| Czechs are sporting people who have enjoyed international success in tennis and ice hockey. Popular sporting activities in Prague include tennis, bike tours of the city, inline skating, target shooting, ice skating, and rock climbing.
Tennis
Following the world-renowned success of tennis superstars such as Ivan Lendl and Martina Navratilova, tennis has become a very popular sport among Czechs. Outdoor and indoor courts are available throughout the city and most stay open well into the evening. Outdoor courts are lit by floodlights at night. Due to the popularity of the sport, advanced reservations are recommended. Tenisový klub Slávia Prague is a top-notch facility with eight outdoor clay courts and more indoor fast-surface courts. Another great tennis facility is the Ceský Lawn Tennis Klub, founded in 1893 the facility seats 8,000 at annual tournaments and has 14 outdoor clay courts and 6 indoor courts of which four are fast-surface and two are clay.
Bike tours
Biking is a popular activity in Prague. The best way to see the city is on two wheels; however, the city is filled with steep, winding, cobblestone roads so the activity can be quite vigorous. Guided bike tours are available both day and night, or the two-wheeled vessels can be leased by the hour for a personal experience. Tandem bikes for two are also available, and bike locks and helmets are provided at no extra charge.
Inline skating
Inline skating has become a popular activity in Letna and Stomovka parks. Enthusiasts are able to rent inline skates by the hour, along with the helmets and pads to guard against scrapes and bruises. Letna Park is in a beautiful location on a plateau overlooking the Vltava River and offers excellent views of the Old Town. Stomovka Park is the largest park in Prague and is also located along the Vltava River.
Target shooting
Located within Prague Castle on the top floor is a unique target shooting experience. Designed with a medieval theme is a crossbow target shooting range. Participants fire authentic crossbow bolts at the range of 50 feet at a target that measures 2 feet by 3 feet. Do your best to hit the target as it is yours to keep as a remembrance of the experience.
Ice skating
Ice skating is an extremely popular activity in Prague. Indoor ice skating rinks are available to the public throughout the year for one or two-hour periods on the weekends. A popular place to ice skate indoors is the HC Sparta facility, a professional ice hockey stadium that seats 14,000. In winter, beginning in December, outdoor ice skating is popular at the reservoirs located at Divoká Šárka and Hostivar, just outside the city. The outdoor ice skating experience comes complete with beautiful scenery and grog for sale at the site.
Rock climbing
Limestone cliffs are available for excellent rock climbing at Srbsko, located about 20 kilometers outside of Prague. There are various climbs available for any skill set from novice to advanced where ropes 60 meters in length are required. The best way to get to Srbsko is by train from Prague and then by bike from the train station to the limestone cliffs. Bikes can be reserved at the Srbsko station in advance.
|