On Saturday, 22 April, the open-air part of the Prague Exhibition Centre, will host the first edition of the biggest Cycling Festival in Prague.
On site you can test a wide range of bicycles for children and adults. Bikes can be tested on the area of Holesovice Exhibition grounds as well as on individual off-road circuits.
Running from 10.00 to 20.00, Prague’s Bike Fest program includes the Big Air Show, the Bike Trial Show, workshops, a skills centre from the Ski and Bike Centre Radotín, a BMX pumptrack zone of the festival’s main partner Sazka, bike and e-bike testing, and thematic lectures.
However, the main programme will take place on the Brussels Road by the Marold Panorama and in the adjacent open-air venues, with lectures and interviews with riders & guests, including Teodor Kováč, Vašek Kolář, Martin Dražil and many others.
There will be a relaxation zone, a children’s skills center or a food zone with a wide range of refreshments.
The entire program is included in one entrance fee, you don’t have to pay anything extra on the spot or register anywhere.
Film and photo adrenaline from behind the scenes
Visitors can expect, for example, photographer Michal Červený, winner of the Czech Press Photo in the sports category, who will not introduce the topic of shooting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and what it is like to be a photographer at Cape Epic.
Jan Kasl, one of the top action photographers, will next walk visitors through his most intriguing shots from the Red Bull Illume and explain how such images are made and what technique he employs.
There will also be film productions led by FullFace Productions and Bikes on Film, both of which have worked on numerous cycling-related video projects. FullFace Productions will show “Crash Reel,” a collage of unsuccessful shots and crashes, as well as the documentary “Kripl Trip” and an action video themed after the increasingly popular urban rides in South America.
Bikes on Film – three freeride mountain bikers who are also experienced filmmakers and photographers – combine their lifetime loves to create one-of-a-kind audiovisual works of art.
- The production of passenger cars in the Czech Republic grew by 31.5% YoY to 353,770 cars in Q1 2023, with 11.7% of production being electric cars. The Automotive Industry Association reported that Škoda Auto, Hyundai, and Toyota were the top performers.
- Some 593,000 International Student Identity Cards or ISICs were issued in Czechia last year, which is the highest figure out of all the 130 countries where the document is used to certify a student status. France, which is roughly six times larger in terms of population, came second.
- The minimum gross decent wage for a full-time job in Czechia that would cover the needs of an adult with a child, as well as leisure time and small savings, should be CZK 40,912. In Prague, it should be CZK 42,776 due to the higher cost of living. The estimate was presented by a team of experts from the independent and informal Platform for a Minimum Decent Wage at a press conference on Tuesday.
- Czech farmers have 40% more grains in stock than a year ago as surging Ukrainian exports to European markets have replaced Czech exports, the country’s Agriculture Association said on Tuesday, warning of a potential squeeze in storage capacity.
- Prague has closed its river embankments and the gates of the Čertovka canal in response to heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding. The aim is to prevent a rise in the level of the Vltava River, which could occur if the flow rate exceeds 450 cubic meters per second. This would trigger the first stage of flood activity.
Chicken restaurant chain Popeyes has confirmed plans to open six new restaurants in Czechia: the first ones in Prague, and Brno.
The popular American fast food chain is set to open in the Czech Republic in the next few months and has big aspirations.
Louisiana is recognized for its jazz and blues music scenes, as well as its vast swampland. However, for many, Louisiana is best recognized as the birthplace of Popeyes, one of the most prominent fast food franchises serving fried chicken specialties.
Popeyes first opened in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1972.
Popeyes already has 350 branches in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Overall it has 3,800 restaurants in 25 countries.
The first restaurant will open between August and September this year, right on Wenceslas Square in Prague, where it will occupy an area of around seven hundred square metres on two floors.
Similarly, Marko Blaevi, who is in charge of expanding the Popeyes brand in Central and Eastern Europe, did not reveal the additional two sites set to open in the Czech Republic.
“We have a lot of other projects in mind, but working on a single location can take two to three years, so opening our first restaurants just nine months after licensing the Popeyes brand is a huge accomplishment.”
If everything goes according to plan, eight more branches should open on the Czech market in the next two to three years, at least one more in Prague, specifically in the renovated Máj department store on Národní třída.
Popeyes serves chicken dishes in mild and spicy flavors and offers sides such as red beans and rice, Cajun fries, mashed potatoes with Cajun-style gravy, Cajun rice, macaroni & cheese, biscuits, and coleslaw.
In addition to chicken, Popeyes also serves seafood entrées such as shrimp and catfish.
In response to heavy rain and the fear of flooding, Prague has locked its river embankments and the gates of the Čertovka canal.
The decision was made after consulting with meteorologists and flood-prevention officials. The goal is to keep the Vltava River level from rising if the flow rate surpasses 450 cubic meters per second. This would set off the initial stage of flood activity.
Since Friday, the city has been in communication with the Vltava River Basin, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, and other relevant organizations. The situation is being closely followed, and precautions have been made to protect the lives and property of the city’s citizens.
There are concerns that downpours could occur in the coming days. The Vltava River’s flow rate is projected to climb around 8 p.m. on the day of the closure.
Before the precautionary measures were implemented, the river’s water level was around 400 cubic meters per second.
It has been more than 20 years since the devastating floods that took property and lives and caused tens of billions in damage in August 2002.
“We expect that the current level of the Vltava will be maintained until the end of this week, after which it should start to drop,” said meteorologist Dagmar Honsová.
Prague adopted flood protection measures already on Sunday evening. Among them, the clearing and closing of embankments on the territory of Prague 1, 2 and 5.
Officers and the Technical Administration of Communications have placed barriers in front of their entrances.
- The production of passenger cars in the Czech Republic grew by 31.5% YoY to 353,770 cars in Q1 2023, with 11.7% of production being electric cars. The Automotive Industry Association reported that Škoda Auto, Hyundai, and Toyota were the top performers.
- The Czech Interior Ministry is preparing an amendment to the foreigners‘ law according to which foreign nationals from EU member states will be required to register if their stay in Czechia exceeds 90 days. According to the head of the Migration and Asylum Policy Department at the Interior Ministry, the fact that registration of EU nationals residing here long-term is not required is causing complications for towns and municipalities.
- The strict security measures at Prague Castle will be lifted. The security gates at entrances to the compound, which were installed in 2016, will be dismantled and security checks will no longer be conducted on a mass scale. In future, police officers guarding the premises will only make random security checks.
- Police officers from the National Centre against Organized Crime have charged five people in a case of large-scale fraud related to the management of the country’s largest health insurance company VZP and the Prague Transport Company. The five suspects have been charged with bribery, manipulating public tenders and money-laundering.
- The title of Czech Photographer of the Year 2022 was awarded to Czech News Agency reporter Roman Vondrouš on Saturday by the Association of Professional Photographers. Vondrouš was also nominated for the award in 2021 but didn’t win.
Take a look at this list of the many dreamy castles found in South Bohemia. Discover where to find these fairy tale castles in the Czech Republic and learn about their rich histories and beautiful but diverse styles.
Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a delightful little town with a dreamy castle that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with. It dates back to the 13th century, and it’s the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. The biggest one is the one in Prague.
Cesky Krumlov Castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century, and its most notable feature is its beautifully painted pink tower.
Over the centuries it has gone through the hands of a number of Bohemian aristocratic families and it now belongs to the state.
The views from the castle over the town are breathtaking, and its manicured gardens are truly spectacular.
Cesky Krumlov Castle is one of the most popular castles in the Czech Republic, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds, a great time to visit would be in spring and autumn on a weekday. Winter is also beautiful if you love a winter wonderland.
If you would like to stay in Cesky Krumlov overnight, a great place to stay is Krumlov Tower. Officially not part of the castle, Krumlov Tower is a 500-year-old medieval guard tower that will give you that fairy tale castle experience.
Hluboka Castle
More a Chateau than a Castle, Hluboka is one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic, which makes it another very popular attraction in South Bohemia.
And it’s easy to see why. As soon as you set eyes on this impressive castle, you will be transported into a world of fairy tales. It is a truly stunning building.
Originally founded in the 13th century, it has gone through a number of transformations. The current style was inspired by Windsor Castle, the residence of the British Royal family.
Hluboka Castle is huge, with 140 rooms, 11 towers and extensive and beautifully manicured grounds. But make sure you have enough time for a guided tour of the inside.
The interiors are really opulent, decorated with 16th to 18th-century paintings by European Masters, rich tapestries, and intricate Murano glass chandeliers. The furniture is mostly original and one of the best-preserved in the country.
Zvikov Castle
Zvíkov Castle is often called ‘the king of Czech castles’ because of its dramatic location, perched on a promontory where the Vltava and the Otava Rivers meet.
It was the seat of the first Czech kings and was strategically positioned on an important trade route, which makes it one of the best castles in the Czech Republic.
The Hliza Tower dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest preserved structure within the castle. A lot of the complex has disappeared, swallowed up by the rising of the waters caused by the construction of a dam.
However, you can still visit the areas that used to be the King’s Room and the Formal Royal Rooms.
They are now open terraces that offer spectacular views of the junction of the rivers and the cliffs on the other side. Despite the room no longer being there, you can clearly see some of the remains such as arches and columns, and imagine what they would have been like.
The interior of the castle has a very well preserved two-storey stone gallery with an open courtyard, which made me think of a monastery cloister and could easily fit in a Game of Thrones episode.
Zvíkov Castle is located about 20 km from the town of Pisek and is well connected by public transport.
Orlik Castle
Orlik Castle is a chateau that originated as a royal castle in the 13th century and was later handed to a number of noble families over the years.
The meaning of Orlik is said to come from the word ‘young eagle’ in Czech, and it was given this name due to its location perched on top of a rocky outcrop, like an eagle’s nest.
Originally, the castle was overlooking a valley and a ford across the River Vltava, but with the creation of a reservoir in the 1950s and 1960s, it’s now surrounded by water.
Like many other castles in South Bohemia, Orlik Castle has gone through a lot of changes, including two major fires. The current form is of Romantic Gothic style and gives it that fairytale look.
It was built in the 19th century by Prince Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg, who famously won the Battle of Leipzig against Napoleon.
After being confiscated by the state after WWII, the chateau is now back in the hands of the Schwarzenberg family.
An interesting anecdote is that the family had their last dinner by the library, which has over 18,000 books, before they had to leave the castle in 1948. They didn’t have much time to pack so they left everything behind as it was.
A great way to appreciate Orlik Chateau is from the water. Not far from the entrance there is a jetty where you can take a cruise on the reservoir that gives you a unique perspective of the castle and its position.
The castle is surrounded by an extensive English-style landscape park that is worth exploring.
Bechyne Castle
Bechyne Castle is a 13th-century chateau built in the village of Bechyne. However, it was reconstructed in the 17th century and none of the original structures remains today. The current Renaissance building with its fairytale-like pink facade was built by the Rosemberg family.
The castle has 110 rooms and a visit to the inside is well worth it, especially the wedding hall of Petr Vok of Rosemberg, its most famous owner. It is here that his famous 10-day long wedding to Katerina of Ludanice, who was 27 years younger, took place.
The courtyard has some incredible frescos, and the bedroom of the last member of the Rosemberg family is also worth a visit, with its highly decorated ceiling.
Petr Vok of Rosemberg didn’t leave any heirs and after his nephew died a few years after him, the Rosemberg line died with him.
There’s a theatre within the chateau, and a concert hall in the grounds that started its life as a riding hall with a tennis court, and became a textile factory during the communist regime.
The castle and the grounds have spectacular views over the Luznice River and the village of Bechyne.
Cervena Lhota
Last, but certainly not least, Cervena Lhota Castle is one of the most magical fairy tale castles in the Czech Republic. Set in the middle of a lake, on a rocky island, this charming little chateau is believed to have started out life as a fortress in the 14th century.
Over the years it changed hands a number of times, and after WWII it became a children’s hospital. However, a year later it was open to the public. It is really popular with visitors, so if you’d prefer to visit with less crowds, try and visit during the week.
Its location is incredibly picturesque, and it’s a photographer’s dream. Make sure you walk around the edge of the water, so you can enjoy the reflection of the castle on the lake.
Note that the village where this beautiful castle is, is not the only one in the Czech Republic with this name, so make sure you go to Cervena Lhota in the Pluhuv Zďar municipality, in the Jindrichuv Hradec District.
This year’s Open House Prague Festival, an annual celebration of Prague architecture, takes place May 15–21, 2023.
The 9th edition of the festival is going to open more than 100 buildings and spaces around Prague on the weekend for free.
Starting May 15, there is also going to be an accompanying program with walking tours, lectures, and discussions. Several buildings in the program also offer tours in English.
Anniversary Triplet: Prager – Machoninová – Barvitius
With this year’s program, the organizers are commemorating Karel Prager, one of the eminent Czech architects of the 2nd half of the 20th century, born 100 years ago this summer.For the first time during the festival, visitors can enter the former branch of Komerční banka in Smíchov, explore the university campus in Jinonice from the 1990s, or see the backstage of the New Stage of the National Theater, opened 40 years ago.
Another important architect of the 20th century is Věra Machoninová, who celebrates a milestone birthday this September. Her work in the style of brutalism is represented in the program by the administration building of Teplotechna Praha and DBK Shopping Center, which is considered one of the peak works of post-war architecture in the Czech lands.
This year’s program is also dedicated to Antonín Viktor Barvitius. On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the architect’s birth, the festival is opening Gröbe Villa in Havlíček Park, Villa Lanna in Bubeneč, and the Church of St. Wenceslas in Smíchov.
More New Buildings in the Program
With 27 first-time participants, the program also features the former Hotel Intercontinental, which is currently under reconstruction, soon to be reopened under the name Fairmont Golden Hotel Prague. The renovation of the famous brutalist building is led by TaK Architects, authors of the award-winning reconstruction of Bubenská 1. Because of the on-going construction works, entry to the building during the festival is only possible after prior registration.
The public can also visit Terminal 4 at Václav Havel Airport Prague, which has recently undergone an extensive reconstruction. Reserved for government delegations, the administration and check-in building is the oldest part of the airport. Designed by Adolf Benš in the style of functionalism, the building won gold immediately after it was finished at the International Exposition of Art and Technology in Paris in 1937.
Other government-related buildings featured in the program for the first time include the monumental Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic, formerly the seat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia located on Ludvík Svoboda Embankment.
The festival will also open the Nostitz Palace, a late baroque seat of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. Here visitors can see the minister’s office, gallery, billiard room, and the chapel.
This year’s program features a number of successfully converted industrial buildings. One of the buildings at Braník Brewery was turned into a Dance Art Center, the former Bratři Vinopalové Factory – which produced devices for airplanes – now offers luxurious apartments under the name Vanguard Prague, and the former Breitfeld-Daněk Factory in Karlín is now a busy journalistic center of the media house Economia. Next to Economia, festival visitors can also enter Machine House, which serves as the main office of the studio QARTA Architecture. In Smíchov, the local transformer station now serves as an exhibition hall of 400 ASA Gallery. Finally, KOH-I-NOOR Factory in Vršovice – formerly the production site of world-famous snap fasteners – is also going to be turned into a residential area in the future. The now vacant factory is sure to attract urbex fans.
The festival offers something for everyone. Those who are not afraid of heights can climb up to the top of several water towers or roofs and terraces of high-rise buildings such as the former administration building of Motokov in Pankrác (now City Empiria), where visitors can enjoy a view of the city from the 27th floor. The program also includes a number of schools and educational institutions, historical palaces, modern offices, hotels, and even a crematorium.
Tours in English
While tours in most buildings take place only in Czech, there are a number of buildings that offer tours in English. These include historical palaces such as Adria Palace, a unique example of Czechoslovak architecture from the 1920s, or Petschek Palace, a luxurious building which infamously served as a Gestapo seat during World War II.
English tours also take place at Hotel International Prague, a monumental hotel from the 1950s where visitors can access the tower with terraces or the nuclear fallout shelter; Congress Center Prague, formerly Palace of Culture built to host congresses of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia; or House of Fashion on Wenceslas Square, a former symbol of luxurious shopping where visitors can climb up to the roof and enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
Tours in English take place throughout the day, except for The Fizz Prague, a modern accommodation for students, where English tours take place on both days of the weekend at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Admission to all buildings is free. The former Hotel Intercontinental is still under construction, which is why prior registration is required. Registrations will open in the beginning of May. Entry to all remaining buildings is possible without prior registration.
Czech gastro is experiencing big change. According to Dotykačka statistics, whereas cafés and bistros have witnessed a considerable increase in sales, the typical Czech pub is shrinking.
In four years, the catering industry’s overall sales increased by 32%. “This corresponds exactly to the rate of price increase, so the current situation appears to be not much different from before the pandemic,” says Petr Menclík, the head of Dotykačka.
However, only at restaurants does the 32% rise in sales match the total average. Cafés and bistros are booming, with sales increasing from 115 to 127 percent. Traditional pubs are the laggards, with a 30% lower turnover than before the epidemic.
People’s perceptions about the ultimate bill figure also have an influence. “Normally, you pay 150 or 200 crowns for a coffee with a cake or croissant in a café, but with beer, the customer looks at every crown,” added Menclík.
Menclík feels that if the Finance Ministry’s plan to impose VAT on draught beer becomes law, it will strike another blow to traditional Czech hospoda. “Increasing the price of beer would have a significant impact on demand.”
Restaurant revenues increased by 16% in the first two months of the year, 3% more than the industry average. “The figures are in line with the rate of price increases.” In other words, revenues increased in direct proportion to how much more costly enterprises were.”
According to the present comparison, sales of businesses in the south-west and north-east increased the least year on year, by about 5%. These are also the areas where the majority of companies have closed.
Overall, the gap between major cities and the countryside is growing significantly, with pubs in small villages faring the poorest.
The largest sales are reported by businesses in Prague and regional towns. According to Dotykačka statistics, sales in Prague businesses increased by 23% year over year. However, in areas with fewer than 5,000 people, gastro raised sales by only 3% in the previous year.
“Part of the beer consumption has moved home, and to more premium products, more expensive beers and special beers,” concludes Menclík.
- The winners of this year’s Anděl Awards were announced on Saturday evening, with prizes awarded in 15 different categories. The late Miroslav Žbirka dominated this year’s awards, winning all four categories in which he was nominated for his posthumously released album and single – best male artist, best album, best Slovak album and best song.
- According to a recent poll conducted by Median, the ANO movement led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is continuing to gain support in the Czech Republic, with a predicted 34.5% of the vote. The Civic Democratic Party (ODS) would come in second with 15.5%, followed by the Freedom and Direct Democracy and Pirate Party.
- A march organized by the Catholic anti-abortion organisation Movement for Life took place on Prague’s Wenceslas Square on Saturday afternoon. About 1,500 people reportedly took part. Police had to intervene as there were several clashes between the demonstrators and counter-protestors supportive of the right to abortion.
- Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala set off on his 10-day diplomatic tour of Southeast and Central Asia on Saturday evening. The trip will begin in the Philippines and end in Uzbekistan on 25 April. He will also visit Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan.
- The government will next week discuss the promotion of the head of the Czech BIS counterintelligence service, Michal Koudelka, to general, a spokesperson said. The former president, Miloš Zeman, repeatedly questioned the competence of BIS and refused seven times to name Mr. Koudelka a general.
Václav Havel Airport Prague will soon offer passengers several new gastronomic choices.
These include, for example, the Natoo concept, with its healthier version of fast food, including fresh juices and salads, and a stand of the world-famous Lavazza Italian brand, specialised in the sale of coffee and small snacks.
Bageterie Boulevard will not be missing among the local brands, combining French pastry with typical European gastronomic delicacies, which passengers can look forward to enjoying at Prague Airport this coming autumn.
Lagardère Travel Retail, which won the Prague Airport concession procedure, will manage all the gastronomic establishments. It will operate a total of 14 business units, representing 11 gastronomic concepts.
New Food Court
The new establishments will include, for example, the recently created PRG Take off Bar, which will be located during the upcoming summer season at the end of Pier C and will provide passengers with a unique view of the apron.
The next addition is the Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant, located in Pier D of Terminal 2, ideal for passengers who want to enjoy their food in an exclusive way, even at the airport.
The Italian-inspired boutique bistro will launch operations at the turn of the year and will offer selected appetizers, main courses, and desserts, paired in the Perfect Match style with wines from leading Italian winemakers. The menu was designed specifically for the Prague branch. Thanks to its unique interior which resembles the appearance of Venetian “bacaros”, this concept offers a truly exceptional gastronomic and aesthetic experience.
Passengers can also look forward to the popular Costa Coffee cafés and the French bakery PAUL, of which Lagardère Travel Retail is the exclusive operator in the Czech Republic. A new food court will be created within Pier D of Terminal 2, which will include the aforementioned Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant and Costa Coffee, which will be open nonstop and will serve passengers 24/7.
All units will undergo structural modifications in the coming months and will gradually launch operations during this year and the next.
LIST AND LOCATIONS OF NEW GASTRONOMIC VENUES
TERMINAL 1:
Pier A – So Coffee café and Paul stand
Pier B 1st Floor – Natoo stand and Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant
Pier B 1st Underground Floor – Paul cafeteria
TERMINAL 2:
Pier C 1st Underground Floor – Beer & Pretzels mobile stand
Pier C 1st Floor – Lavazza stand, Natoo stand, and PRG Take off Bar
Close to Pier C Entry Point – Paul stand
Pier D – Bageterie Boulevard
Pier D Commercial Zone – Costa Coffee café and Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant
Public Part of T2 Departure Hall – Bread&Co stand
T2 Arrival Hall – Costa Coffee café
If you’ve ever been to Prague or planning to visit soon, there’s a high chance that you’ve come across the word ‘kolac’ while exploring the local cuisine.
Koláč, a traditional Czech pastry, has been a sweet treat for generations and has solidified its place in the country’s cultural history.
The Origins
The history of koláč dates back to the 17th century when it was first brought to Czech Republic by the Germans. The word “koláč” actually comes from the Old Slavic word “kolo,” which means “circle.” Hence, koláč is generally a circular or oval-shaped pastry.
Originally, koláč was made using simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, yeast, and eggs. Over time, different regions of Czech Republic added their own touch, creating various types of koláč based on the locally available ingredients. Today, it is enjoyed across the region with different flavors and fillings.
Many Czech families have their own secret koláč recipes which have been passed down from generation to generation, grandmothers to mothers to daughters. Because you’re considered family, we’re sharing ours with you!
Types of Kolac
Ovocný koláč (Fruit koláč)
Fruit kolac consists of a layer of fresh or canned fruit placed over the base and then covered with a mixture of flour, sugar, egg, and butter, often topped with streusel. It’s commonly served alongside whipped cream.
Makový koláč (Poppy Seed koláč)
Poppy seed kolac is made by grinding poppy seeds and mixing them with milk, sugar, butter, and egg. It’s then applied to a sweet dough and baked until golden brown. It’s a classic Czech pastry that’s loved by many.
Cheese koláč (Sýrový koláč)
Cheese koláč has a soft cheese filling made from curd cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla sugar. The cheese mixture is then spread over the dough and baked until golden brown. It’s a popular savory pastry enjoyed by locals.
Where to Try the Best Kolac in Prague
There are several bakeries and cafes in Prague that serve delicious kolac. Here are the top three places to try the best kolac in Prague.
Cukrarna Myšák is known for its traditional Czech pastries, and kolac is no exception. Their fruit and poppy seed kolac are famous, and people rave about their taste.
2. Cafe Savoy
Cafe Savoy, established in 1893, is a grand old cafe located in the heart of Prague. They’re famous for their traditional koláč, and you can’t go wrong with their fruit or cheese koláč.
3. Kolacherie
Just a few steps from the Prašná Brána in the heart of Prague’s Old Town on a street traditionally filled with bakeries is Kolacherie, a new bakery offering classic kolache with a modern twist.
4. Kus Koláče
This small shop/bakery/confectionery is located between the tram stops Vinohradská vodárna and Perunova. With different cakes, pies, pastries and much more, Kus Koláče became a hit in the city. The top-notch bakers utilize state-of-the-art equipment and all-natural, quality ingredients in their quest for traditional and delicious results.
The Czech currency is now the strongest against the euro in over 15 years and the best versus the dollar in more than a year.
On Wednesday, it gained 15 haléř against the euro, reaching 23.34 CZK / EUR, the lowest rate since the end of July 2008.
The crown gained 27 haléř against the dollar, reaching 21.26 CZK / USD. It last traded higher versus the US dollar in February of last year. This is based on data from the Patria Online server.
Since last autumn, when the rate to the euro was about 24.70 CZK / EUR and the rate to the dollar was much higher, the crown has been progressively rising against both major international currencies.
The Czech crown achieved its highest level versus the euro since the summer of 2008 in February of this year. The Czech currency suffered a short-term decline versus the euro and the dollar in the first part of March this year, but it has since recovered.
The Czech Labour Office published unemployment data today, according to which the share of people without jobs in the Czech Republic fell by two tenths of a percentage point to 3.7% in March compared to February. Before that, it had been rising or stagnant for eight months in a row.
“The koruna has been appreciating since the morning regardless of changes in the global mood. The drop in domestic unemployment should not be a big boost to the market. Still, the koruna managed to erase losses against the euro,” comments Tomas Vlk, an analyst at Patria Finance.