January is among students one of the least favourite months of the year – ever-present exams, cold weather and just a little free time. But don’t worry! Since the 13th of February, you can enjoy yourself and make use even of the cold weather.
Winter in the Czech Republic can be very romantic, joyful and amusing. There are many activities to try and many places to visit during winter. This article will present some of them.
One of the favourite winter activities among Czechs is ice skating. You can find many places to ice skate in Prague, so you don’t have to wait until the nearest pond freezes to enjoy this activity. Ice skating is not only funny, but it is very affordable as well. The average price of 1 hour of skating is around 50 CZK when you have your own skates. It is also possible to borrow a pair of skates directly on an ice rink. Most ice rinks are open until the end of February, so don’t miss this chance.
Ice skating with a beautiful view of Prague that’s probably the best description is an ice ring in Riegrovy sady. Due to its location, you can enjoy a lovely view of the whole city, and in addition there is a nice outdoor place to have a cup of mulled wine, hot chocolate or any other average of your choice.
If you prefer to look at the Prague Castle while skating, you might enjoy visiting the ice rink on Náplavka called Čapadlo. What’s more, there is no fee, and if you have your own skates, you can skate for free.
Apart from ice skating and drinking hot chocolate, you can enjoy a traditional Czech festival in February called Masopust. Masopust is a tree-days-long feast during which people consume a lot of food – mainly pork meat, doughnuts with plum butter and they drink homemade heavy spirits. The reason behind this gluttony is that after the feast, an official forty days long fast begins. Masopust is famous not only for its food and drinks but also for its parade in costumes during which people walk through a village.
Masopust is also celebrated in Prague on several locations.
One of the biggest celebrations is on Letná. All the traditional activities will include live music, theatre, eating, and a parade. In addition, you can visit different cultural institutions for free when wearing a costume. Letenský Masopust takes place on the 26th of February from 12.30 to 17.00 in front of the National Technical Museum Prague. You can also enjoy Masopust celebrations in Karlín on the 26th of February from 10.00 to 19.00.
Skiing and cross-country skiing is one of the favourite sports of Czechs of all time. There is even an iconic photo of a cross country skier on the Charles bridge last winter. However, there are many places not far from Prague to enjoy this activity. The most famous place just an hour and a half from Prague, where you can find circa 180 km of tracks for advanced skiers as well as for absolute beginners, is located in Bedřichov in Jizerské Hory. You can take your own skis or borrow them directly in Bedřichov.
Have fun and enjoy winter (regardless of which activity you choose to try)!
