Top Cool Places to Escape the Summer Heat in Czechia

A heatwave has reached Czechia, bringing soaring temperatures across the country. If you're looking for ways to stay cool while making the most of your trip, you're in the right place. From underground caves and centuries-old wine cellars to mountain trails and refreshing swimming spots, there are plenty of ways to escape the summer heat.

Cool off with a swim in Czechia

Prague - Podolí Swimming Stadium: A large outdoor pool by the Vltava River with great city views.
Natural biotopes: Try eco-friendly swimming spots like Biotop Radotín near Prague, with natural water and no chemicals.
Forest pools: Visit places like Lesní koupaliště Liberec for a calm swim surrounded by nature.
Brno – Riviéra: One of Central Europe’s largest outdoor swimming complexes, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
Lakes & reservoirs: Enjoy natural swimming at Lipno, Slapy, Máchovo Lake, or local quarry lakes across Czechia.
Plzeň: head to the Bolevec Ponds.

Visit a gallery or museum in hot weather

Take a break from the sun and explore Czechia’s museums and galleries. In Prague, visit the National Museum, the National Gallery Prague, the Prague City Museum, or the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. In Brno, the Moravian Gallery is an excellent choice, while Ostrava offers the Gallery of Fine Arts. In Plzeň, don’t miss the Gallery of West Bohemia or the Museum of West Bohemia. In Český Krumlov, explore the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, and in Liberec, the Regional Gallery (Lázně Liberec) combines art collections with a beautifully restored spa building.

Go underground in Czechia

Escape the summer heat underground, where temperatures remain pleasantly cool year-round. Explore the Punkva Caves in the Moravian Karst, including the famous underground river and Macocha Abyss, or the Koněprusy Caves near Prague with their impressive limestone formations, wander through the historic Labyrinth beneath Brno’s Vegetable Market, admire the cathedral-like water reservoirs at Žlutý kopec in Brno, discover the extensive underground passages in Znojmo, or explore Plzeň’s historic beer cellars and underground tunnels, reflecting the city’s centuries-old brewing tradition.

Special tip:
Follow in the footsteps of Dan Brown beneath Prague: between Bastion U Božích muk (the Crucifix Bastion), a surviving fragment of Baroque fortifications built atop earlier Gothic walls, and the Folimanka Civil Protection Shelter hidden beneath Nusle Bridge in Folimanka Park.

Discover Moravian wine cellars

Traditional wine cellars in South Moravia remain naturally cool even on the hottest summer days. Visit the wine villages around Mikulov, explore the famous Plže wine cellars in Petrov, or discover the extensive cellar systems in Velké Bílovice.

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Head for the mountains in Czechia

Escape to higher elevations in the mountains, where temperatures are often several degrees lower than in the lowlands. The Krkonoše Mountains, Šumava National Park, and the Jeseníky Mountains offer shady forests, crystal-clear streams, fresh mountain air, and scenic hiking and cycling trails – ideal for a refreshing summer escape.

Find out more about nature in Czechia

Explore former mines

Discover Czechia’s mining heritage in Ostrava at Landek Park, one of the most important mining museums in Central Europe. Descend into authentic underground spaces, explore preserved shafts and tunnels, and experience what life was like for miners working beneath the city.

Stay cool in Czech cities

Across Czech cities such as Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, and Olomouc, you’ll find public drinking fountains, misting systems, shaded parks, air-conditioned shopping centres, cafés, and cultural venues – all perfect for cooling down during the hottest hours of the day.

Heat safety tips:
A few simple precautions will help you enjoy your trip even during a heatwave:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages.

Avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or evening and avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat.