Since the Velvet Revolution that toppled Czechoslovakia’s communist government in 1989, Prague’s centuries-old buildings, winding stone streets, and hilltop castle overlooking it all have made the city one of the most popular visitor destinations in Europe. Additionally, Prague has been a political, cultural, and economic centre of central Europe with waxing and waning fortunes during its 1,100-year existence. Situated in the north-west of the Czech Republic on the Vltava River, the city is home to about 1.26 million people. Prague’s north and western side is flanked by the curving Vltava River, which is spanned by a series of bridges. Many visitors to Prague choose to take a scenic walk through the historic Old Town area (Stare Mesto). Other areas in the city center worth seeing are Josefov district (former Jewish Ghetto), Letná Park, and the southerly New Town (Nové Mesto), which has a distinct medieval feel and includes structures such as the New Town Hall and various beautiful churches. Note: If you’d like to have a guided running experience in Prague, we highly recommend our affiliate partner Go! Running Tours.
For us runners, Prague offers amazing opportunities to see the best sites while fitting in our exercise. There is lovely running around Prague’s historic sites (run early to avoid the crowds), along the river, and in the city’s wonderful parks. The hill up to Prague Castle is a particular treat. We would like to particularly thank Running Prague and Running Tours Prague for their help in suggesting routes and providing photos! Another unique feature of the Prague running scene is the Running Mall. Located between Letna and Stromovka parks, this is a center for Prague running: store, training center, lounge, run club, classes.
The public transport infrastructure (PID, Pražská integrovaná doprava) consists of a heavily-used integrated transport system of Prague Metro (lines A, B, and C), Prague tram system, buses, funiculars (cable railway), and six ferries. This convenient, safe and reliable public transport system helps you get anywhere you need to go within the city, and makes getting places for running a breeze. We have centered most of our routes near public transport.
The city of Prague lies between oceanic climate and humid continental climate. The winters are relatively cold with average temperatures at around freezing and relatively little sunshine. Summers usually bring plenty of sunshine and an average high temperature of 75 °F (24 °C). Precipitation is rather low (just over 20 in [500 mm] per year) since it is located in the rain shadow of the Sudetes and other mountain ranges. Prague’s temperate weather lends itself to running year-round.
