Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Just over 1 million people live here. The historical part of Prague is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today it is the cultural and tourist center of Europe, and about 6 million travelers a year come to the city.
Geographical and climatic features
Prague is located on the banks of the Vltava River, within the city its length is almost 30 kilometers. The settlement itself is spread over 5 hills, which are separated by the riverbed.
The climate in the capital is temperate continental, summer is always warm, but rainy, with an average temperature of + 18-19 °С.
But in winter the weather in Prague is not characterized by severe frosts and abundant rainfall. So, in December the air temperature here fluctuates from -2 °C to +1 °C. In January, at night, the thermometer can drop to -4 °C. In February, the average temperature during the day is +3 °С, and at night - 3 °С.
Whatwatch in winter
Prague, according to reviews, is magnificent at any time of the year. However, in winter, especially if it snows, it appears before the eyes of tourists in a completely new guise. Gothic buildings under a thin layer of snow, fairs and exhibitions with many lights, and a huge number of ice rinks.
If you are a fan of outdoor activities, then feel free to go to the central part of the city, to the ice rink.
| location | working hours | brief description |
| on Fruit Square | 10:00 – 20:00 | Your own skates are allowed |
| Arfa Gallery |
weekdays 15:00 – 18:30; weekend 13:00 – 18:30 and 19:30 – 22:00 |
there is a platform on the roof of the building, the entrance to the skating rink is free |
| na Frantisku |
weekdays 08:00 – 17:30; weekend 10:00 - 21:00 |
huge area of the skating rink, 40x20 meters, entrance fee, discounts for children |
| at the KOBRA stadium |
weekend 13:00 – 15:00 |
located in the Branik area, entrance fee |
Of course, these are not the only places where you can go ice skating. Many locals and tourists prefer to go to the park for this. The most popular are Stromovka and Letna.
Stromovka Park
According to tourists, this Prague park is very beautiful in winter and summer. Even in ancient times, there were royal hunting grounds here. It was founded in the XIII century. In the park area there is a pond, which turns into a skating rink in winter. It is here that you can enjoy an active holiday surrounded by snow-white trees.
It should be noted that on the east side the park adjoins the exhibition center in Holešovice. The total area of this complex is 32 hectares. Fairs and exhibitions, sports events are held on its territory. The main attraction is the "Industrial Palace", built in 1891.
In the center you can visit the archaeological museum and the exhibition of stone sculptures. There is also an exposition of a staged battle near Lipan called "Marold's Panorama" and an aquarium "Sea World". The complex includes an amusement park, the home stadium of the Sparta hockey team and a swimming pool.
In the southern part of the park, at the highest point, there is the Summer Palace of the Viceroy, dating back to the 13th century. It was rebuilt many times, and in 1744 the palace was burned down by Prussian troops, but later completely restored. The famous movie "The Phantom of Morrisville Castle" was filmed at the Summer Palace.
Letna Park
This is more likely not even a park, but a hilly tract on the left bank of the Vltva River, with a total area of 3 hectares. The nearest bridge is Stefanik. Letensky tunnel runs under the tract. In ancient times, hunting grounds were also located here. It was only in the 19th century that this area was turned into a park.
This is not the first yearthey fill in an artificial skating rink of huge dimensions - 40 x 20 m. The entertainment is free, and it is recommended by all seasoned tourists. This skating area often hosts performances for children. In the park near the ice rink you can rent all the necessary equipment.
In winter in Prague, in Letna Park, you can admire the Vltava River and its bridges, from here you can enjoy a magnificent view of its bed. Of the attractions of the park, it is worth noting the Khanav Pavilion and the carousel, which is the oldest in Europe and is in working condition to this day.
There is a huge metronome on the observation deck. Previously, this place was a monument to Stalin. It was installed in 1955, but in 1962 it was blown up and in 1991 a metronome was installed instead of the sculpture. You can get here by tram and metro, to the Maloctranska station.
Historic part of the city
It is clear that the ice rink is an interesting entertainment, but a trip to Prague in winter or summer cannot do without sightseeing in the city, because it is one of the oldest settlements in Europe.
There are several options for sightseeing: on foot, by tram or by sightseeing bus. The last option, according to reviews, is the most acceptable for winter excursions. In 4 hours you will be able to see all the most beautiful places in the city. You will see the Old Town and Vlaclav squares, town halls, old streets, many of which are shrouded in legends and mystical stories.
Charles Bridge
This crossing existedback in the period when knights rode horses. In the XIV century, the astrologer of the royal court, the warlock Bezalel calculated the exact date when it was necessary to lay the bridge so that it would stand for a long time. The bridge was laid on July 9, 1357 at 05:31. It seems that the Kabbalist was not mistaken, the bridge has existed for 700 years and was not damaged by the Swedes, Germans, or floods.
By the way, during the medieval period, buildings were built using eggs, milk and butter. And during the construction of the Charles Bridge, the king ordered that not only raw eggs, but also boiled ones be brought to the construction site of the crossing so that they would not deteriorate during transportation. That is, the bridge was built using a kind of medieval know-how - using boiled eggs.
This Prague landmark features a Gothic arch and two guard towers on the west side. But the main decoration of the bridge is 30 baroque sculptures mounted on the parapets.
Old City
This is a mandatory stop on all city tours. The Royal Road passed through the square: from the Powder Tower to Charles Bridge, then to Prague Castle.
The Jewish Quarter is located on the square, where the remains of the Jewish ghetto that existed back in the 10th century have been preserved.
In the central part of the street there is an astronomical clock and the Tyn Church - the main sights of Prague. In addition, you can admire Gothic-style buildings and Baroque cathedrals in the square. In the center of the square there is a monument to Jan Hus. Here you can sit on one of the many benches andlisten to street musicians.
Wenceslas Square
This, according to tourists, is an obligatory stop on any tour of Prague, winter and summer. This is the central square of the city, where festive events, social gatherings and demonstrations are held. Even in 1945, this is where the end of the war was declared.
The square is very well designed - it is connected to most of the central and busiest streets of Prague. It was opened in 1348 and placed several markets. It received its modern name only after 500 years. The main attraction of the square is the equestrian sculpture of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the city and the country. The sculpture was installed only in 1912
The length of the square is 1 kilometer. It houses the majestic building of the National Museum (1890) and the shopping gallery "Lucerne". It is here, in the Yabloneks store, that girls tend to get in, because you can buy the famous Czech jewelry there. There are also music and book stores here.
Prague Castle description
Prague in winter fascinates, especially its ancient architecture. Prague Castle is the largest royal residence in the world. Even today, this fortress is the residence of the current president of the country.
The castle complex is a symbol of the Czech Republic and is included in the UNESCO List and the Guinness Book of Records. The total area is 70 thousand square meters. On the territory of the complex there are three main courtyards, an extensive ensemble of temples and palaces. All of them are made in differentstyles, as they were built in different periods.
People come to the castle to see how the changing of the guard takes place. The residence is guarded by 600 guards from an elite military unit. The changing of the guard takes place every hour, and if you arrive in time for 12:00 noon, you can see the action, which is accompanied by an orchestra.
Until the end of the 20th century, the territory of the fortress was completely closed to the public. With the advent of Vaclav Havel, the doors of each of the rooms of the palace complex began to open to the public. The fence around the Presidential Villa has been removed, the Royal Garden and other palaces have been opened.
Winter holidays in Prague
If you get the opportunity to get to Prague on New Year's Eve or on the eve of Christmas - do not refuse the trip. At this time, the city offers many seasonal events. These are fun fairs, unforgettable fireworks and tasting of Catholic festive dishes. It is probably not for nothing that the American edition awarded the capital of the Czech Republic an honorable first place in the category "Best Christmas Destination".
Several fairs open in the city already in November:
- on Peace Square;
- on Satromestska and Wenceslas Squares;
- on the Rear Square;
- on Republic Square;
- in Prague Castle.
Without exception, all Christmas markets host bright festive events. Performing groups, choristers and musicians. Master classes are held for children. Naturally, in every market you can see a ChristmasNativity scene with lambs and donkeys.
During the holidays, the look of winter Prague changes almost beyond recognition - lights are burning everywhere and there are a lot of people. Tourists can buy unique Bohemian glassware, dolls in national costumes, jewelry and try local delicacies.
Prague Zoo
According to the advice of tourists, no matter what kind of winter in Prague - cold, snowy or warm - it is worth visiting the zoo. It was founded in the 17th century and occupies 60 hectares. The park is one of the ten best zoos in the world.
Here you can chat with animals, stroke them, which is especially interesting for kids. The park area is located on two levels connected by a cable car. The zoo has many small paths and thousands of animals.
In winter, the park, which is located in the Troy area, is open from 9:00 to 16:00. Free public transport goes here - a bus with the inscription ZOO and the one that follows route number 112.
More things to do
If you failed to get to Christmas in Prague, what to do in the winter in the Czech capital? Reviews advise to go shopping. The city holds regular sales with the most fashionable collections, for this you need to go to the street on Přskop. There are large shopping complexes and small cozy shops with nice and unobtrusive sellers. You can walk along the street all day long.
By the way, despite the declared pre-Christmas discounts, the real price reduction is noticeable afterNew Year's holidays, starting from January 5-6 and until the end of February. Discounts can reach 70%, and Czech quality is known far beyond the borders of the country.
Fun for thrill seekers
A new direction of winter mountaineering has appeared in the world - ice climbing. In the Czech Republic, there are a huge number of waterfalls of different sizes, to which people come not only in summer to admire, but also in winter to climb a frozen waterfall. However, in order to have so much fun, you will have to go to the suburbs - to Marzhenka, Vran or Barrandov. Recently, judging by the reviews, Czech Switzerland has been especially popular among ice climbers.
Over a mug of mulled wine
Of course, winter holidays in Prague are also associated with mulled wine (in Czech, the drink is called svarak). You can taste it in any restaurant and cafe, of which there are a huge number in the city. The drink quickly warms and invigorates, which is very important after walking around the winter city or skating. Although, you can also order branded Prague beer, the quality of which is famous all over the world.
In cafes and restaurants you can taste dishes traditional for the country, as well as Italian and French cuisine. The average cost for lunch for 2 people is 200 kroons. The menu in Russian can be found in almost every institution.
Experienced travelers say that, despite the “mild” winter, it is still better to dress warmer and take thick-soled shoes with you, especially if you plan long walks. It's not bad to have rubber boots. And all the tourists who have been in Prague promise newcomers a lot of unforgettableimpressions and desire to come back here again.
