Travel News in Czechia in 2026

News from Prague: The Winking Petřín Funicular

In 2026, the Petřín funicular in Prague is set to start operating again, this time in a modern design offering greater comfort for passengers as well as an unconventional visual experience in the form of special illumination with flashing lights. At the same time, extensive revitalisation of the Petřín Lookout Tower, one of Prague’s most famous landmarks, will also begin. The iconic structure, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, is also known from the novel The Secret of Secrets by the world-famous American author Dan Brown.

Müller Villa by Loos Reopens

The Müller Villa in the Střešovice district of Prague, one of the most important Functionalist landmarks in Czechia, is reopening to the public. The restoration included repairs to the terraces, sensitive restoration of the interiors and the return of the original elegance based on designs by the renowned architect Adolf Loos. Visitors can also look forward to a modern 3D virtual model, making the Müller Villa an even more attractive cultural destination in Prague.

“Floating” Organs at Prague Castle

The new organ in St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle is among Prague’s most striking cultural attractions and will delight not only music lovers. The impressive instrument, with more than six thousand pipes, stands out for its extraordinary sound range and original artistic concept, in which the front pipes appear to float in space. The effect is enhanced by a unique decoration made of crystal segments by the world-famous Czech glassmaker Lasvit. The organ has already been fully installed and is open to the public.
   
Another transformation is under way in Prague’s Hradčany, where the Rožmberk Palace is undergoing renovation. It was here that Empress Maria Theresa founded the renowned Institute of Noblewomen intended for the education of young aristocratic ladies. This monumental historic building, whose southern façade forms a significant part of the Hradčany skyline, is set to regain its original greenish shade of façade.

Unique Sculptures on the Dvorecký Bridge in Prague

And that is still not all in the capital city! In 2026, Prague will see the opening of the long-awaited Dvorecký Bridge, which will connect the banks of the Vltava River. The bridge will be adorned with sculptural and artistic elements by Krištof Kintera, one of the most prominent contemporary Czech artists. This new key transport structure for trams, cyclists and pedestrians will significantly improve mobility across the metropolis while also offering attractive views of iconic landmarks such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.

Restoration of the Industrial Palace: An Icon Returns in Full Glory

Not only Prague residents are looking forward to this! The Industrial Palace at the Prague Exhibition Grounds, one of the capital’s most significant historic buildings, will be unveiled in summer 2026 in authentic colour tones of dark and light ochre, reflecting its original appearance. A major dominant feature of the building is the clock tower, where a golden crown, a faithful replica of the original element, is once again gleaming.
 

Celebration of Protected Landscape Areas in Czechia

The year 2026 will also be the Year of Protected Landscape Areas. Several of them will celebrate major anniversaries. Where to go in Czechia to experience unique nature? Simply take your pick – there are many places across Czechia where you can enjoy natural beauty. Feel free to explore: the Czech Republic offers countless places to enjoy its natural beauty.

• Moravian Karst: one of the most important karst areas in Central Europe, home to more than one thousand caves, including the famous Macocha Abyss.
• České středohoří: volcanic hills in the North Bohemian landscape with Házmburk Castle. For example, Mount Milešovka, known as the Queen of the České středohoří, was also visited by the famous German author Johann Wolfgang Goethe.
• Kokořínsko: photogenic sandstone rock formations about an hour from Prague and ravines with Kokořín Castle.
• Lužické Mountains: forested ridges and a tranquil landscape with Tolštejn Castle.
• Pálava: romantic vineyards of South Moravia and scenic walks through the UNESCO-listed landscape, perhaps even with a glass of something good in hand. The entire area is also of great archaeological value: the Venus of Dolní Věstonice, one of the oldest and most famous figurines of the human form in the world, was discovered here.

What Else Is New for Tourists in Czechia?

First, we head to the east of Czechia, to Ostrava, a city with a unique industrial character. The Gallery of Fine Arts in Ostrava – House of Art will celebrate the centenary of its opening in 2026. To mark the occasion, the gallery is preparing an extensive programme as well as a modernisation of its premises.

From Ostrava, we move to the German–Czech border region. In 2026, a new cross-border tourist trail linking Hřensko and Schmilka in the Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland regions will open. On the Czech side, the route will lead through nature recovering after a wildfire, while on the Saxon side you will pass through beech forests around Mount Großer Winterberg. During a single trip, you can also visit two educational sites.

New attractions also await visitors to Český Krumlov, the South Bohemian pearl listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. Following the reopening of the Rococo Bellarie Summer House, it will be possible from 2026 to set out on an entirely new guided tour route in the Castle Garden.

In Sázava in Central Bohemia, near Prague, the restoration of the historic František glassworks is continuing. In fact, the entire region is well worth a visit. It offers convenient railway connections and is ideal for lovers of walking, hiking and water activities. In addition, the area has gained fame as the setting of the global gaming hit Kingdom Come: Deliverance, making it attractive also for history enthusiasts.

And That Is Not All:

• Děčín Castle will open its renovated Rose Gardens with historic roses and terraces.
• New hotels will open: Little Versailles in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Clarion Congress Hotel in Brno, and the luxury Wine & Spa Hotel Konšelé in the wine town of Mikulov.
• The Wallachian Open Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm will continue to expand.
• In the renowned resort of Dolní Morava, a large wellness area will open. It will include an outdoor pool with views of the ridges of the Králický Sněžník.
• In Kutná Hora, a historic pearl listed by UNESCO, it will be possible to stay overnight in the premises of the local GASK gallery, housed in the former Jesuit College.
• In the Doupovské Mountains in West Bohemia, a new reserve for European bison will be established.

And finally, one highlight for history lovers: at Slavkov Castle – Austerlitz near Brno, visitors to a new exhibition dedicated to the famous Battle of Austerlitz will be able to “prepare for a meeting with Napoleon”. Thanks to artificial intelligence, from May 2026 they will be able to ask questions of this most famous French emperor, who also left his mark on Czechia.

So, what else can you experience in Czechia?