Savoring Summer: Czech Republic in July

It does not happen that the Czech Republic is left without tourists. But in the middle of summer, there are many of them: it’s vacation time, the weather is good, and all the attractions are easy to get to.

July is also a good time for a family trip. If you only have a few free days, walk around magical Prague. If you have a week or two to rest — look at the old cities and fortresses, marvel at the natural beauty, and take your mind off your worries in the mountains. A long vacation can be devoted to health improvement at mineral spa resorts.

How dreams of traveling to the Czech Republic with children become a reality, read in the Kidpassage review.

Photo: pixabay.com

Reviews of vacations in the Czech Republic in July can be read like a book. Tourists do not skimp on descriptions, illustrating their stories with photos and regret only that they can not convey in words the taste of Czech beer and the smell of crispy pork knuckle. If we approach their raptures objectively, here is what deserves praise:

• Good weather: July is a great time to visit the Czech Republic because the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
• Child-friendly culture: The Czech Republic is a very child-friendly country, and many attractions are tailored to children. For example, the Karel Zeman Museum in Prague has exhibits that allow children to "fly" on a flying machine or "walk" on the moon surface.
• Vast green areas — there are many gardens and parks in the cities, and forests stretch around the cities.
• Affordable: Traveling to the Czech Republic can be affordable, especially if you plan ahead and book in advance. The country is known for its affordable prices, making it a great destination for families on a budget.
• An abundance of attractions — you can walk through museums, climb old castles, or marvel at rock towns.
• Family entertainment in the open air — in Prague, for example, an entire island is available for children.

The two main disadvantages are interrelated. At the height of summer, the Czech Republic is flooded with tourists, so prices for everything are inflated. If you think about where to vacation in the Czech Republic in July in winter, you can save a lot on booking a hotel or tour. In general, there is almost no reason to refuse a trip to this magic country. In July, it is enjoyable to rest there, despite some vagaries of the weather.

Hot weather in July and August? It's not about the Czech Republic. Yes, there are sultry days here, too, but you are much more likely to find comfortable warmth or coolness.

The weather at the beginning of July is usually warm, without tiring heat. In the evenings, it can be noticeably cold, and in Prague, it is also windy. It rains occasionally, and clouds can gather and disperse just as suddenly.

The weather in the Czech Republic at the end of July is the same. Of course, before traveling, you should look into the forecasts of weather forecasters, but you will undoubtedly need summer clothes, reliable jackets, closed shoes, and umbrellas.

Going to the Czech Republic in July with a child to relax at spa resorts or in the mountains, take several sets of warm clothes. It is noticeably colder in these places than in the capital.

If there were an excursion type of climate, this would be precisely what it would be like in the Czech Republic. Neighboring countries can melt from the heat in July, but Czech cities are warm and comfortable.

	Daytime t	Nightime t
Prague	+24,2°С	+15,1°С
Karlovy Vary	+22,6°С	+12,3°С
Poděbrady	+24,0°С	+14,5°С
Teplice	+23,4°С	+13,4°С
Brno	+25,2°С	+15,8°С
Spindleruv Mlyn	+18,8°С	+13,3°С

Daytime air temperature in the Czech Republic in July most often stays within +20-25°C, although it can fall to +15°C or rise above +30°C. At night, thermometers show from +10°C to +20°C. In the mountains, it is colder, +10-20°C during the day and +5-15°C at night. Water temperatures in the Czech Republic in July can range from +20°C to +25°C.

Photo: pixabay.com

The ski resorts of the Giant Mountains also welcome visitors in summer. The weather can be cold and rainy, but on sunny days, you can develop an exciting program for the whole family.

In Špindlerův Mlýn, it has already been invented. Tourists can admire the mountains on hikes, bike rides, and quad biking tours. Many impressions await you in the rope park, the "Adventure Park," in the water park. Fans of active recreation will enjoy golf, tennis, squash, riding school, and bobsleigh track.

On a rainy day, you can go to museums. One of them is LEGO Pick-a-Brick Discovery Center & Toy Museum (Museum of Bricks Špindlerův Mlýn). There are several more exciting expositions in Liberec.

Tips

• If you're an adventure seeker, there are many activities to do in the mountains in the Czech Republic in July, such as hiking, trekking, cycling, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and skiing.
• If you're planning to hike or trek, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.
• If you're planning to cycle, there are many bike trails in the Czech Republic, such as the Elbe River Trail and the Greenways Trail.
• If you're planning to canoe, raft, or kayak, make sure to check the water levels and weather conditions before you go.

Spa resorts in the Czech Republic are cozy towns, the population of which is dozens of times smaller than the number of vacationers. Everything seems to be treated here, and the effect of mineral water is enhanced by fresh air, beautiful views, and excellent service.

Czech spa resorts have specialized sanatoriums for children and treatment programs for children in sanatoriums for adults.

Unfortunately, there is not much children's entertainment in resort towns. You must find a family-friendly hotel or stock up on toys, coloring books, and fresh cartoon series. Where to go in the Czech Republic in July? Here are a few places that are not similar to each other.

Photo: pixabay.com

The leading, most famous, and most expensive thermal spa resort in the Czech Republic is overcrowded in July. The prices rise, but the pleasant atmosphere is not disturbed - Karlovy Vary is a place to relax from the hustle and bustle of summer. The weather in the resort is moderately warm: even in mid-July, the air temperature rarely rises above +25°C but can drop to +15°C. At night, the air cools down to +10-15°C. The sky occasionally frowns, and there are up to 8 rainy days per month.

The primary value of Karlovy Vary is its 13 mineral water springs. It is used for gastrointestinal and endocrine diseases, and the water from the Vřídlo hot spring is used for baths for musculoskeletal disorders.

Walks also contribute to recovery, as there are many gardens and parks in the resort, and there are hiking and cycling trails in the neighboring Slavkovský les (Slavkovský Forest). For excursion lovers, we advise you to visit Loket and Sokolov castles, go to the Svatošský Rocks, and visit the Moser Glass Museum and the Jan Becher Museum.

Some hotels provide children's entertainment — mini clubs, game rooms, and swimming pools. In general, the choice of accommodation in Karlovy Vary is perfect, from sanatoriums and expensive spa hotels to quite affordable apartments. However, prices in this resort are higher than in other thermal resorts in the Czech Republic.

Photo: pixabay.com

The town 60 km from Prague is quiet and green — this alone can cure your nerves. Sanatoriums and medical centers will provide well and full-fledged treatment.

Daytime temperature in the resort in July ranges from +15°С to +30°С; night temperature is +10-20°С. Colder weather is most often in early July. Clear and cloudy days are approximately equal, and several rains occur during the month.

The main specialization of Poděbrady is diseases of the cardiovascular system, rehabilitation after heart attacks and heart surgeries. There are also opportunities for treating diseases related to metabolic disorders, diseases of the nervous system and musculoskeletal apparatus.

Springs with mineral water are located in the center of the city. Surprisingly, the water in them is cold, only +12-14°C, but it warms up well — the feeling of constantly freezing hands and feet disappears after treatment.

The resort has a specialized children's sanatorium Dr. Philip, where children from 3 to 15 years old are treated. Also, children over ten years old are treated in adult sanatoriums.

In addition to medical procedures, active recreation contributes to recovery. Poděbrady has a swimming pool, golf courses, tennis and squash courts, and a horse riding club. In summer, a varied cultural program awaits holidaymakers.

But there is no children's entertainment in the town. Children can be offered an excursion to the Poděbrady Castle and the Polabský Museum. Meanwhile, Prague is only an hour's drive away, and there is much to do for the whole family.

Accommodation in Podebrady includes sanatoriums, hotels of different levels, and apartments. There are much more opportunities for budget vacations than in Karlovy Vary.

Photo: lobkowicz.cz/strekov-prohlidky

The resort with a population of 50,000 people, was once called Little Paris because of the number of nobles who vacationed there. The mineral waters of Teplice are just as beneficial today, and the town itself has become a democratic vacation spot.

The July weather in the resort is very comfortable, although the sky often frowns and it rains occasionally. The air temperature stays within +20-25°C during the day and +10-20°C at night;  it can be a little colder, and in late July, there is sometimes a heat wave.

So why were members of the royal families of Europe treated in Teplice? The reason is the healing water, which helps with diseases of the musculoskeletal apparatus, vascular and nervous systems.

It is also worth choosing this spa to treat a child with motor disorders. The standard treatment program is designed for 21 days, but if you are more interested in relaxation, you can choose a wellness program for 7-10 days.

Opportunities for active recreation in Teplice are the same as in Poděbrady. The Teplice and Dubravka castles deserve attention, and you can also visit the neighboring town of Duchcov, where the castle is associated with the name of Casanova, and Usti nad Labem, where the Strzek Castle stands.

Entertainment for children will be a trip to a small indoor water park, a mini zoo, and the Duchcov Museum of Fairy Tales. If you go to Usti nad Labem, visit the zoo and amusement park. The accommodation options in Teplice are pretty good; you can find a hotel or apartment for every budget.

Photo: moravskykras.nature.cz

The Czech Republic is interesting not only for its sights but tourists first of all think about sightseeing. There is a lot to see in this country: one or two days are enough for a quick acquaintance with Prague, but generally, it is good to have at least a week in reserve. In the capital, travelers visit the Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge, then go on a river trip along the Vltava River or climb Petřín Hill.

If you choose a museum to visit with the whole family, don't miss the "Kingdom of Railways" railway model — it depicts the Czech Republic in miniature.

Children will also be interested in the Technical Museum, the Museum of Magicians and Alchemists, the Museum of Senses, and the Wax Museum.

What to visit outside Prague? You can, for example, make a list of several sites from the UNESCO World Heritage List. The old towns of Cesky Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Telč, Třebíč, and Olomouc are charming in summer. On a clear day, it is nice to visit the historic village of Holašovice. The blue July sky shades the white walls of Litomyšl Castle.

Surprisingly, of the hundreds of castles in the Czech Republic, only one has been included in the UNESCO list so far. But the others are also worth a tour. From Prague, you can quickly get to Karlstein, Nelagozeves, Ploskovice, Lowchen, from Karlovy Vary to Loket and Sokolov, from Brno to Lednice, Valtice and Vranov nad Dyjí, from Liberec to Sychrov, from Cesky Krumlov to Hluboka nad Vltava, from Hradec Králové to Nove Mesto nad Metují. Some buildings look like palaces, others like fortresses, but it will be interesting everywhere.

Czech nature also falls into the category of attractions. For example, among the candidates for the World Heritage List are the rock cities in the Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve. They are called cities conventionally because of the resemblance of sandstone cliffs to skyscrapers. The same formations can be found in Adršpach and Teplice, and giant stone "mushrooms" grow in the Broumovsko Nature Reserve and near Mšená.

The most famous nature reserve in the Czech Republic is Moravský Kras. It is a karst massif with caves and underground rivers. On its territory, there is the Macocha Abyss. 5 caves of the reserve are open for visiting.

The Krkonoše Mountains also have their highlights. It is interesting to visit the Pančavský waterfall, the highest in the Czech Republic, to see the source of the Elbe River, and to relax at the glacial lakes of the Šumava Nature Reserve.

Photo: matejskapout.cz

Warm summer weather calls everyone to the fresh air, and you need to give in to this desire.

If you are going to Prague, take your children to Children's Island. The island in the middle of the Vltava River has various playgrounds: water play equipment is especially popular with children.

A trip to Prague Luna Park, where classic and modern rides are available, will bring much joy. If you want something stunning, head to a go-karting center or Prosek bobsleigh track.

A calmer atmosphere reigns in the Prague zoo, and the semi-darkness of the oceanarium Sea World will be pretty lulling. But the children will be happy to run along the paths of the "Dinopark" and dig in the sand, looking for "bones" of dinosaurs.

Miraculum Park, 40 kilometers from Prague, is another excellent place for fidgeters. The play fortress is very similar to the real one, and the green labyrinth even makes you want to get lost for a while. When traveling to other cities, children will not be bored either. You can find a water park somewhere — slides and open-air pools in Olomouc, Jihlava, Mikulov, Spindleruv Mlyn. Prague's water parks also have indoor and outdoor areas.

Somewhere, there are zoos and quite unusual ones at that. For example, in Dvůr Králové nad Labem, there is a safari park where giraffes, rhinos, and hippos are free-ranging. You can visit animals in Pilsen, Ostrava, Zlín and Liberec.

Somewhere, the most popular place is a bobsleigh track. In Špindlerův Mlýn, for example, the track stretches for 1,400 meters: if you don't speed up too much, you can still see the Krkonoše Mountains from the top.

The list of public holidays in the Czech Republic in July will probably come as a surprise to you. On 5 July, Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, or the Day of Slavonic Alphabet, is celebrated here. The Church especially honors these saints, as they translated the Bible from Greek and made it available to the Slavic peoples who were Christian at the time.

6 July is the day of commemoration of Jan Hus. A priest rector of the University of Prague, the thinker in the XIV century advocated the reformation of the Czech Church and reformed the Czech language. His views were recognized as heresy, and he was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Today, Jan Hus is regarded as a freedom fighter, and a monument to him has been erected in Prague. Since the day of his execution was chosen as a memorial day, bonfires are lit in many cities.

As for festivals and other events, there is plenty to choose from. Fans of academic music will discover ancient works at the Letní slavnosti Staré hudby festival. Jazz tunes warm the heart at the Bohemia Jazz Fest. The New Prague Dance Festival brings together dancers of various styles, from classical to hip-hop. Or maybe you'd like to see skateboarders compete at the Mystic Sk8 Cup World Championships?

All these events take place in Prague. Outside the capital in July, you can visit the International Film Festival (Karlovy Vary), the Colours of Ostrava Festival of contemporary music (Ostrava), the Music Festival (Cesky Krumlov), Venice Night (Liberec). In summer, you can also attend a knight's tournament in one of the many castles. Very spectacular duels take place in the castle of Detenice, 80 kilometers from Prague.

Photo: pixabay.com

Is it true that the more tourists there are, the higher the prices in the Czech Republic? In July, everything is not so clear-cut. After the high season starts in June and prices rise, they stay at the same level. Nevertheless, it is worth booking a hotel or tour well in advance because the demand for holidays in the Czech Republic in summer is very high.

Airfares

It is not always possible to predict how ticket prices will change. Sometimes, it increases compared to June; sometimes, it becomes lower. In summer and early autumn, prices can fluctuate by 3-5%. Often, tickets to Prague in July are slightly cheaper than in June, to Karlovy Vary — somewhat more expensive.

Accommodation

The price of accommodation in July is comparable to June. Often, hoteliers and owners of apartments even reduce the cost: it can be 5-10% lower than in June. In August, the price remains approximately the same as in July.

Package Tours

The cost of package holidays to the Czech Republic varies greatly depending on the operator and the conditions offered. During the summer, it remains almost unchanged, but it is pretty high compared to spring and autumn tours. You can expect a price reduction only from the second half of September.

Food

Where you can feel the seasonal increase in prices is in catering establishments. Restaurants designed for tourists are already overpriced, and in July, you can expect an additional surcharge. In any case, lunch or dinner in a pub for locals will cost much cheaper. So, in a popular place, a meal for one will cost about 200 CZK; in an inconspicuous tourist restaurant — 120-150 CZK.

Many travelers stay in apartments and cook independently, buying food in shops and markets. The range of products is huge, and the same applies to baby food.

Photo: pixabay.com

In mid-summer, Czech shops start their summer sales. You can shop at well-known brands and find quite a wide range of products. Prices in the Czech Republic are usually slightly lower than in neighboring larger countries.

The primary purchases in the Czech Republic are Becherovka and Fernet, beer, and Carlsbad waffles. Worthwhile purchases include locally produced natural cosmetics and Koh-i-Noor stationery.

A valuable acquisition will be Moser crystal, Bohemian glass, and jewelry with Czech garnet or Vltavin. And children will love a toy mole — a cartoon character.

Often, in reviews of holidays in the Czech Republic in July, tourists write about buying Pardubice gingerbread. Indeed, this fragrant pastry, decorated with paintings, is sold not only at Christmas. In summer, you can purchase gingerbread at fairs and souvenir shops.

For a pleasant holiday in the Czech Republic in July with children, it is enough to book accommodation in advance and stock up in a good mood. Just a couple more subtleties and the trip will be perfect.

Even if the weather forecast promises heat and sunshine, take clothes in case of cold and rain. The weather can change dramatically, and evenings are often chilly, especially in the mountains. If you are traveling with a child who requires special baby food, take a couple of days' supply of such food with you.

And what is adult food in the Czech Republic? Crispy pork nuckle, dumplings, dozens of potato dishes, sauces — it's all delicious. In Kidpassage's article on Czech cuisine, you'll find the names of the best dishes and read what you can order for your child. Walk with pleasure and eat with appetite!