Discover the most popular sports in Czechia
On your marks, get set, go! Experience Czechs’ favorite sports, as spectator or as a participant!
Hockey Euphoria
The national sport of Czechia is undoubtedly ice hockey. No other sport has such a following here. Anyone who experienced the golden era of Czech hockey vividly remembers it as a time of elation and excitement and hopes it will be repeated. The era was initiated by Czechia’s greatest victory in history — at the Winter Olympics in Nagano in 1998 — and continued with a “golden hat-trick” at the World Championships the following three years. Hockey fever is due to engulf Czechia again in May 2024, when the Ice Hockey World Championships come to Prague and Ostrava! Seeing Czech hockey fans in action is simply an experience you must have!
Unstoppable Jágr
Did you know the star of this year’s official championship video spot will be none other than one of the greatest hockey players of all time, Jaromír Jágr? Although you won’t see him on the ice during the tournament, you can still admire his incredible skill. Nowadays, he owns and plays for the Czech hockey club Rytíři Kladno (Knights Kladno) within the national Extraliga, the highest-level ice hockey league! It’s no coincidence that he chose a Kladno club; the city is Jágr’s hometown.
Following White Trails of World Athletes
Czechia eagerly awaits another incredible sporting display in 2024. In February, the Biathlon World Championships will take place in Nové Město na Moravě. The event will unfold at the Vysočina Arena, where, all winter before and after the tournament, visitors can ski on the same white trails that the greatest stars of world biathlon have sped down! A fantastic atmosphere during the championship is guaranteed as the Czechs love the biathlon. In the popularity ranking of sports in Czechia, it holds the bronze position, following ice hockey and football.
Become a Racing Star
Speaking of white trails. if you’re a fan of cross-country skiing and the idea of racing down “star” tracks appeals to you, how about becoming a racing star yourself? And not just any race! We’re talking about the largest mass cross-country skiing race in Central Europe, the Jizerská 50. Don’t worry if that sounds too intense — you can ride the race route peacefully at your own pace outside of the actual event, and explore the most beautiful corners of the Jizera Mountains.
Hiking Paradise
Czechs, of course, not only enjoy watching sports but also actively participating in them. According to many surveys, the top activity in Czechia is undoubtedly hiking. It’s no wonder — conditions for hiking here are unmatched. In fact, Czechia has one of the densest and best-marked networks of hiking trails in the world! You can explore 40,000 kilometers of well-connected trails. Check out where to go for the best hikes in Czechia.
