Prague is now home to the most modern animal hospital in Europe, a state-of-the-art wildlife rescue center capable of treating up to 10,000 injured or stray animals each year.

The new facility, located in Jinonice, cost more than 400 million CZK and offers comprehensive veterinary care for a wide range of wild species. But it’s not just a hospital — it also doubles as a space for public education and school programs.

Common patients include swans, owls, otters, squirrels, and even larger species such as roe deer, mouflons, fallow deer, and beavers. After recovery, most animals are released back into their natural habitat.

The hospital’s Jinonice location features a surgical suite, intensive care unit, veterinary clinic, treatment aviaries, feed preparation room, isolation units, and recovery enclosures.

It also includes a lecture room designed for educational programs aimed at school groups and the general public.

The rescue station employs 24 specialists who care for around 1,000 animals at any given time. Currently, about 150 wild creatures, mostly birds and hedgehogs, are preparing for release.

The head of the rescue station, Veronika Kraslová, says the success rate is impressive: over 60% of adult animals and nearly 90% of young ones survive thanks to early intervention.

“Even if the odds are slim, we try. But unfortunately, some animals are too traumatized to be saved.”

What To Do If You Find an Injured Animal

Kraslová urged Prague residents to always contact experts first. “If you find an injured animal, call our emergency line at 773 772 771. We’ll guide you on what to do,” she said. “Sometimes well-intentioned actions, like moving the animal, can cause more harm. It’s crucial to consult us first.”

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The American fast-food chain Popeyes is accelerating its expansion in the Czech Republic, announcing plans to open ten new locations across the country in 2025.

While continuing to strengthen its presence in Prague, the brand will move into new territories, with branches confirmed for Brno, Pardubice, and Pilsen.

“In most cases, these will be restaurants located in shopping centers. This year, we may also launch a drive-thru and a highway stop,” said Jiří Petrovič, Chief Development Officer for Popeyes in Czechia, Poland, and Romania. “I won’t disclose more details yet, as some sites are still under construction. But I believe we’ll make a lot of Louisiana chicken fans happy this year.”

According to Petrovič, at least six additional branches will launch by the end of the year or in early 2026.

In Prague, Popeyes currently operates three outlets. Outside the capital, fans can visit the location in Stehelčeves, near the D7 highway, and, since April 1, the chain’s latest branch in České Budějovice.

Popeyes entered the Czech market in 2023 with its debut restaurant on Wenceslas Square, where it sold over 100,000 portions in its first year. That opening drew massive crowds, with some eager customers waiting up to 26 hours to get a taste. A similar turnout was seen in České Budějovice this spring.

By 2033, the company aims to operate 60 restaurants across the country, including new locations in Central Bohemia and Moravia.

“It’s generally easier to open restaurants in food courts. This model supports faster expansion and helps us scale more quickly,” Petrovič explained. Compared to standalone venues, food court locations reduce build-out times and simplify operations. However, because each site presents different challenges, Popeyes has yet to release specific opening dates.

In Pilsen, the company confirmed a new branch will be built at the site of the former Carimex building near Rokycanská třída. The previously controversial glass building—nicknamed “Glass Hell”—was recently torn down to make room for a new Úslava Shopping Center.

“For now, I can confirm the new center will include a Billa supermarket and also Popeyes—the first restaurant of its kind in the Plzeň Region,” said Ivan Hlaváček, Executive Director of InterCora, in a March statement.

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By renovating and expanding the historic workshop halls near Prague’s Masaryk Railway Station, the National Technical Museum plans to open a Museum of Railways and Electrical Engineering by 2030.

The updated cost of the project has now risen to 1.89 billion CZK, including VAT, up from the originally projected 1.69 billion.

The new museum will stand on the site of the former workshops along Husitská Street, featuring a newly constructed building and a covered track area.

“These buildings are officially recognized cultural landmarks,” said Karel Ksandr, director of the NTM.

“They commemorate the arrival of the first train to Prague, which took place 180 years ago this year.” The historic moment occurred on August 4, 1845, when the first train pulled into what is now Masaryk Station. The first official ceremonial train was greeted at the Gate of Glory on August 20 of the same year.

An architectural study is already complete, and the museum has acquired additional land next to the site.

In collaboration with the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Czech Technical University (CTU), the team is working on solutions to reduce energy consumption in the historic halls. According to Ksandr, the concept was inspired by the railway museum in Kyoto, Japan.

One key challenge was determining the main entrance. After negotiations with nearby property owners, NTM secured a plan for the entrance to face towards the city center.

The exhibits in Prague will be regularly updated.

Highlights include Emperor Franz Joseph’s personal saloon car, along with historic locomotives and wagons from different periods.

Among the standout pieces are two restored steam locomotives, the 210.001 Serenyi and the 411.019 Conrad Vorlauf, both unveiled to the public two years ago.

 

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A new study has confirmed what many have already suspected—drug use in the Czech Republic is increasing.

According to wastewater analysis conducted by the TG Masaryk Water Research Institute (VÚV), cocaine is the most common drug in Prague and Pilsen.

At the same time, methamphetamine (pervitin) dominates in Ústí nad Labem and Ostrava. The study also found that marijuana use is rising, with its presence in public spaces becoming more visible, particularly in Prague.

Gone are the days when smoking a joint was done in secret; today, the scent of marijuana is replacing cigarette smoke on the streets of the capital. However, how do scientists identify which drugs are being consumed and where? The solution was discovered in the wastewater analysis—novel, anonymous, and highly accurate for gazing at national drug consumption patterns.

How Scientists Track Drug Use Through Wastewater

Each year, researchers take wastewater samples from large Czech cities and test them for traces of drugs. It is a straightforward, objective way to see what people are using. The data is then sent to the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), allowing comparisons with other countries.

“The method provides an objective and anonymous view of drug consumption in the population. Thanks to it, we know which substances are the most popular and where their use is most widespread,” explains Věra Očenášková, the project leader at VÚV.

However, why don’t scientists sample unknown wastewater in one day? The reason is that people’s behaviour is different during the week. Friday and Saturday nights are party nights, and Mondays are recovery and sleep days. Scientists sample wastewater throughout a week to determine the best estimate of drug use.

The collected samples are then analysed using a liquid chromatograph – a state-of-the-art device worth CZK 15 million.

This device can accurately detect what substances have flowed through the city’s sewers. One analysis takes about two hours and provides a detailed overview of the presence of various drugs.

Drug map of the Czech Republic

In Prague alone, several kilograms of cocaine are flushed down the drain every week—equivalent to hundreds of thousands of individual doses. Addiction specialist Michal Miovský believes this information is crucial for law enforcement and public health efforts.

“Based on this data, authorities can determine where drug trafficking is most active and where prevention efforts should be focused,” he explains.

Prague remains the epicentre of cocaine use, but high concentrations were also found in Pilsen, Brno, and České Budějovice.

Marijuana is the most prevalent and accepted substance in the Czech Republic. “Marijuana stays in the body for a long time, which is why its levels tend to be high in wastewater,” explains Kateřina Grohmannová from the National Drug Monitoring Centre.

The highest levels of marijuana use were recorded in České Budějovice, Pilsen, and Prague, though significant concentrations were also found in Brno, Karlovy Vary, Ostrava, and Ústí nad Labem. According to experts, marijuana popularity is universal among generations, with no change in consumption patterns over time.

Ketamine is increasing, particularly in Prague, Ústí nad Labem, Brno, and Pilsen. The increasing trend of ketamine is something to worry about because the abuse of the drug has severe health implications. The death of actor Matthew Perry, in which ketamine was involved, has put its risks in the spotlight again.

Pervitin: The Czech Republic’s Long-Standing Meth Problem

Pervitin has long been a significant issue in the Czech Republic. It remains most common in Ústí nad Labem and Ostrava, regions that face significant socio-economic difficulties. The drug’s low price and easy availability make it particularly appealing.

Three years ago, pervitin was even detected in wastewater samples taken from schools in the Chomutov region, indicating that children under the age of 15 are experimenting with the drug. The study also found high levels of pervitin use in Pilsen, České Budějovice, and Brno.

Ecstasy: The Weekend Party Drug

Ecstasy (MDMA) remains a favourite among partygoers, with the highest levels found in Prague and Ostrava, followed by Pilsen, Brno, and České Budějovice. Unlike other drugs, ecstasy use is seasonal and peaks on weekends, which is reflected in the wastewater data—concentrations of MDMA spike on Fridays and Saturdays, then drop significantly during the week.

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Prague authorities have launched a public awareness campaign to promote the humane treatment of carp, a traditional symbol of Czech Christmas celebrations.

Running until December 23, the campaign highlights carp suffering when handled improperly, such as being kept in bathtubs, killed unprofessionally, or released into rivers.

“We want to emphasize that certain practices surrounding carp handling are extremely cruel and cause immense suffering for these animals,” said Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) at a press conference.

“This issue has been discussed for many years, and some retailers have already taken steps to address it. The initiative does not aim to ban the sale of live carp in Prague’s streets but seeks to encourage professional and humane practices.”

Why Keeping Carp in Bathtubs is Harmful

Experts warn that keeping live carp in bathtubs causes severe stress and health issues for the fish. “The temperature difference in bathtubs, combined with chlorinated water, creates an environment that is toxic and distressing for carp,” explained Ondřej Slavík, a specialist in fish behavior from the Czech University of Life Sciences. “The fish often exhibit signs of extreme stress, such as poor respiration, necrosis, and erratic swimming.”

Slavík also pointed out that transporting carp in plastic bags poses additional risks, as the fish may suffocate during transit. You can find his study here.

The Myth of River Rescue

Releasing carp into rivers, often seen as a compassionate alternative, can also lead to the fish’s demise. “For carp, rivers are an unfamiliar and hostile environment. Unlike the calm ponds they are bred in, rivers have currents and lack sufficient shelter,” Slavík explained. “This makes them easy prey and significantly reduces their chances of survival.”

Campaign Visibility

To ensure maximum impact, the campaign will appear on digital screens throughout the city, including in public transportation hubs like the Národní třída metro station, medical facilities, and on street furniture. A website provides additional resources and educational materials.

Statistics from the State Veterinary Administration reveal the scale of the issue, with 3,000 carp sales points across the country, 200 of which are in Prague. Around 15% of buyers opt to take live fish home.

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National park Bohemian Switzerland is a great hiking destination. You might have already heard about Pravčická Gate or iconic viewpoints around Jetřichovice.

If you decide to explore more about this hiking paradise, you need quality accommodation. I tried several pensions in this area, but I can recommend only one – Krásná samota. It means “beautiful solitude,” and once you visit this place, you understand why.

Bohemian Switzerland is my favorite place where I like to take my foreign friends for hiking. Our main destination is usually a hiking trek to Pravčická gate, unique stone formation in Europe.

However, I always had an issue finding appropriate accommodation that would allow us to stay for several days and explore the area more. Don’t take me wrong, there are some hotels in Hřensko or pensions in typical Czech cottages, but there was always something that I would not completely recommend it. Until I found Krásná Samota, thanks to Amazing Places recommendation.

 

Two hundred years of history

Despite the fact, that pension is really a solitude outside of the civilization, we found it through villages and forests thanks to well-prepared signs. Once we arrived, we were welcomed by friendly dog Lajla and by Marcela with her little daughter Magdalenka. Michal just had a yoga lesson in the attic. Marcela showed us our double room, breakfast area with a fireplace, and a huge garden. It was about sunset time, and I could not help myself and start photographing, it was just magical.

Pension used to be a farmhouse founded in 1818. However, it deteriorated over time, especially during the communist period when private farming was prohibited. In 2013, Michal found this place and started with reconstruction. The whole building is made of natural materials such as wood, sandstone, and clay plasters.

During five years of reconstruction, Michal combined it with his regular job as a hairdresser. Today, he is not pursuing a professional career anymore, and rather enjoys life in the countryside. However, you can still take advantage of his professionalism and have a new haircut.

Krásná samota was finally open in 2018 when Michal and Marcela had a one-year-old girl Magdalenka. If you are wondering how they come up with this suitable name, the responsible one is the little one. Although she was not speaking at this time, she brought a book with this name at the moment when her parents were discussing the name. And here it is, the beautiful solitude.

Today, you can find accommodation in one double room or three apartments, each one with a private kitchen and bathroom. You can prepare food by yourself or have a vegetarian breakfast by the fireplace downstairs. The pension can accommodate up to 17 people.

What you can do and see at Krásná samota

The pension itself is a great place for relaxation. You can explore the garden with growing flowers and vegetables, range with sheep and goats, fireplace under the stars, grill place under the shelter or hammock under the trees. In the middle of the garden is a pond with various fishes. Close by; you can even find a beehive thanks to which Michal can provide you, with homemade honey.

During the winter, the garden is still charming, but you can take advantage of the fireplace and choice of local wines, have a yoga lesson with Michal, enjoy the sauna with wellness and massages or relax with your book, anywhere you like.

Therefore, Krásná samota is a great place to relax and active holiday for the whole year. I would highly recommend hiking to Pravčická brána (about 30-minute drive to Hřensko) and hiking to viewpoints around Jetřichovice (about 20 min drive). Pension is a great starting point for bikers and cross-country skiers. If you prefer just a relaxing walk, the nearby village Chřibská is full of charming timbered houses.

How to get to Krásná Samota

You can drive to Chřibská by highway direction to Dresden and then turn North to Česká Kamenice and village Chřibská. It is about 2 hours drive. In Chřibská, you can find several signs on the way that will take you through the forest to Beautiful Solitude…

Address: Horní Chřibská 84, Chřibská, 407 44

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January 16 marks exactly 55 years since Czech student Jan Palach’s self-immolation at the top of Wenceslas Square that would lead to his death in hospital three days later.

Memorial events were held in Prague on Tuesday marking the self-immolation of Jan Palach 55 years ago, on January 16, 1969. Senate speaker Miloš Vystrčil and other senators laid a wreath at a memorial at the top of Wenceslas Square, where Palach, who was 20, set himself on fire in protest at apathy in the face of the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia.

About half-past one, Jan Palach doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire near the fountain at the National Museum in Wenceslas Square in Prague. After several minutes, those passing managed to extinguish the living torch.

The seriously burnt student was taken to the Faculty Hospital in Vinohrady, but the injuries were so serious that he had no hope of surviving.

He left a letter at the site explaining the motives of his terrible act: “As our nation is living in a desperate situation, and its reconciliation with fate has reached its utmost stage, we have decided that in this way we will express our protest and shake the conscience of the nation …ˮ He died three days later, on 19 January 1969.

Palach called himself “Torch no. 1” in his letter, giving the impression that he was a part of a larger group which in fact did not exist. But several others followed his example in Czechoslovakia and other eastern bloc countries.

“People must fight against the evil they feel equal to measure up to at that moment,” Palach said before he died in hospital on Jan. 19.

Palach’s death did not change the gradual, almost total resignation in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. For almost twenty years, the name Jan Palach could only be whispered in public.

His life story immediately got into “forbidden” songs or strongroom literary works. Only after a change in relations in the autumn of 1989 could historians, documentarists or artists officially and freely present it.

The entire construction was completed at the beginning of the 15th century.

The foundation stone was laid down by Charles IV on the 9^th July 1357 at 5:31 a.m., and the date and time have not been selected randomly.

When we write the numbers down as follows: 1 3 5 7 (year) 9 (day) 7 (month) 5 3 1 (time), we get an increasing and decreasing scale with number 9 at the top:

In addition to this sequence, time was also chosen with respect to the position of the planets – all of the known planets were above the Sunset, which was Lion’s ascendant sign, the Heraldic symbol of the Kingdom of Bohemia. According to the legend, bridge builders added the egg mortar.

Work on the bridge went ahead but Charles IV died long before its completion; in 1378 while the bridge was finished in 1402. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the first of many famous statues were added which came to define the appearance of the famous structure.

From 1883, there was a horse tram passing across the bridge, replaced in 1905 by electrical line. In order to preserve the artistic view of the bridge and not to ruin it with wires leading at the top, Frantisek Křižík came with a special line through the bridge deck.

Yet the heavy carriages vibrated the construction and thus were replaced by buses in 1908. Even the buses were not ideal, so the transport was again stopped the next year, to be renewed in 1932 using buses on tires.

Public transport operated here until World War II, cars stopped driving across the bridge in 1965.

Charles Bridge along with its rich history became one of the most visited, most beautiful, and most valued monuments in Prague.

“During World Cleanup Day last year, nearly 18 million volunteers from 157 countries around the world managed to collect 82,000 tons of waste,” said Miroslav Kubásek, National Coordinator of World Cleanup Day for the Czech Republic.

The aim of World Cleanup Day is not only to pick up waste, but to also raise awareness of the severity of the global climate crisis, drive behaviour change towards less consumption and induce companies, organizations, and governments to adopt more sustainable environmental policies.

World Cleanup Day is organized by Let’s Do It World – a global movement that supports and connects a new generation of community leaders, who are ready to act together to find lasting solutions for the waste problem in their countries.

Taking place on the third Saturday every September, National CleanUp Day was founded to rally volunteers to better our environment by collaborating with one another to improve their local communities.

Any individual, group or organization can start their own cleanup by simply going to the event’s site and signing up.

You can check out the cleanup map and join an event near you. If there is no event organized near you, in your city or neighborhood, take your own initiative and organize a public cleanup yourself.

Ukliďme Česko is a voluntary cleaning event that takes place all over the Czech Republic (and even in a few places outside of it). Its purpose is to clean up illegal black dumps and mess. The event is organized by NGO Ukliďme Česko z. s. in cooperation with other organizations.