Heavy snowfall sweeping into the Czech Republic from Bavaria has brought widespread disruption to roads across the country, triggering dozens of traffic accidents. Police said early Friday that conditions were deteriorating fast, with emergency services dealing with incidents in nearly every region. The most serious situation unfolded near Prague Airport, where a truck overturned and blocked both lanes of the D6 motorway. The crash brought traffic to a halt in both directions and caused knock-on delays for drivers heading toward the capital. Public transport in the area was also affected, as buses struggled to navigate icy roads. Elsewhere, the D5 motorway became another trouble spot after a series of crashes involving heavy vehicles. Police closed a stretch of the road in the Tachov district between kilometres 144 and 136 in the direction of Prague, where multiple trucks were left stranded. Further along the same route, another lorry stalled near kilometre 112, adding to already long delays. Conditions have been particularly difficult in western Bohemia. In the Pilsen region, police reported that some secondary roads were impassable in places, with snow and ice making even short journeys risky. Officers said the number of accidents had risen sharply since early morning, most...
For the first time in nearly a century, a reigning world chess champion will take part in a competitive tournament on Czech soil. Nineteen-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh is set to headline the 8th Prague International Chess Festival, bringing top-level chess back to the city in a way it has not seen since the interwar period. The festival will run from February 24 to March 6. Gukesh will compete in the closed Masters section, where he is scheduled to play nine classical games against an elite field that includes Czech grandmasters David Navara and Thai Dai Van Nguyen. For Czech chess, the appearance of the world champion marks a rare moment. “This is something our chess community has waited decades for,” said festival director Petr Boleslav. “Having the reigning champion here gives the event a weight it has not had in generations.” Alongside the Masters tournament, the festival will also host open competitions expected to draw around 400 players. Navara, the country’s most accomplished active player, knows Gukesh well. The two have faced each other three times, with the Czech grandmaster holding two wins and one draw. Their most recent encounter came in Prague in 2024, before Gukesh claimed the world title....
Despite a week of freezing temperatures, ice on Prague’s ponds and reservoirs remains too thin for skating, firefighters warn. Several volunteer fire brigades across the city have issued alerts on social media, urging residents not to venture onto frozen water surfaces too early. According to Miroslav Řezáč, spokesperson for the Prague Fire Brigade, ice must be at least ten centimetres thick before it can safely support a single person. If several people are on the ice at the same time, firefighters recommend a minimum thickness of 18 centimetres. Anything less poses a serious risk of breaking through. Checks in Praguewere conducted by employees of the Forests of the Capital City of Prague, primarily for operational reasons. On Monday, ice thickness was recorded at nine centimetres at the Hostivař Reservoir, eight centimetres at Hamerský and Kyjský ponds, seven centimetres at Džbán, and 12 centimetres at Jiviny. Other locations, including Počernický Pond and Pískovna, are inspected on a random basis. Firefighters emphasise that ice thickness can vary significantly within a single pond. Areas near shores, inlets, outlets, or spots with water movement may be far weaker than they appear. Volunteer firefighters in Dubeč have warned that even if part of a pond...
Believe it or not, the history of Czech skiing started in Prague, right in the center of the city exactly 135 years ago today. On January 5, 1887, skiing fan Josef Rössler-Ořovský used Prague’s Wenceslas Square, with a fairly friendly incline, as the first Czech ski run. Back then, winters were considerably tougher and snowfall more intense to be able to accomplish the feat. Afterward, skiing as a sport began to draw greater interest from the population. In the 20th century, after the fall of communism, foreign goods and sporting equipment became available for the first time in four decades, resulting in the modernization of ski equipment and ski resorts. Josef Rössler-Ořovský Josef Rössler-Ořovský (June 29, 1869, in Prague – January 17, 1933, in Prague) was a versatile Czech athlete and capable sports organizer. He is still one of the greatest personalities in Czech sport. Josef was an outstanding rower and skier, he played football for the Parisian club White Rowers and the English Black Trials Fulham and he was the first Czech football referee. He founded the Czech Ski-Club, the Czech Yacht Club, and the Czech Lawn Tennis Club. He shared in the founding of the Association of Skiers of...
The holiday season has ended, and it’s time to deal with your Christmas tree. Many people traditionally dispose of their trees on Epiphany. Here are five environmentally friendly and proper ways to handle your tree’s disposal—and what NOT TO DO. 1. Avoid the Trash Bin In urban areas, the simplest solution is to place your Christmas tree near a designated mixed waste bin or a container for sorted waste. If these bins are located in a courtyard or other restricted areas, take the tree to a publicly accessible collection point. Some municipalities provide special disposal locations to avoid tree piles on the streets, while others set specific collection days. Always check your local authority’s website for precise guidelines. However, don’t place the tree inside the trash bin or container—it can clog the space, making it unusable for others. Instead, leave it neatly nearby for collection. 2. Composting or Recycling Yards If you miss the designated collection days or prefer an alternative, you can transport the tree to a composting plant or recycling yard. Numerous facilities across the country accept Christmas trees for composting or shredding. You can locate nearby composting centers via local maps or municipal websites. 3. Reuse in...
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, winter swimmers from the Czech Winter Swimming Union will dive into the Vltava River on Three Kings Day. This takes place every year on January 6, at noon, under Charles Bridge, at the spot where St. John of Nepomuk was thrown into the water. The winter swimmers will dive into the Vltava from the deck of the Vodouch boat at the fifth bridge pier of Charles Bridge (counting from the Old Town side). The event, now held for the fifteenth year, combines endurance sport, historical symbolism, and a distinctly Czech sense of ritual. More than thirty swimmers are expected to take part this year, including several participants from abroad. The entry point lies near the fifth bridge pillar on the Old Town side of Charles Bridge. Participants will dive in from the deck of the boat Vodouch and swim a route measuring roughly two hundred meters downstream. Their destination is the pier beneath the last preserved arch of the former Judith Bridge, the medieval structure that preceded today’s Charles Bridge. Upon arrival, the swimmers will gather in the historic river space to share a warm punch traditionally prepared for ferry workers. The moment also serves...
Despite a nationwide ban on certain fireworks, celebrations continued across the Czech Republic on New Year’s Eve. A man in České Budějovice suffered severe injuries after handling high-powered F4-class pyrotechnics. According to South Bohemian police spokesperson Jiří Mazner, the fireworks exploded in his hands, resulting in the amputation of both wrists. Police have launched an investigation under illegal weaponry regulations. Specialized stores note that professional F4 fireworks can only be purchased by individuals with a proper license, certifying competence with P2, T2, or F4 pyrotechnic products. These include large ball bombs and other high-powered devices, which are unsuitable for untrained users. While the majority of New Year celebrations in the Czech Republic passed without major incidents, authorities reported several injuries and fires caused by fireworks. Emergency services assisted victims in Prague, the Zlín Region, and other locations. The police received 501 reports related to pyrotechnics nationwide, with the highest numbers in Prague (106) and the Central Bohemian Region (74). In some areas, recreational fireworks triggered small fires at various sites. New Fireworks Regulations Still Challenged An amendment to the Czech fireworks law, effective from December, has tightened restrictions in many cities. The law prohibits the use of fireworks near schools,...
Prague drivers will bid farewell to free parking for electric vehicles on Wednesday. Starting January, owners of electric cars will pay half the fee charged to conventional combustion-engine vehicles, while plug-in hybrid owners will lose all previous parking concessions. The change aims to free up parking spaces for local residents, a move strongly supported by several city districts. Deputy Mayor for Transport Jaromír Beránek, representing the Pirate Party, says the measure is part of Prague’s broader effort to reduce the number of vehicles on city streets. “Central districts have reported that many drivers, including those from outside Prague, occupy parking spaces meant for residents. This adjustment will help address that issue,” Beránek said. Drivers of plug-in hybrids—vehicles combining combustion and electric engines—will also lose their parking perks. “From January 1, benefits for plug-in hybrids will end. We now require zero CO2 emissions per kilometer to qualify for discounts. Purely battery or hydrogen-powered vehicles will continue to enjoy a 50 percent discount on both short-term and long-term parking permits,” Beránek added. Electric car owners across Prague will no longer enjoy citywide free parking. Discussions on introducing a Prague-wide parking card for electric vehicles are ongoing, with technical details still being finalized....
As Prague prepares to welcome the New Year, the city’s public transport network will operate under a special regime designed to handle increased night-time demand. Trams, buses, and the metro will run more frequently late into the night, allowing residents and visitors to move around the city well past midnight. Commuters travelling beyond Prague, however, will face earlier last departures. On Wednesday, December 31, daytime public transport will follow holiday schedules, meaning longer waiting times between services. The situation changes in the evening, when night transport takes priority. From around 10 p.m., night tram services will be reinforced, operating every 15 minutes instead of the usual longer intervals. Vehicles will also run with higher capacity to accommodate New Year’s Eve crowds. Bus services will see similar adjustments. Several daytime bus lines will continue operating into the early hours of January 1, with some routes running until approximately 2:30 a.m. Night buses will operate throughout the city at 30-minute intervals, ensuring basic coverage until morning. Metro passengers can expect extended service as well. Trains will run every 10 minutes, with the final services passing through the city centre around 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. This extension is intended to support...
As the end of the year approaches, shoppers across Czechia often face uncertainty about when stores are open. While New Year’s Eve remains a regular working day, New Year’s Day is governed by strict legal limits that affect most large retailers. In practical terms, the difference between the two dates is clear. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, shops are legally allowed to operate without restrictions. Czech law does not impose mandatory closures or shortened hours on New Year’s Eve. However, many retail chains voluntarily reduce their opening times, citing internal policies and employee considerations. Most major supermarkets typically close earlier than usual on the final day of the year. Large chains such as Albert, Kaufland, Globus, Tesco, and MAKRO usually shut their doors around 6 p.m., while Billa, Lidl, and Penny tend to close at approximately 5 p.m. Customers are therefore advised to check individual store schedules in advance, as hours may vary by location. The situation changes completely on Thursday, January 1, 2026. New Year’s Day is a public holiday officially known as the Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State and New Year’s Day. Under Czech law, retail outlets with a sales area exceeding 200 square meters must...
Prague will welcome the first day of 2026 with reduced admission to several major cultural and leisure venues, offering residents and visitors an alternative to the city’s former New Year’s fireworks. On Thursday, January 1, nine institutions across the capital will take part in the city-backed initiative known as the New Year’s Gift for residents, making museums, galleries, and popular attractions more accessible on the public holiday. One of the strongest draws is Prague Zoo, which will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a flat admission fee of 100 CZK for all visitors. The offer applies throughout the day and does not require proof of permanent residence. The zoo’s participation continues a tradition that has made New Year’s Day one of its busiest winter dates. A similar price applies at the Museum of Public Transport in Střešovice, where entry will cost 100 CZK during opening hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum, housed in historic tram depots, documents the development of Prague’s public transport network and is a frequent choice for families with children. Nature lovers can head to the Botanical Garden in Troja, which will offer a 50 percent discount on standard admission when tickets...
Prague will once again invite residents to stay active during the holiday period with the 17th edition of Free Sports Week. The event will run from Thursday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025, offering free access to dozens of sports facilities across the capital. The initiative is aimed at encouraging people to spend the final days of the year moving rather than sitting at home. Swimming pools, ice rinks, gyms and outdoor sports grounds throughout Prague will open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to try a broad range of activities without paying an entrance fee. A detailed and regularly updated overview of venues, dates and conditions is available at prahasportovni.cz. More than 40 different sports are expected to be available during the week. In Prague 4, the Podolí Swimming Stadium will offer free access to both indoor and outdoor pools, while the HAMR sports complex in Braník will open its football pitches. Baseball and softball activities will be available at Eagles Park, and public skating will take place at the HC Kobra Prague rink. Prague 5 will join with free swimming at the newly renovated SK Motorlet swimming pool. In Prague 6, residents can use beach volleyball...
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