As temperatures in Czechia climb to dangerous levels, Prague officials have extended the city-wide ban on outdoor fires until further notice.

The decision, announced following a fire danger warning by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute on Wednesday, aims to reduce the growing risk of wildfires in the region.

The ban was initially set to expire on Tuesday, later extended to Wednesday, and now remains in effect indefinitely. The extension applies to all areas deemed high-risk for fire ignition and spread, as outlined by city regulations.

According to fire safety rules defined by the Prague City Hall, the following areas are considered at increased fire risk:

  • Forests and areas within 50 meters of their edges
  • Parks, forest parks, gardens, and other vegetation zones
  • Hay and straw storage areas and their immediate surroundings
  • Agricultural fields where dry crops could ignite easily

In these areas, several activities are strictly prohibited during periods of elevated fire risk:

  • Starting or maintaining an open fire, such as burning leaves, branches, or waste
  • Smoking, with the exception of electronic cigarettes
  • Using fireworks, firecrackers, or other pyrotechnics
  • Lighting flying lanterns, torches, or similar ignition sources
  • Discarding burning or smoldering objects, including cigarette butts
  • Operating steam locomotives without approved fire safety precautions
  • Using firefighting water for non-emergency purposes

The ban is designed to prevent avoidable fires as weather conditions become increasingly volatile.

Meteorologists expect temperatures to soar past 35°C in many parts of the Czech Republic this week, with some lowland regions approaching 37°C. These conditions, combined with dry vegetation, significantly raise the risk of wildfires.

Residents and visitors are urged to respect the restrictions and stay alert to updates from official sources.

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Prague summer road and metro closures will affect drivers and public transit riders citywide, with disruptions beginning in late June and continuing through fall.

As summer approaches, Prague is preparing for a wave of infrastructure repairs that will impact both road traffic and public transportation. From major thoroughfares to key metro connections, closures are set to cause delays and rerouted traffic across the city.

Key Road Closures to Expect

The most notable disruption will be the closure of Plzeňská Street in Prague 5 due to a gas pipeline reconstruction. Work begins on June 26, but the most impactful phase starts July 16, when the section between Kartouzská and Erbenova will be completely closed to all vehicles. Detour routes will lead through Mozartova, Vrchlického, and Erbenova, according to the Technical Roads Administration.

Another major artery, Karlovarská, which connects the D6 motorway to the city, will be fully closed from July 1 to August 31, affecting not just cars but also public and service transport.

Drivers using Cínovecká Street, a key link between Prague and the D8 motorway, should prepare for partial closures extending until October, as the bridge and road surface undergo major repairs.

Meanwhile, Kbelská Street will undergo a long-term reconstruction, starting this summer and continuing through year-end. Although full closures are not planned, weekend traffic will be affected by partial restrictions based on ongoing work.

Other scheduled repairs include:

  • Jaromírova Street in Prague 2, where one-way closures will alternate.
  • Šárecká, Radlická, and Za ženskými domovy streets, where phased closures are planned.
  • Ongoing reconstruction on Peroutkova, Českobrodská, Veletržní, and Ďáblická will continue throughout summer.

Public Transport Disruptions

The gas pipeline project on Plzeňská Street will also severely impact public transport. Tram service will be suspended between June 28 and July 12, and bus routes will operate on altered schedules until August 29.

In Nádražní Street, tram traffic will be suspended from July 19 to 27 to allow the installation of a new bridge.

Further closures will affect Svatovítská Street, which will be shut down from August 22 to 31 between Prašný most and Vítězné náměstí.

Jana Želivského Street in Prague 3 is also scheduled for reconstruction starting in the fall, in connection with nearby residential development. From October, trams will be suspended between the intersection with Olšanská and the Želivského metro station.

Metro Closures on Line C

Even the metro network won’t be spared. Prague’s Line C will face several weekend closures due to maintenance, including the replacement of sleepers and signaling systems.

Confirmed shutdowns include:

  • July 3–7: No service between Pražského povstání and Nádraží Holešovice.
  • August 2–8: Closure between Chodov and Muzeum.
  • August 9–10: Closure expands to cover Chodov to Nádraží Holešovice.

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It’s been exactly 25 years since ten giant crawling babies first appeared on Prague’s Žižkov Television Tower, now one of the capital’s most recognizable features.

On May 29, 2000, Czech sculptor David Černý transformed the controversial broadcast structure into an icon of modern art—and stirred both fascination and outrage.

Originally intended for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the aluminum babies made their Prague debut as part of the city’s European Capital of Culture celebrations.

Suspended across the tower’s vertical columns, the toddlers immediately polarized public opinion. But over time, they’ve become an inseparable part of Prague’s skyline—odd, surreal, and deeply local.

Identical versions of the babies, known in Czech as Miminka, are displayed on Kampa Island, standing freely on the grass. Viewed at ground level, their barcode-stamped faces reveal a more disturbing commentary—one that hints at Černý’s reputation for blending humor with subversive critique.

The artist’s intent wasn’t to charm, but to provoke questions about identity, surveillance, and dehumanization.

From Temporary Installation to Permanent Fixture

The original installation lasted only six months. In October 2000, the babies were removed, and their fate remained uncertain. But just a year later, they returned—this time indefinitely.

With the exception of a brief absence between 2017 and 2019 for restoration, the figures have become a lasting part of the tower’s structure.

In fact, the original babies were eventually replaced altogether. Due to weather damage and wear, new versions were created and reinstalled in March 2019.

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The Českomoravská metro station in Prague could soon be renamed Arena Libeň following its ongoing reconstruction.

The move has received backing from Prague 9 officials, Ropid—the city’s transport planning authority—and Prague City Hall’s topographic commission, according to Ropid spokesperson Filip Drápal.

Českomoravská, located on Metro Line B, has been closed since January 6 for extensive renovations. It is the nearest metro stop to the O2 Arena, a major concert and sports venue.

Drápal explained that the idea to rename the station came from the O2 Arena’s operator after the closure began.

The original proposal suggested the name Arena Praha, which was accepted by Prague 9’s administration. Ropid also supported the initiative, presenting it to the topographic commission on May 21, which formally recommended renaming the station to Arena Libeň.

This isn’t the first time the name change has been discussed. A similar proposal was put forward in 2018, but officials ultimately retained the Českomoravská designation.

However, the proposed renaming has drawn sharp criticism from members of the public. Opponents argue the move is unnecessary, potentially confusing, and disregards historical and geographic significance.

“We see the incorporation of corporate or promotional names into public transport as a dangerous precedent,” the petition states. “It could open the door to selling naming rights of other stations to private firms.”

The station’s reconstruction is expected to cost 926 million CZK and includes replacing escalators, installing elevators, and updating distribution systems.

The design is also getting an upgrade, with ceramic tiles being swapped out for glass panels featuring bubble motifs by renowned Czech designer Maxim Velčovský.

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Czechia’s two largest cities—Prague and Brno—have secured spots on the global list of the happiest places to live, according to the latest Happy Cities Index published by the Institute for Quality of Life.

The index evaluates 200 cities around the world, ranking them based on factors such as governance, civic participation, economy, healthcare, environmental quality, and mobility.

Although Prague and Brno appeared in the lower quarter of the ranking, their inclusion still highlights a positive quality of life in the Czech Republic.

Europe Leads the Way in Urban Happiness

Copenhagen took the top spot in the 2025 ranking, scoring 1,039 points. The Danish capital not only offers efficient governance and a strong economy, but also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and culture. Nearly 70% of transportation in Copenhagen is eco-friendly, and the city even hosts its own Museum of Happiness, underlining its commitment to resident well-being.

Zurich followed in second place with 993 points, thanks to its robust economy, world-class healthcare, and environmental initiatives. The Swiss city is frequently cited for its high standard of living and sustainable transport systems.

In third place—the highest-ranked non-European city—was Singapore, earning 979 points. The city-state received praise for its top universities, low unemployment, and strong civic engagement.

Rounding out the top ten were Aarhus (Denmark), Antwerp (Belgium), Seoul (South Korea), Stockholm (Sweden), Taipei (Taiwan), Munich (Germany), and Rotterdam (Netherlands).

Prague and Brno: Quiet Achievers

Prague ranked 153rd, earning 620 points. It performed strongest in the areas of public administration, healthcare, and environmental management.

Brno placed 176th with 582 points, performing similarly to Prague but with lower scores in economic strength and transportation infrastructure.

Both cities fall into the “bronze cities” category—those ranked from 101st to 200th. While not at the top, their presence on the list underscores a solid quality of life and urban planning that values the well-being of residents.

 

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The Craft Beer Festival, set to take place on Friday, 23 May, will offer a one-day showcase of more than 20 unique Czech breweries—many of which don’t typically distribute in the capital.

Held in the outdoor area in front of Cross Club, the event promises a mix of flavors, styles, and brewing philosophies, all designed to challenge your taste buds and expand your beer horizons.

These are beers you won’t usually find on tap in the capital—many come from smaller regional brewers, and some are produced by so-called nomadic breweries, which brew their beer wherever they can find space.

They don’t own their own facilities, but they bring their own recipes, brewing styles, and ideas to existing breweries. It’s an approach that keeps things flexible, personal, and often more experimental than what you’d get from big commercial producers.

The festival will include some non-alcoholic craft options as well.

As with any beer event, food plays a big role. There’ll be burgers, Belgian fries, Colombian street food, and the usual Cross Club menu.

DJs will be playing all evening, and ticket holders get free entry to Cross Club later that night.

For Czech speakers, there’s a bonus: Martin Rybar, an expert in particle physics, will give a short talk on the science behind beer brewing.

Admission to the festival includes a festival beer glass worth 100 CZK. Tickets are available now at a discounted presale rate.

 

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The extensive transformation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square is progressing faster than expected, with a potential completion date next spring—months ahead of the originally planned September 2026.

The reconstruction project, valued at 478 million CZK, began in early 2023.

Today, most of the 180 newly planted trees are already in place, and two large underground reservoirs designed to collect rainwater have been completed.

Craftsmen are currently working on finishing the surfaces in front of the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord, a landmark designed by renowned architect Josip Plečnik. Behind construction fencing, pathways are being laid and paving stones are being carefully set.

This renovation, which had been under discussion for over twenty years, has already improved several areas of the square. Notably, the northern side near the local elementary school has been completed, allowing the popular farmers’ markets to return.

“We have a contractual deadline for September 2026, but we aim to finish by April or May,” said construction manager Jaroslav Beránek from Gardenline during a Monday tour of the site. However, the square will still require final inspections and approvals before it can reopen fully to the public.

The project includes a significant boost in greenery, with an additional 100 trees planted compared to the original plan, according to Michal Vronský, Mayor of Prague 3 (TOP 09).

A specially developed grass mixture, designed to resist higher temperatures and tolerate heavy foot traffic, has also been sown. Previous lawns often dried out during the summer and suffered damage from dogs, issues the new landscaping aims to resolve.

The United Europe Fountain, a remnant from the 1980s that was once considered for demolition, will remain in place. However, its underground systems have been completely rebuilt, and a new foundation has been constructed. The fountain has been dismantled and will be reassembled once the base is ready.

A new subway ventilation shaft has already been installed, replacing the old one whose removal sparked protests from residents citing its artistic value.

There are also discussions about introducing new public art to the square. Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (STAN) said the city might wait about a year after the renovation’s completion to evaluate how the public uses the space before announcing a competition for a new artwork.

The winning proposal, designed by the MCA architectural studio, maintains the square’s character as a city park while enlarging the forecourt of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

 

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Around 30 neo-Nazis performed Nazi salutes on Saturday afternoon at the statue of Saint Wenceslas in Prague’s Wenceslas Square.

Captured by a security camera, the group had already dispersed before police arrived. According to Czech television stations Prima and Nova, many of the individuals likely traveled from Germany.

Eyewitnesses reported that most members of the group climbed onto the statue’s base. One individual stood in front, raising his right hand in a Nazi salute, prompting the others to respond similarly. The act was reportedly accompanied by shouts of “Sieg heil,” according to Prima.

“There were about thirty of them, and they mostly spoke German. Before the police, who were called by someone nearby, could arrive, they had disappeared. People around did nothing—some groups even chose to leave the area,” an eyewitness wrote in an email to the television station.

Although Wenceslas Square is supposed to be patrolled by police 24 hours a day, officers failed to reach the scene in time. “I cannot say exactly how long it took us to get there. When officers arrived, no one from the group remained. Our investigation revealed that the individuals had already taken the metro,” Prague police spokeswoman Eva Brožová told Nova.

Police face considerable challenges in identifying the individuals involved. Beyond the likelihood that they were foreigners, reports suggest authorities did not thoroughly examine the security footage.

According to the 2006 Annual Report by the Czech Security Information Service (BIS), the neo-Nazi movement within the Czech Republic operates without centralized leadership. Instead, it functions through small, autonomous regional groups acting independently.

This concept of “autonomous nationalism”—organizing without a dominant figure—is also prevalent among neo-Nazi movements across Europe. Czech extremists are believed to draw inspiration from abroad, with visits from German neo-Nazi groups reportedly becoming more frequent.

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Drivers working for Bolt and Uber have launched a new strike in the Czech capital, repeating a protest held just a week ago.

On that occasion, hundreds of drivers refused to accept rides, causing longer wait times and leaving many users without available cars.

This Monday, the protest has grown in scale and coordination, with two separate driver groups participating in different ways.

The first group, organized by the Lucky Taxi Association, began their strike at 4:00 a.m., planning to end it at 12:00 noon. Their specific demands have been made available through their official channels.

Meanwhile, a second group of drivers has launched a full 24-hour strike, starting at 6:00 a.m. Monday and running until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday.

This protest includes a public demonstration officially registered with Prague City Hall. Organizers expect between 500 and 1,000 vehicles to gather in the parking lot outside the Tesco hypermarket in Letňany between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m.

At 12:00 p.m., the group plans to drive in a slow-moving convoy through the city center, ending in Čestlice, a suburb southeast of Prague.

Drivers Demand Fairer Conditions

“We, taxi drivers in Prague, are dissatisfied with the current working conditions and demand immediate changes,” the group wrote in a statement distributed to media outlets.

They cite a drop in fares by 25–30% over the past three years, even as the cost of fuel, insurance, car maintenance, and housing continues to rise.

Meanwhile, Uber and Bolt continue to charge drivers commissions of up to 35%, the group claims, without paying taxes in the Czech Republic. Drivers are forced to operate as independent contractors under IČO licenses, making them responsible for 21% VAT payments on top of operating expenses.

The drivers’ key demands include:

  • Setting the official fare levels established by Prague City Hall:

    • Base fare: 60 CZK

    • Per kilometer: 36 CZK

    • Per minute of waiting: 7 CZK

  • Reducing commissions from 25–35% down to 15–20%.

  • Introducing a flexible commission system where fees decrease based on the number of completed trips.

  • Mandatory registration of Uber and Bolt with Czech trade licenses and VAT obligations.

  • Removing Bolt’s “Economy” tier, which drivers argue makes their work financially unsustainable.

“If our demands are not heard, we will escalate our protest with a two-day strike on April 20–21,” the organizers warned. “We remain open to dialogue and await an official response.”

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This Wednesday, March 27th, Prague commuters are in for a delightful Easter surprise!

For a few hours, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, the Hradčanská tram stop (heading away from the city center) will be transformed into the “Velikonoční (Easter) stop”.

Filip Drápal, spokesperson for Ropid, the organization responsible for public transport planning in Prague, announced the festive event. Passengers waiting at the specially decorated shelter will be greeted by a friendly Mr. Hare who will be handing out chocolate eggs.

But that’s not all! To partake in the Easter merriment, passengers can sing a classic carol, make a wish, or even paint their own special Easter eggs. Additionally, everyone will receive a commemorative spring badge and informational brochures about public transport in Prague.

This Easter-themed event follows the success of Ropid’s previous “Dreamy” and “Christmas” tram stop makeovers organized last year.

“We plan to continue hosting these enjoyable one-day events throughout the year,” Drápal revealed. “Upcoming events are expected in early May and early summer.”

“These events are part of our ‘My Time’ campaign,” he explained. “Our goal is to showcase public transport in a new light, highlighting its benefits and making daily commutes more enjoyable for our passengers.”

“These events are part of our ‘My Time’ campaign,” he said. “Our goal is to showcase public transport in a new light, highlighting its benefits and making daily commutes more enjoyable for our passengers.”

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The Czech Parliament’s upper house, the Senate followed the lower house on Wednesday to approve changes in the gun law that tighten requirements for owning a weapon following the worst mass killing in the nation’s history.

The legislation now must be signed by President Petr Pavel before becoming law, which is expected.

On Dec. 22, a lone shooter killed 14 people and wounded dozens before killing himself at a Charles University building in downtown Prague. The assailant was a 24-year-old student who had a proclivity for firearms and a license to own eight guns, including two long guns.

Authorities said he had no criminal record and therefore did not attract the attention of the authorities.

The lower house gave the green light to the new law on Jan 26.

Under the new law, gun owners would have to undergo a medical check every five years, not every 10 years, as they do now.

Businesses would be required to report suspicious purchases of guns and ammunition to the police, while doctors would gain access to databases to find out if their patients are gun owners.

Parliamentary debate on the legislation had already begun before that shooting. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said it was hard to speculate whether the new rules would have prevented it if they had been in effect before it took place.

In the 81-seat Senate, lawmakers approved the legislation in a 66-1 vote.

Once approved by the president, the law would make it possible for the authorities to seize a weapon from a private owner on a preventive basis.

In Czechia, 314,000 had a gun license at the end of 2022 and owned almost a million weapons of various types.

From the beginning of March, residents of Prague can enjoy the return of their favorite farmers’ markets in most districts.

The season kicks off on Saturday, March 2nd, at Vítězné náměstí in Prague 6. This popular market offers not just regional food, herbs, and flowers but also fun events for children, including educational programs on rural traditions and making traditional Easter decorations.

Other notable markets opening in March include:

  • Prague 2: Tyl Square and Rašín Embankment
  • Prague 3: Jiřího z Poděbrad Square (starting February 28th)
  • Prague 7: Řezáčovo Square (Heřmaňák market)

The markets at Vítězné náměstí will be held every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Additionally, the popular Jiřího z Poděbrad Square market will resume operations on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays until 2:00 PM during the ongoing revitalization of the square.

Other markets in Prague 2, 4, and 7 also offer a diverse selection of fresh produce, flowers, local crafts, and prepared food, making them a delightful destination for locals and visitors alike.

“To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Prague’s first major farmers’ markets, we’re unveiling a revamped concept with a focus on showcasing Czech regional cuisine and its producers, sustainability, and educational initiatives, particularly tailored for children,” stated Miroslav Dušek, representing the market organizers.

He further noted that this year, through the Little Farmer program, children can delve into rural traditions, cultivate their own produce, participate in quizzes, and gain insights into the journey of food from farm to table.

Organizers are prioritizing expanding the dining and event spaces and scheduling seasonal activities, as per Mark Zeman, spokesperson for Prague 6.

Starting March 11th, the markets at Tyl Square in Prague 2 will feature a variety of traditional products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, seedlings, alongside new offerings like carp products, ceramics, garden ornaments, oriental spices, vegan dishes, and vegetables from South Bohemia.

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