium products, more expensive beers and special beers,” concludes Menclík.

The winners of this year’s Anděl Awards were announced on Saturday evening, with prizes awarded in 15 different categories. The late Miroslav Žbirka dominated this year’s awards, winning all four categories in which he was nominated for his posthumously released album and single – best male artist, best album, best Slovak album and best song.

According to a recent poll conducted by Median, the ANO movement led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is continuing to gain support in the Czech Republic, with a predicted 34.5% of the vote. The Civic Democratic Party (ODS) would come in second with 15.5%, followed by the Freedom and Direct Democracy and Pirate Party.

A march organized by the Catholic anti-abortion organisation Movement for Life took place on Prague’s Wenceslas Square on Saturday afternoon. About 1,500 people reportedly took part. Police had to intervene as there were several clashes between the demonstrators and counter-protestors supportive of the right to abortion.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala set off on his 10-day diplomatic tour of Southeast and Central Asia on Saturday evening. The trip will begin in the Philippines and end in Uzbekistan on 25 April. He will also visit Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan.

The government will next week discuss the promotion of the head of the Czech BIS counterintelligence service, Michal Koudelka, to general, a spokesperson said. The former president, Miloš Zeman, repeatedly questioned the competence of BIS and refused seven times to name Mr. Koudelka a general.

Václav Havel Airport Prague will soon offer passengers several new gastronomic choices.

These include, for example, the Natoo concept, with its healthier version of fast food, including fresh juices and salads, and a stand of the world-famous Lavazza Italian brand, specialised in the sale of coffee and small snacks.

Bageterie Boulevard will not be missing among the local brands, combining French pastry with typical European gastronomic delicacies, which passengers can look forward to enjoying at Prague Airport this coming autumn.

Lagardère Travel Retail, which won the Prague Airport concession procedure, will manage all the gastronomic establishments. It will operate a total of 14 business units, representing 11 gastronomic concepts.

New Food Court

The new establishments will include, for example, the recently created PRG Take off Bar, which will be located during the upcoming summer season at the end of Pier C and will provide passengers with a unique view of the apron.

The next addition is the Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant, located in Pier D of Terminal 2, ideal for passengers who want to enjoy their food in an exclusive way, even at the airport.

The Italian-inspired boutique bistro will launch operations at the turn of the year and will offer selected appetizers, main courses, and desserts, paired in the Perfect Match style with wines from leading Italian winemakers. The menu was designed specifically for the Prague branch. Thanks to its unique interior which resembles the appearance of Venetian “bacaros”, this concept offers a truly exceptional gastronomic and aesthetic experience.

Passengers can also look forward to the popular Costa Coffee cafés and the French bakery PAUL, of which Lagardère Travel Retail is the exclusive operator in the Czech Republic. A new food court will be created within Pier D of Terminal 2, which will include the aforementioned Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant and Costa Coffee, which will be open nonstop and will serve passengers 24/7.

All units will undergo structural modifications in the coming months and will gradually launch operations during this year and the next.

LIST AND LOCATIONS OF NEW GASTRONOMIC VENUES

TERMINAL 1:

Pier A – So Coffee café and Paul stand

Pier B 1^st Floor – Natoo stand and Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant

Pier B 1^st Underground Floor – Paul cafeteria

TERMINAL 2:

Pier C 1^st Underground Floor – Beer & Pretzels mobile stand

Pier C 1^st Floor – Lavazza stand, Natoo stand, and PRG Take off Bar

Close to Pier C Entry Point – Paul stand

Pier D – Bageterie Boulevard

Pier D Commercial Zone – Costa Coffee café and Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant

Public Part of T2 Departure Hall – Bread&Co stand

T2 Arrival Hall – Costa Coffee café

If you’ve ever been to Prague or planning to visit soon, there’s a high chance that you’ve come across the word ‘kolac’ while exploring the local cuisine.

Koláč, a traditional Czech pastry, has been a sweet treat for generations and has solidified its place in the country’s cultural history.

The Origins

The history of koláč dates back to the 17th century when it was first brought to Czech Republic by the Germans. The word “koláč” actually comes from the Old Slavic word “kolo,” which means “circle.” Hence, koláč is generally a circular or oval-shaped pastry.

Originally, koláč was made using simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, yeast, and eggs. Over time, different regions of Czech Republic added their own touch, creating various types of koláč based on the locally available ingredients. Today, it is enjoyed across the region with different flavors and fillings.

Many Czech families have their own secret koláč recipes which have been passed down from generation to generation, grandmothers to mothers to daughters. Because you’re considered family, we’re sharing ours with you!

Types of Kolac

Ovocný koláč (Fruit koláč)

Fruit kolac consists of a layer of fresh or canned fruit placed over the base and then covered with a mixture of flour, sugar, egg, and butter, often topped with streusel. It’s commonly served alongside whipped cream.

Makový koláč (Poppy Seed koláč)

Poppy seed kolac is made by grinding poppy seeds and mixing them with milk, sugar, butter, and egg. It’s then applied to a sweet dough and baked until golden brown. It’s a classic Czech pastry that’s loved by many.

Cheese koláč (Sýrový koláč)

Cheese koláč has a soft cheese filling made from curd cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla sugar. The cheese mixture is then spread over the dough and baked until golden brown. It’s a popular savory pastry enjoyed by locals.

Where to Try the Best Kolac in Prague

There are several bakeries and cafes in Prague that serve delicious kolac. Here are the top three places to try the best kolac in Prague.

1. Cukrarna Myšák

Cukrarna Myšák is known for its traditional Czech pastries, and kolac is no exception. Their fruit and poppy seed kolac are famous, and people rave about their taste.

2. Cafe Savoy

Cafe Savoy, established in 1893, is a grand old cafe located in the heart of Prague. They’re famous for their traditional koláč, and you can’t go wrong with their fruit or cheese koláč.

3. Kolacherie

Just a few steps from the Prašná Brána in the heart of Prague’s Old Town on a street traditionally filled with bakeries is Kolacherie, a new bakery offering classic kolache with a modern twist.

4. Kus Koláče

This small shop/bakery/confectionery is located between the tram stops Vinohradská vodárna and Perunova. With different cakes, pies, pastries and much more, Kus Koláče became a hit in the city. The top-notch bakers utilize state-of-the-art equipment and all-natural, quality ingredients in their quest for traditional and delicious results.

The Czech currency is now the strongest against the euro in over 15 years and the best versus the dollar in more than a year.

On Wednesday, it gained 15 haléř against the euro, reaching 23.34 CZK / EUR, the lowest rate since the end of July 2008.

The crown gained 27 haléř against the dollar, reaching 21.26 CZK / USD. It last traded higher versus the US dollar in February of last year. This is based on data from the Patria Online server.

Since last autumn, when the rate to the euro was about 24.70 CZK / EUR and the rate to the dollar was much higher, the crown has been progressively rising against both major international currencies.

The Czech crown achieved its highest level versus the euro since the summer of 2008 in February of this year. The Czech currency suffered a short-term decline versus the euro and the dollar in the first part of March this year, but it has since recovered.

The Czech Labour Office published unemployment data today, according to which the share of people without jobs in the Czech Republic fell by two tenths of a percentage point to 3.7% in March compared to February. Before that, it had been rising or stagnant for eight months in a row.

“The koruna has been appreciating since the morning regardless of changes in the global mood. The drop in domestic unemployment should not be a big boost to the market. Still, the koruna managed to erase losses against the euro,” comments Tomas Vlk, an analyst at Patria Finance.

Drum and bass, jazz, techno, indie, pop, and more – music festivals in Prague and the Czech Republic have it all. Check out the very best the country has to offer here.

Prague Rocks

Prague Rocks vol. 1 on June 2nd will feature headliners Motley Crüe & Def Leppard, supported by the biggest Czech rock band Kabát. Prague Rocks vol. 2 starts on June 21st with headliners Gwen Stefani & Maroon 5. The Prague Rocks Festival continues on June 21st with more well-known artists from music mainstream. Gwen Stefani and Maroon 5 will be joined by Rag’n’Bone Man, who unfortunately canceled his appearance in Prague last year due to the ongoing COVID epidemic.

Let It Roll 2023

When: Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th August 2023
Where: Airfield Milovice in Milovice

2023 lineup: Chase & Status, Andy C, Camo & Krooked B2B Mefjus, Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Bru-C, Dimension, Shy FX, and many more

Big, booming drum and bass festival Let It Roll is the biggest DnB fest in the world and it shows with a belting lineup packed to the brim with the best artists on the scene. Known of course for its sublime lineups, out-of-this-world, elaborate stage design, clear sound, and attracting DnB heads from all over the world.

Held at a former military airport, there are several campsites, free water available, two food zones, bars, and punters can bring some of their own alcohol. Any drum and bass fan should have this one on their raving bucket list!

Metronome Prague Festival

When: Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th June 2023
Where: Prague Exhibition Grounds in Prague, Czech Republic

2023 lineup: Jamiroquai, Tove Lo, Moderat, Editors, White Lies, Aurora, ZAZ, M83, JID, and many more

This music and arts event is one of the best music festivals in Prague, welcoming a variety of genres including hip-hop, pop, indie, electronic and more, with many local acts on the bill. The city’s first large pop/rock festival is attended by 20,000 music fans ready to enjoy the hottest new sounds. Located close to the city centre, if you fancy soaking in some of the city and its history, you can always head off-site to explore.

And if you’re eager to kick off the festivities, there’ll also be an opening concert on Wednesday the 21st to get you revved up for what’s to come.

Metalfest

When: Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th June 2023
Where: Lochotín Amphitheater in Pilsen, Czech Republic

2023 lineup: Testament, Behemoth, Arch Enemy, Avatar, Powerwolf, Korpiklaani, and many more

Bust out your horns and get ready to crowd surf and mosh until you ache all over because Metalfest is a huge metal festival – who’d’ve guessed? Boasting many genres of metal in a natural environment, the fest holds having fun at its core.

Surrounded by meadows and a park the fest is loved by metalheads all over for this reason and for the killer bands on its lineups. Metalfest was originally founded in Austria before spreading across Europe and boasts some of the biggest names in metal alongside local artists.

Cheap beer, slamming riffs, and stunning surroundings – it’s really a no-brainer for metalheads looking for a Czech festival.

Bohemia Jazz Fest

When: Monday 10th – Tuesday 18th July 2023
Where: Moving through multiple Czech cities – Prague, Pilsen, Hluboka nad Vltaovou, Prachatice, Domazlice, and Brno

2023 lineup: Iva Bittova/Antonin Fajt, Julian Lage Trio, Lorenzo De Finti Quartet, Steve Coleman And Five Elements, Caminero Trio, Krzysztof Kobylinski, and many more

Before we get into the many great things about Bohemia Jazz Fest, know it’s free to attend! No tickets are required, you can just rock up as you like. The fest stops by in the cities listed above for a day or two before moving to the next. The talent this year ranges from Czechian, Polish, Spanish, Ukrainian, United States, and Italian, ensuring attendees get a taste of the best in jazz from a variety of countries.

Mighty Sounds Festival

When: Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th June 2023
Where: Airport Tabor in Tabor, Czech Republic

2023 lineup: Rancid, Enter Shikari, Booze & Glory, Dub FX, Hatebreed, The Interrupters, Black Flag, Bob Vylan, and many more

Focusing mainly on punk, rock, hardcore, reggae, ska, and similar genres, over 80% of the bands on the lineup are from outside the Czech Republic, with the rest made up of top local bands. The fest prides itself on ensuring its lineup is different to other music festivals in the Czech Republic. It also has the Theatre Tent for performances and film screenings, the Black Coffee Stage for acoustic performances, three DJ stages, five live stages, sports tournaments and graffiti.

Colours of Ostrava

When: Wednesday 19th – Saturday 22nd July 2023
Where: Dolní Vítkovice in Ostrova, Czech Republic

2023 lineup: OneRepublic, Macklemore, Burna Boy, Ellie Goulding, Interpol, Niall Horan, Tom Grennan, and many more

Spread across a massive nineteen stages, Colours of Ostrava is the biggest festival in the Czech Republic. The fest packs in over 350 thrills in its programme including music, theatre, film, talks, art activities, and workshops. As such a huge festival, so many genres are covered in its lineups with rock, indie, pop, electronic, blues, reggae, soul, hip-hop, funk, world music, punk, folk, and so much more represented. Full of thrills, we genuinely don’t know what else this festival could squeeze in its programme if it tried.

Colours of Ostrava 2022

Beats For Love

When: Wednesday 5th – Sunday 8th July 2023
Where: Industrial National Monument in Ostrava, Czech Republic

2023 lineup: Deadmau5, Hardwell, Tiesto, Blasterjaxx, Imanbek, James Hype, Wilkinson, Eats Everything, Sigma, and many more

Possibly the largest electronic festival in central Europe, Beats For Love has a fair few electronic genres showcased, such as house, trance, EDM, hard styles, drum and bass, techno, and more. It was designed from the offset to be different and accessible, offering affordable tickets, fourteen stages, and over 400 artists on the bill at an industrial former oil refinery and coal mine site.

A portion of the proceeds also goes to charities, so you can enjoy being a part of something even bigger than a bunch of strangers coming together to enjoy music – which, obviously, is already pretty huge in itself.

Rock For People

When: Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th June 2023
Where: Hradec Králové Park 360 in in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

2023 lineup: Slipknot, Machine Gun Kelly, The 1975, Muse, Incubus, Papa Roach, Architects, Simple Plan, and many more

Full of the biggest and best live performers of the punk, rock, and metal variety, Rock For People dates back to 1995. The fest has grown to accommodate more than just heavier genres though, with Nothing But Thieves, The 1975, and Ashnikko representing some of the other genres showcased at this year’s event. Rock For People attracts over 30,000 music lovers for its four-day bash to appreciate over 200 artists. Alongside the world’s best live music, punters can enjoy film, theatre, workshops, and more.

Rock for People 2021

Svojsice Festival

When: Friday 26th May 2023
Where: Svojsice in Pardubice, Czech Republic

2023 lineup: Alan Fitzpatrick, Lilly Palmer, Sam Paganini, Adrian Hour, and more

Techno, hard techno, and drum and bass open-air festival Svojsice is a bit smaller than the rest on this list with a smaller lineup and only one day of partying. But that just means you go extra hard, right? The fest started in 2000 and has gone down annually surrounded by nature. Short and sweet, if you want a cracking techno fest in the Czech Republic, this is the one!

Hot on the heels of Germany, politicians in the Czech Republic have released plans for legalising cannabis for recreational use in a regulated market that would allow individuals to buy up to 5 grams per day.

The Czech Republic has put forward a draft bill for a regulated cannabis market that would allow individuals to buy up to 5 grams of cannabis per day for recreational purposes.

Under the plans, people who wish to use cannabis recreationally would need to register in a database, while growers and sellers would have to pay annual fees.

The proposed legal cannabis market could bring in around CZK 2 billion per year, according to anti-drug policy coordinator Jindřich Vobořil. The proposal is still in its draft form, but it is set to be debated in parliament this month, with implementation potentially starting next year.

The possession of small amounts of cannabis has been decriminalised in Czechia since 1 January 2010, but smoking it for recreational purposes remains technically illegal.

However, cannabis has been legal and regulated for medicinal use in the country since 2013.

Vobořil argues that the main aim of the new regulation is to increase consumer protection and ensure that the cannabis produced is safe. The government also wants better control of the quantity of cannabis on the market.

It is estimated that around 1 million people use illegal cannabis in some form in the Czech Republic each year.

“The cannabis black market is growing across Europe. In the Czech Republic, we seem to have reached its ceiling, and I don’t see many other options to prevent its functioning other than to take its demand and put it in the hands of legal sellers.” Vobořil said.

If the regulation passes, cannabis would be sold only in specialised stores. Packaging would bear no advertisements or images, and users would have to register their details in a special database. They would also only be able to purchase a limited quantity of cannabis per month to prevent potential resale.

Opponents of the proposed regulation argue that it would not eliminate the black market, as legally obtained cannabis could still be sold on to minors or those who have exceeded their purchase limit.

Additionally, they argue that the health risks associated with cannabis could put more people in danger.

However, a 2022 survey found that three in four Czechs were in favour of regulating cannabis sales.

The bill would bring in significant revenue for the government, but it remains to be seen whether the ruling coalition will choose to support its implementation.

Year-on-year inflation in Czechia eased to 15 percent in March, down from 16.7 percent in February, according to figures published by the Czech Statistical Office on its website on Thursday. Inflation is thus at its lowest point since last April. According to analysts, the slowing down of the inflation rate was due to fuel getting cheaper.

The Fiala government has approved a proposal to close down 300 branches of Czech Post within extensive cost-cutting measures. The state owned company has suffered heavy losses due to a sharp decline in demand for postal services.

The Czech currency is currently the strongest against the euro in almost 15 years and against the dollar for over a year. Against the euro on Thursday, it strengthened by 15 pennies to 23.34 CZK / EUR, the lowest rate since the end of July 2008.

Public prosecutor Jaroslav Saroch yesterday launched an appeal against the verdict that acquitted former PM Andrej Babis (ANO) and his former aide Jana Nagyova in the Capi hnizdo subsidy fraud case, said Ales Cimbala, spokesman for the Prague Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office, confirming earlier reports from Seznam Zpravy.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala is due to set off on a diplomatic tour of Asia on Saturday evening, starting with the Philippines and ending in Uzbekistan on 25 April, the government announced in a press release on Thursday. He will also visit Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan.

Coca-Cola introduced to the Czech Market packaging that keeps plastic lids tethered to bottles when opened to make it easier for consumers to recycle drinks packaging in its entirety.

Plastic bottle caps can be recycled but are often lost, discarded or end up as litter, Coca-Cola said in a statement. The new design aims to reduce that, the company said.

The design is part of Coca-Cola’s strategy to help create a “circular economy” for its plastic products amid regulation and calls to reduce the amount of its plastic packaging that ends up in landfills and elsewhere.

By introducing the new obligation, the European Union promises that non-removable caps on bottles will keep all parts of beverage packaging together after consumption. This will make their collection and subsequent recycling much easier.

“After arriving at the recycling centre, the bottles and their caps go into a shredder, which is a set of knives that shreds them into flakes of about 10 millimetres under a stream of water. The whole mass is then washed in hot water with detergents to get rid of impurities, then it goes into a cold wash where the PET flakes from the bottles are separated from the flakes from the caps – the latter are made of HDPE,” explains František Doležal, CEO of the recycling company General Plastic.

Consumer reaction in markets where caps have not been removable for some time, such as Germany, has so far been mixed. Some appreciate the move in a more environmentally friendly direction, others complain that the cap scratches their lips or face when they drink.

Coca-Cola has said it has a responsibility to help solve what it calls the world’s plastics problem and has announced plans to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030. It also plans to make its packaging 100% recyclable by 2025 as part of its World Without Waste environmental program introduced in 2018.

Coca-Cola wants to use less packaging where it can and to see all packaging it uses collected, reused or recycled, a company spokesman said.

The Parliamentary Petition Committee has backed a petition calling for the restoration of horse-drawn carriages to Prague’s Old Town Square and Stromovka.

Last year, Prague councillors approved a change to the market laws that ban horse-drawn carriages beginning this year.

The committee’s 11 members unanimously approved a resolution suggesting that the city council examine the petitioners’ request and provide.

The campaign “A horse is not a machine” states that horses are sensitive to loud noises and run away when they feel at risk. Thus, it is not difficult to understand why a busy capital city can be a stressful and dangerous environment for them.

In addition to the loud noises, exhaust fumes also pose a threat to the animals’ health; that is, they cause significant damage to the horses’ lungs and respiratory systems. Finally, it is crucial to note that while people shield themselves from the scorching heat in the summer, the horses are forced to work. Similarly, they must continue to entertain tourists during the freezing winters.

The petition claims that the carriages weigh between 500 and 550 kilos. They point out that a horse may weigh up to three times its own weight on a flat terrain, and a fully loaded carriage will not weigh more than 1200 kg. “Even if two horses weigh 1400 kilograms together, they are still less than one times their own weight,” the petition adds.

“Among other things, that horses in all cities typically ride for ten hours or more, while in Prague they work for six hours, which he described as a “luxury”.

Committee chairman Tomio Okamura (SPD) said he would welcome a solution that would satisfy the petition’s demands.

Petr Fifka (ODS) described the ban as one of the worst decisions of the municipality. The petition was also supported by Stanislav Berkovec and Renata Oulehlová of the ANO movement.

Eva Kaděrková, the head of the Agriculture Ministry’s animal protection department, said that putting horses in carriages cannot be considered animal cruelty and the State Veterinary Administration has not found any violations of the law in Prague in the last ten years.

The cities where local authorities have ceased to issue commercial tourist-carriage licenses includes London, Paris, Rome and Toronto, while total bans are now in place in Oxford, Barcelona, Montréal, New Delhi, and Tel Aviv.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature, Prague has plenty of options.

From awe-inspiring landscapes to tranquil gardens, there is an abundance of natural beauty to be discovered all within an hour of Prague.

We’ve chosen some of the most beautiful green havens you can easily drive to from Prague. These include some UNESCO green heritage sites.

Český kras

From forests, rocky labyrinths, and caves, Český kras has it all. It is a nature reserve and a protected landscape near Prague that boasts a grandeur of undulating hills and vast valleys.

The 418-km trail goes through deep ravines, limestone formations, and other natural wonders where one can enjoy hiking, biking, or merely take a stroll in the petrified sunken forest around Koněprusy Caves.

Žleby

Cross the little bridge over the waterfall, listen to the rush of the water at the weir and admire a variety of buildings from turrets with battlements to watchtowers and gates that look like something straight out of the Middle Ages, all in the romantic park of Žleby Chateau. But don’t be fooled.

This park, made all the more dramatic and charming by its steep slopes and canyon-like river meander, dates back to just the 19th century. It’s certainly worth taking a walk into the neighbouring Žleby game reserve with its white deer. These are kept in just four reserves in the Czech Republic and the one in Žleby is the only one open to the public.

Divoká Šárka

If you’re looking for a secluded spot to spend your summer, Divoká Šárka has just what you need. The park features outcropping cliffs, stunning streams and fountains cascading down the rocks, and a natural pool fed by a waterfall.

Located only 20 to 30 minutes out of town, the park is well-connected to the city and easy to reach. Visitors can not only relax and sunbathe but also visit the hermit-like waterfall, where they can bask and immerse themselves in nature.

Vlašim

Around the chateau in Vlašim lies one of the most beautiful Czech parks, the perfect place for a picnic. You don’t have to worry about bringing a blanket or food – you can get yourself a picnic basket packed with goodies at the information centre in the chateau courtyard.

All you need to do is find the nicest spot to eat. And there’s nothing hard about that, as the park has countless places tucked away, full of little buildings and all connected by a nature trail. You could spread your blanket near one of the park’s main landmarks – the exotic Chinese pavilion.

Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park

For those looking to enjoy a bike trail or a stroll, the Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park is an excellent option. Stretching over 3000 hectares, the park features beautiful meadows, sweet-smelling forests, tranquil ponds and streams, and wildlife to observe. Visitors can explore this picturesque landscape on foot, horseback, or bicycle.

Types of Kolac

Where to Try the Best Kolac in Prague

Prague Rocks

Tell more about your business

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Thank You, It`s All Good

Tell us about your.