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...
Bolt’s car-sharing service, Bolt Drive, has been operating in Prague for a year. During this period, it has become a common option for many residents and visitors for short-term car rentals. Users have driven millions of kilometers, with some rentals extending for several weeks. The most frequently used vehicles include compact models such as the Audi A1, Toyota Yaris, and the widely recognized “pistachio” Škoda Fabia. There has also been an increase in demand for premium vehicles. Fabián Strecker, Senior Operations Manager for Bolt Drive in the Czech Republic, notes that the service is now part of daily life for many in Prague. Some users rely on it regularly for work commutes, weekend trips, or short travel, with the most frequent user completing over 1,400 trips in one year. Popular Vehicles and Growing Interest in Premium Cars The Audi A1, Toyota Yaris, and the “pistachio” Škoda Fabia remain the most popular models. One Audi A1 in the fleet logged nearly 50,000 kilometers in a year. Interest in premium vehicles such as the Volvo V90 has also grown, particularly for business travel and weekend use, with users appreciating their comfort and safety features. Trip Patterns Data shows that around 80% of...
The Czech government banned the use of any services of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek in the Czech public administration due to security concerns, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the government acted after receiving a warning from the national cybersecurity watchdog. The watchdog flagged a threat of unauthorised access to users’ data because DeepSeek is obliged to cooperate with Chinese state authorities. The move follows similar steps made by some other countries that aimed to protect users’ data, including Italy, which in January blocked access to the chatbot, as well as Australia. Last month, a German privacy official called on Apple and Google to ban DeepSeek from its app stores over privacy concerns. The Czech government has distanced itself from some Chinese technology in recent years. In 2018, it stopped using the hardware and software made by telecommunications companies Huawei and ZTE after a warning they posed a security threat. DeepSeek and the Chinese embassy in Prague did not immediately respond to requests for comment. DeepSeek shook the technology world in January with claims that it had developed an AI model to rival those from U.S. firms such as ChatGPT creator OpenAI at...
A fast-food restaurant in Prague’s Vinohrady district was shut down this week after health inspectors uncovered severe hygiene violations, including a nearly full waste cesspool and improperly stored meat. The State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) announced on Wednesday evening that its inspectors had carried out a surprise check at WingHaus, a fast-food outlet located on Vinohradská Street. What they discovered inside was described as a serious health risk to the public. “Our inspectors found major hygiene breaches, especially a neglected waste pit in the restroom area at the rear of the establishment,” SZPI stated. “The facility was in such poor condition that we could not rule out the risk of food contamination or threats to public health. We therefore imposed an immediate ban on the use of the premises.” In the back of the restaurant, inspectors found a flush toilet connected to a waste cesspool, which was almost full and only partially covered. The report noted that no proper waste removal system was in place. According to the official documentation, the pit was secured inadequately, creating both a sanitation hazard and a risk of cross-contamination. Beyond the waste issue, other violations were also documented. The inspectors described grease-coated...
A wave of renovations is sweeping through Prague’s cultural landmarks this summer and into 2026. From the brutalist New Stage of the National Theatre to the open-air Stalin club beneath Letná’s metronome, some of the city’s most visited cultural spots will temporarily close their doors for modern upgrades or, in some cases, permanent transformations. New Stage of the National Theatre to Undergo Major Overhaul The New Stage, a hallmark of 1980s brutalist architecture and part of the National Theatre complex, is scheduled to begin a major renovation this autumn. The project, which also includes adjacent buildings, comes with a price tag of over CZK 2 billion. Key elements of the refurbishment will include the cleaning of the iconic glass shell, technical upgrades, and an overhaul of public spaces. The NONA café, long a staple of the venue, will close with the theatre and will not return in its original form. In its place, a two-story café is planned, facing Václav Havel Square, intended to host cultural events in the future. Kinský Palace on Old Town Square to Close for a Year Another cultural landmark affected this summer is the Kinský Palace, located on Old Town Square and part of the...
The Slivovitz Brand is world-renowned for its delicious fruit brandy. If you go to U Lužického semináře 116 near Malostranská tram station, you can’t miss the Slivovitz Museum R. JELÍNEK with its interactive exhibition, a tasting bar with a modern atmosphere, and a company shop. The Slivovitz Museum and the old building have a rich history, including the famous Czech actor Slavka Budinova. She died in 2002, and then in 2011, the RUDOLF JELÍNEK company bought the actual building, which was her original home, and they began renovations in 2017. The museum and restaurant finished in 201,9, but the COVID pandemic affected its operation for the following two years. The tour includes first the deep history of the Jelinek family, then a movie about the orchards where the fruit grows, third the 5D presentation and finally seeing a replica of a Slivovitz, the R. JELÍNEK distillery. Do you know how many plums we need to make one bottle of 0,7 l Slivovitz 45% or what the angel tax is? All of these answers you can find inside the museum. One of the most popular parts of the exhibition is the 5D movie. This 5D experience takes you through the making...
It’s a strange feeling—floating past Prague Castle, seeing tourists on Charles Bridge, while you relax with a drink on a sunny deck with just a few friends. This is the experience offered by YachtBoat Prague, a local company that’s been running private cruises on the Vltava since 2019. Their concept is simple but effective: small groups, private space, and full control over the journey. No loudspeaker tours, no strangers sitting next to you—just your group and the river. We joined a three-hour afternoon cruise aboard YachtBoat ONE, one of the company’s three vessels. From the starting point at Naplavka (check the exact point on the map here), we set off with our captain, Karel. There’s no set script for the route. “Tell me what you want to see, or just sit back and I’ll show you the highlights,” he said as we pulled away from the dock. We passed Vyšehrad, with its cliffs and twin-spired basilica, then headed towards the heart of the city. The boat was surprisingly spacious, with an upper deck, a working grill, and even a small bar area with a beer tap. Below deck, there’s a bathroom with a shower and toilet, which, as anyone who’s done...
A proposed social and crisis center for homeless people and drug users, set to open on Nádražní Street in Anděl, has been officially abandoned by the Prague City Council following public resistance and internal disagreement. The decision came Tuesday after Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udženija confirmed the city would no longer pursue the project, citing a lack of consensus—not only among officials but also within the community. “We held many discussions, reviewed expert materials, but we couldn’t agree. It’s unfortunate,” Udženija said. “I hope we’ll eventually get to a place where these efforts are seen as responsible, not emotional.” The project would have transformed a residential building near the Anděl metro into a multi-purpose facility, including crisis accommodation, psychological care, basic medical help, and a police station. But residents of Smíchov, where a smaller drug contact center already exists, pushed back—arguing the area was already under pressure from drug-related activity. The Prague Police supported residents’ concerns with data showing 50 serious drug-related crimes, 300 alcohol-related offenses, and more than 500 cases of drug possession recorded in just ten months. In short, things are already tense. Residents were particularly outraged by two things. First, they said no one asked for their input...
Czechia’s most famous bridge is celebrating an anniversary. This Gothic beauty, wreathed in many a legend, has spanned Czechia’s longest river for 668 years! The foundation stone of Charles Bridge was laid by Roman Emperor Charles IV himself, supposedly on 9th July 1357 at 5.31 in the morning. Find out why exactly at this time! The Charles, Prague, or Stone Bridge? All three names are correct. The name, Charles Bridge, did not originate during the actual era of the construction of the monument. For a very long time in the past, the bridge was simply called the Pražský most (Prague Bridge) because it was the only bridge in Prague. In addition to this name, people also called it the Kamenný (Stone) bridge. The name, Karlův most (Charles Bridge) originated in the late 19th century, and is derived from the name of its founder. Legends and myths Ancient legends remain magical to this day. The oldest legend about Charles Bridge is linked to the celebratory inauguration of its construction. The foundation stone was allegedly laid by Charles IV himself on 9 July 1357 at exactly 5:31 a.m. upon the advice of court astrologers. This rare moment was furthermore heightened by the alignment...
Travelers heading from Prague to Copenhagen will soon have a new, faster, and more comfortable way to make the trip — and for the first time in more than a decade, it won’t require a transfer. Starting in May 2026, Czech Railways (České dráhy) will launch a direct train line to the Danish capital in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Danish State Railways (DSB). The service will run year-round, passing through Berlin and Hamburg, and will mark the return of direct service to Copenhagen for the first time since 2014. The new line will be operated by the ComfortJet, Czech Railways’ most modern train unit, which is capable of reaching speeds up to 230 km/h—especially on the upgraded Berlin–Hamburg corridor. The journey will take around 11 hours, but travel time is expected to shorten further once the Fehmarnbelt undersea tunnel—currently under construction between Germany and Denmark—is completed in the coming years. Trains from Prague’s main station will depart at 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with a seasonal afternoon train at 4:30 p.m. added during the summer months. Two daily pairs will operate year-round. A test run is planned for autumn 2025, during which staff from DB and DSB will...
The full-scale war between Ukraine and Russia could continue for years if the current dynamics remain unchanged, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with the BBC published on July 8. He noted that while Russian forces have managed to occupy parts of Ukrainian territory, it has come at a high cost in lives and equipment. “So far, Ukraine’s defense has been successful because it is inflicting significant damage on Russian forces,” Pavel said. “They are able to hold their positions, especially in key areas. And if the war continues this way, it could go on for years. This situation is unacceptable for everyone.” The Czech leader stressed that in addition to supporting Ukraine, it is vital to increase pressure on Russia and demonstrate that “there is no victory to be had on the battlefield.” On June 7, Pavel said that every effort must be made not only to end the war in Ukraine but also to ensure that the war does not spread to Czechia. The Czech Republic is the driving force behind an initiative to supply Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells sourced from third countries. In 2025, Ukraine is expected to receive up to 1.8 million...
The Ukrainian Culture Festival will return for its second edition on August 16 and 17, 2025, offering a weekend of traditional food, music, and crafts in front of Cross Club in Holešovice. The event aims to showcase Ukrainian traditions through cuisine, art, and live performances. Dozens of stalls are expected to serve regional dishes including pelmeni, borscht, shashlik, and the fermented drink kvas. A dedicated art zone will feature handicrafts and original works by Ukrainian artists. In addition to food and art, the program includes musical performances by Ukrainian bands and DJs, as well as creative workshops and lectures for visitors of all ages. Families will also find sweets, homemade ice cream, and other activities tailored to children. The festival will take place from 12:00 to 22:00 on both days at Plynární 23, Prague 7. The first lineup of performers and participating vendors will be announced soon. More information is available on the festival’s website at crossfestival.cz and the official Facebook event page. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
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