Als Prag – Kenner möchten wir Ihnen in diesem vollständigen Reiseführer zeigen, warum Prag im Winter ein wunderbarer Ort für einen Besuch ist. Erfahren Sie mehr über Weihnachtsmärkte, die besten Aktivitäten im Winter, was Sie erwartet, wo Sie übernachten und was Sie im Dezember, Januar und Februar einpacken sollten, wenn das kalte Wetter das Land trifft. In diesem Beitrag behandeln wir alle wichtigen Dinge, die Sie wissen müssen, bevor Sie Ihre Winterreise in die Hauptstadt Tschechiens planen!

Es ist ein friedlicher Sonntagmorgen, und in Prag hat es die ganze Nacht über geschneit. Die Sonne geht gerade über den schneebedeckten Dächern und Hunderten von Türmen auf, wir haben die Altstadt und die Karlsbrücke hinter uns gelassen und erklimmen nun einen kurzen Hügel zur Prager Burg .

Es ist zu früh und so kalt, dass wir kaum jemanden auf der Straße treffen.

Hin und wieder landet eine kleine Flocke auf unserer Nase, und wir hören, wie der Schnee leise unter unseren Füßen knistert, und das zaubert uns ein Lächeln ins Gesicht.

Wir kommen gerade rechtzeitig zum perfekten Sonnenaufgang in Hradcanske Namesti an und genießen intensiv die friedliche Atmosphäre, die wir in Prag, einer Stadt, die in letzter Zeit zu einem der beliebtesten Reiseziele in Europa geworden ist, selten die Gelegenheit haben, aufzusaugen.

Es ist wirklich kalt und wir frieren, aber die Aussicht war die Mühe wert und wir genießen es einfach, mit einer Tasse heißem Tee im Hinterkopf, der uns zu Hause erwartet. Was für ein Start in den Tag!

Willkommen in Prag, einem magischen Ort das ganze Jahr über, aber besonders im Winter.

WAS SIE BEI ​​EINEM BESUCH IM WINTER IN PRAG  ERWARTET

Wenn Sie sich fragen, wie Prag im Winter aussieht, sind Sie hier genau richtig. Das zweideutige Gefühl ist wahrscheinlich die treffendste Beschreibung unserer Beziehung zum Winter in Prag.

Aber da wir hier leben, wird es sich wahrscheinlich von Ihrem Urlaubserlebnis unterscheiden.

Der Winter kann eine der besten Zeiten sein, um Prag zu erkunden , und gleichzeitig die schlechteste. Nun, wie ist das überhaupt möglich?

Wenn der Neuschnee zu fallen beginnt, bedeckt er die Kopfsteinpflasterstraßen, Metallspitzen und roten Dächer mit einer weißen Decke und schafft ein Postkarten-Wunderland, in das Sie sich sofort verlieben werden. Es ist einfach eine der besten Zeiten, um Prag zu besuchen, da sich die Stadt in ein magisches Märchenland verwandelt.

Wenn sich jedoch die grauen Wolken über der Stadt zusammenziehen und die Temperaturen steigen, schmelzender Schnee ein dunkles Durcheinander auf den Straßen hinterlässt, und wenn Sie vierzehn Tage lang die Sonne nicht gesehen haben, können Sie spüren, wie Ihre Stimmung sinkt.

But you know what? You can always use bad weather to your advantage. Of course, if you know how, and if you know what the best things to do in Prague in winter are, apart from the classic tourist activities that everyone wants to see and do in the city of a hundred spires.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PRAGUE IN WINTER

One of the most frequently overlooked things to consider when planning your trip to Prague in winter, which we haven’t mentioned anywhere, is that the days are significantly shorter between November and February.

December has the shortest days in Prague, and we even have a lovely saying here in the Czech Republic: “Lucie sips the night, but the day remains the same.” This basically means that if Lucie’s name day is on December 13th, it’s the shortest day of the year.

In summer we have 16 hours of daylight, in winter only 8. That’s quite a difference.

And you might think this isn’t as bad as it sounds, but let’s put this information into context. In mid-December, sunset in Prague is at 3:58 p.m. Fast forward to June, and the sun disappears below the horizon at 9:15 p.m. The time difference is staggering, and you should be aware of it.

For some it might not be a big deal, for others it’s a dealbreaker. Planning a trip to Prague .

For this reason, winter in Prague is a perfect time for museums, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences. Those who enjoy long evening strolls in the city center or who can’t imagine any more nighttime photo opportunities while on vacation will find plenty to enjoy here.

IS DECEMBER OR JANUARY A GOOD TIME TO VISIT PRAGUE?

Prague is a year-round travel destination, and each month has its advantages and disadvantages.

We would probably even recommend that first-time visitors come to Prague in winter, because if you know what to expect and arrive prepared, you will enjoy your trip at any time of year.

January and February are the best months to visit Prague for people who want to avoid crowds. want to and don’t care that the probability of bad weather is higher.

The good news is that it’s not always so gloomy and rainy, and you might get lucky with the weather, but a picnic on the Petrin Hill or Vysehrad You can forget about it.

Overall, we enjoy walking through Prague in winter; you can also plan a 1-day itinerary through Prague or one Mastering a 3-day itinerary in Prague and add some chic coffee shops to your wish list so you always have a place to warm up. Continue exploring this beautiful city.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PRAGUE IN WINTER

As one of the best travel destinations in Central Europe, Prague offers activities for all travelers at any time of year.

Some of the activities we will mention below are possible in both summer and winter, while some are only available during the winter months (hello ice skating).

Here is our personally tested list of the best activities and things to do in Prague during the winter.

BOAT TOURS

Taking a boat trip on the Vltava River at night, enjoying the views and dinner, is one of the best things to do in Prague. Seeing the majestic medieval landmarks from the river allows you to admire the beauty of the city from a different perspective in a very relaxed and peaceful way. There are many options to choose from, but we think the evening cruise is the best choice, as you can spend the day exploring the city. In summer you can go on deck from the boat, and although you can do the same in winter, the biggest advantage of a boat trip when it’s cold outside is that you can stay nice and warm while eating traditional Czech food and enjoying the view. You can book this highly rated sightseeing boat trip with dinner in Prague in advance here.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN PRAGUE

Christmas markets are a wonderful idea, and they are part of the magical holiday atmosphere, but although we Prague Christmas Markets We, as locals, don’t particularly like the ones we’ve included on our list, and we’ll tell you why in about a minute.

Although tourists really love Christmas markets in Prague (or generally anywhere in Europe), it is one of the things that locals are not particularly interested in and usually avoid as much as possible.

Not that the markets aren’t worth a visit; they create a wonderful atmosphere in the old town, and the scent of mulled wine and roast pork always enchants your senses.

But here comes the crucial part.

The markets are only for tourists, and only tourists and traders sell extremely overpriced items here.

These places are not wonderful local markets (like those we find in South America, for example). They love and enjoy them very much, where locals do their daily shopping. But that’s not surprising; Prague is a top tourist destination, so the markets cater to tourists.

And we know that this is part of the experience and the Christmas atmosphere, and you’re willing to pay more because it’s your holiday, but just be careful when buying things. The ham stalls in Prague’s Old Town are notorious for scams, and the rule of thumb is to avoid places that sell food by the 100-gram portion.

If you see a stall selling food by the gram, smile, wave, and find somewhere else to fill your empty stomach. The trick is that the vendors will fill your plate and you’ll pay a ridiculously small amount.

Decide for yourself whether the street food consisting of ham and potatoes is worth 50 euros or not (that’s the price for a starter and main course in a luxury restaurant in Prague).

We always try to be as honest as possible, and we have shared our opinion on the Christmas markets in Prague so that you know what to expect, and we hope you find this information useful.

PRAGUE’S BEST MUSEUMS

Freezing rain, sleet, snow… It’s time to go inside! Every visitor can enjoy the endless possibilities that Prague has to offer and discover just how many museums and exhibitions are actually scattered throughout the city.

We help you find the best museums in Prague to visit in winter.

The most popular choice is, of course, the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti). This magnificent building is a must-see, even if you don’t plan to go inside; we think it would be a shame to miss its fascinating interior with its many exhibits.

In addition, you can purchase a ticket that allows you to climb to the top of the dome. After many years of waiting, the museum has finally been renovated and is now slowly filling up with exhibits.

For engineers and families with children, there is a National Technical Museum near Letna Park with vintage cars, fighter planes, bicycles and much more that will entertain you for several hours on a rainy day.

Another option is the Jewish Museum in Prague, a very special collection of buildings, synagogues, and cemeteries in the heart of the city. It is a moving experience and a must-see for anyone visiting Prague, and a powerful reminder of the past.

If you are truly interested in this part of history, you should also visit the former [location name] on a day trip from Prague. Visit Theresienstadt Fortress.

To name a few other museums that are worth visiting, you can visit the Franz Kafka Museum, the House of the Black Madonna (Cubist Museum), or the Museum of Communism.

DOX, the Centre for Contemporary Art, is also a great place for lovers of modern art in the Holesovice district (Prague 7), a little away from the historic city centre.

Using public transport in Prague Getting around is easy, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

SHOPPING IN PRAGUE

If shopping is your thing, you’ll have a lot of fun in Prague. From the luxurious Parizska Street with its high-end shops and large shopping centers to handcrafted jewelry stores and small antique bookshops, Prague offers great shopping opportunities for everyone.

The most popular shopping center in Prague for tourists is the Palladium on Namesti Republiky, where you can find more than 170 shops.

If you’re looking for a traditional Czech souvenir, consider buying Bohemian glass, garnets, wooden toys, or porcelain. Glassmaking has a long tradition in the Czech Republic, and glass products make excellent gifts.

Always compare quality and price, as some souvenirs are very overpriced.

OLD TOWN

Prague’s Old Town is still one of the most popular places for tourists and is full of top attractions, museums, shops, cafes and restaurants.

The Old Town Square The famous astronomical clock represents an imaginary heart of the district and shows that the old town was an independent city until it finally merged with the capital in the 18th century.

One of the best things to do in the Old Town is to take a walk along the river promenade to enjoy the breathtaking views of Prague Castle and the Lesser Town (Mala Strana), then visit the Jewish Museum and admire the architectural beauty of the old buildings. Of course, don’t forget to see the spectacular show of the twelve apostles that appear every hour on the astronomical clock in the small doorway.

We’ve already talked about the Christmas markets, so be prepared to find lots of stalls and people in Old Town Square, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Prague is safe even after nightfall. , and the old town is one of the best places to go after sunset.

KARLSBRÜKE

Everyone knows the classic postcard panorama of the Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) with Prague Castle in the distance above the city.

A famous old bridge in the heart of Europe, spanning the Vltava River, has a long and fascinating history. As part of the Royal Route (or King’s Road), the soon-to-be-crowned new king would begin his journey in Náměstí Republiky, leading a royal procession across the Charles Bridge to the Prague Castle , and the bridge was one of the places where the Czech nation could celebrate its new king.

Today is the Charles Bridge the main attraction in Prague and a magnet for tourists who come to the city from all over the world.

We’ve never heard of anyone coming to Prague and not going to the Charles Bridge. It would be like going to Paris and not going to the Eiffel Tower, or visiting New York without seeing the… Statue of Liberty visit .

Simply put, this is Prague at its best.

Have you ever wondered how many statues are on the Charles Bridge? There are 30 statues, although some of them may be reconstructed.

Extra tip The Charles Bridge can get very crowded, so watch out for pickpockets.

HANDMADE BEER

Is Prague the best beer city in Europe? It’s hard to say, but it’s high on the list, and beer tourism is a real thing in Prague. The market has changed and grown, and the Czech Republic’s craft beer industry is booming. And that’s great news for everyone who loves a good beer. The Prince range for a good craft beer in Prague is between 60 and 120 CZK (2-5 euros), which is still incredibly cheap when we compare it to prices in other European capitals, even though alcohol is getting more expensive every year. If you’re a fan, you can also visit local breweries in the city and try some excellent lagers, wheat beers, or dark beers. Some of them have a long and fascinating history. If you are looking for a unique beer experience, we recommend visiting the pub Zlý Časy or BeerGeek, where they have a wide selection of beers. If your passion for beer goes even further, you can… Staropramen Brewery , the beer museum or a Prague Visit a beer tasting tour.

FOOD AND EAT WELL

Prague is not generally regarded as the best culinary destination in Europe, but much has changed in recent years and you will find great restaurants and new modern bistros in Prague.

Even budget-conscious travelers can find places to eat. A new coffee boom has revitalized the market, and many hipster coffee shops have opened.

Apart from that, thanks to a strong Vietnamese community living in the Czech Republic, you can try delicious Pho, Bun bo Hue or Banh Mi on almost every corner.

If you run out of ideas for what to eat, you can always try one of the traditional Czech dishes such as Svickova or VKZ (short for Vepro knedlo zelo – roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut), goulash or Rizek (schnitzel), or if you are brave enough, try Smazeny syr or simply Smazak (fried cheese).

Be warned, this is not for the faint of heart.

ICE SKATING

Ice hockey is one of the two most popular sports in the Czech Republic, and you can find both outdoor and indoor ice rinks in Prague, which shows that ice skating in winter is a big deal in Prague.

For the most unique experience, visit Ovocny Trh in the city centre (where you can rent ice skates), where a public outdoor ice rink opens every year in December.

Wonderful historical buildings surround the square, and the scenery of the Estates Theatre will take your breath away. The Ovocny Trh ice rink is the top attraction in Prague, so be prepared for crowds.

Other popular skating spots include under the Zizkov TV tower, Na Frantisku, in the Karlin district, or on the roof of the Harfa shopping center near the O2 Arena.

So far we have only mentioned outdoor ice rinks, but you will also find many indoor ice rinks in Prague, although they lack the beauty of being outdoors.

Once every few years, the ice on the Vltava River is thick enough for safe ice skating, which is the ultimate outdoor winter experience in Prague, although you might be incredibly lucky to be here at that time.

CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS IN PRAGUE

Did you know that every Czech is a musician? At least according to an old saying we like to repeat here.

We never really thought about it much, as our musical talent is very raw and unpolished (to put it mildly), but we can definitely say that Prague is a city of music.

Prague is famous for classical music concerts, opera or ballet, and the affordable tickets offer foreign visitors the perfect opportunity to enjoy a well-performed piece of classical music in the beautiful interiors of Prague’s concert halls.

When we were researching for this article, we were overwhelmed by the number of concerts taking place in Prague in a single day, and you will probably find for yourself that there are many promoters on the streets offering concerts in the city center.

Keep in mind that despite the fact that classical concerts are the main attraction for tourists in Prague, concerts are still cultural evening events and many locals attend them.

So try to leave your knitted moose sweater and snow boots in the closet for this occasion, and dress appropriately for the occasion.

PRAGUE WINTER DAY TRIPS

Just because it’s colder outside doesn’t mean you can’t explore other destinations in the Czech Republic. Here are some tips for the best day trips from Prague . It’s easy to visit all these places if you read our separate blog posts for each destination. Or you can simply take a tour to take the hassle out of transportation and planning.

Český Krumlov It’s beautiful in every season. However, winter in Cesky Krumlov makes this otherwise busy UNESCO city a bit quieter and more peaceful, so it’s not a bad idea to visit at all.

Kutna Hora is together with the Bone Church Sedlec is always at the top of the list for day trips from Prague. It’s close to the Czech capital and you can Kutna Hora Easily accessible by public transport.

We may Karlovy Vary Not to be left unmentioned, the most famous spa resort in the Czech Republic, known for its exclusive spa treatments, hot springs and beautiful architecture.