Welcome to Prague

For the third time in a row, the historic centre of Prague will host the Challenge Family International Triathlon race. It is a great opportunity to explore the beauties of the city. Prague and the Czech Republic offer plenty of reasons to stay for a few more days.

Highlights of the city

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is divided by the Vltava River. It is often nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires” for the number of castles, churches, and other historical buildings. Prague is well-known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colourful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show.

The 9^th-century Prague Castle is rising above the city (and the racing course) on a steep hill. You can visit the castle’s astonishing St. Vitus Cathedral or the famous tiny houses in Golden Lane, which were built in 16th century for guards of the castle. The long stairs will take you down to Malá Strana district. Take a walk in the park Kampa (which is located just next to the race venue) and find the hidden spot of the Lennon’s wall. Cross the famous Charles Bridge and visit the old town of Prague. If you have the right timing, you can watch the show of twelve apostles as the Prague Astronomical Clock strikes at the Old Town Square. Explore the countless amount of beautiful narrow streets of the old town and the Old Jewish Quarter that is home to the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active Jewish house of worship, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

Take a rest in one of the many cafés in Prague city center, check out the view over Prague’s bridges and red rooftops from Petřín, take a boat and explore the city from a different angle or simply enjoy a cold Czech beer and the sun on the riverside as locals do.

Surrounding

If you decide to stay in the Czech Republic just bit longer, you can experience day trip outside of Prague. Take a trip to the famous Gothic castle Karlštejn or the close by Castle of Bohemian kings Křivoklát, located in the natural protected area Křivoklátsko with many hiking, biking, nature and equestrian trails, rivers, and forest areas.

Or explore the south of the city, beautiful natural area around the Vltava river with many possibilities to swim and enjoy a sunny day. Take a little hike and spot one of the most spectaculars scenery of the River at the view point Máj.

If you fan of history, don’t miss the chance to visit Kutná Hora – city in the east of Prague known for the Gothic St. Barbara’s Church with medieval frescoes and flying buttresses. Also notable is Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel adorned with human skeletons.

The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, in Central Europe, is a country that’s known for its ornate castles, native beers and long history. The country is popular by tourists for its picturesque capital, but the Czech Republic has so much more to offer! You can explore one of the four national parks and many natural protected areas or visit small historical cities and enjoy its cozy atmosphere.

Český Krumlov, a small town in the South Bohemia region protected by UNESCO, is notable for its wealth of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, many of which house restaurants and shops.

    

 

 

 

 

 

Gastronomy

Taste one of the world-wide famous beers or try out one of the microbreweries located almost in any town. The best-known beers are Pilsner Urquell and Budějovický Budvar. If you are more wine person, grapes are also grown in the Czech Republic. South Moravia’s white wine has received many awards! The herbal Becherovka liqueur, which is made in the spa town of Carlsbad, is also a popular souvenir with visitors to the Czech Republic.

Since ancient times, Czech cuisine has been influenced by the mixture of cultures and traditions that were developed throughout our territory, especially by the Celts and Slavs. Located in the heart of Europe, Czech cuisine has adopted influences from the north and south, east and west, and has always been open to anything new. Try out the typical Czech dish dumplings served with meat or one the many types of sauces. You can also taste a range of potato meals and if you have a sweet tooth, Czech are well known for various cakes and delicious pastry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

If you come to Prague with your family, you should definitely visit the Prague ZOO – one of the best zoological gardens in Europe. We strongly recommend you saving the all day for this trip. The zoo is accessible by car or via public transportation, but you can make the trip even more fun and take a river ferry.

Botanical garden is located just next to the Prague ZOO. The Garden invites the visitors to see and enjoy open air exhibitions, arranged as an impressive park, the historical Vineyard of St. Claire, Japanese Garden or the tropical greenhouse Fata Morgana.

Explore the city from different angle and take a boat ride. Paroplavba will not only take you to the zoo but you can also take a one hour sightseeing tour. If you have more time, you can make one day trip outside of Prague to the beautiful natural area in the south of Prague and dam Slapy or small city of wine yards and castle Mělník.

National Technical Museum is paradise for everyone who is interested in science and technology. For over a hundred years extensive collections have been assembled here documenting the development of many technical fields, of the natural and exact sciences, and of industry in the territory of today’s Czech Republic. The museum now presents centuries of ingeniousness in 14 permanent expositions: Transportation, Architecture, Construction and design, Astronomy, Printing, Photo studio, Technology in the home, Mining, Metallurgy and Measurement of time.

Experience something different, take your kids and visit Dinopark. Go on an adventurous trip and explore the unknown world of dinosaurs. The participants of Ford CHALLENGEPRAGUE have a special discount for family entrance.

The Czech Republic might not have a sea but that won’t stop us from surfing. Challenge yourself and try out our Surfarena. Indoor Surfing Simulator allows experience feelings known from surfing, far from the ocean!

As any other city, Prague offers countless shopping opportunities. You can visit the luxury Pařížská street, many stores around the Old Town Squares and Wenceslas square or enjoy the various offer of stores, restaurants and cinemas of shopping malls. The closest to the race venue is OC Smichov or Palladium.