Prague has officially launched its 2026 summer swimming season with the reopening of the Motol Swim Centre, one of the city’s long-standing natural swimming destinations. The popular outdoor site welcomed visitors on May 22 and will offer free entry throughout the entire season due to ongoing renovation work. Despite construction delays caused by harsh winter weather earlier this year, city officials confirmed that the swimming area remains fully accessible with temporary visitor facilities already in operation.

The renovation project at Motol includes the construction of a modern service building featuring new changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a small refreshment area. Authorities expect the upgraded facilities to be completed by July. Until then, visitors can continue using mobile amenities and seasonal food stands that are expected to operate throughout the summer months. Prague City Hall stated that free admission was introduced as compensation for the unfinished infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted public access to the popular swimming spot.

Located in a peaceful green valley in western Prague, the Motol Swim Centre has long been appreciated for its calm and natural atmosphere compared to larger commercial water parks. Even after modernization works are completed, officials say the location will maintain its simple and relaxed character that attracts families, students, and residents looking for affordable summer recreation. The reopening of the site marks the unofficial beginning of Prague’s outdoor swimming season, which typically runs from May until early September.

Several other swimming and recreational sites across Prague are also seeing improvements this year as demand for public leisure spaces continues to grow. In Prague 4, the Lhotka Outdoor Swimming Pool is undergoing further revitalization with upgraded sports facilities, improved pathways, and expanded recreational infrastructure planned for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Prague 6’s Petynka Outdoor Swimming Centre has reopened despite ongoing construction of a new indoor swimming hall, though some areas currently remain limited for visitors.

Prague continues to offer a wide range of outdoor swimming options, from natural reservoirs and biotopes to large municipal pools and riverside beaches. Popular locations such as Divoká Šárka, Hostivařská přehrada, and Žluté lázně attract thousands of visitors each summer. Larger complexes including Aquapalace Praha and Podolí Swimming Stadium also remain popular destinations due to their extensive recreational and wellness facilities.

Health authorities continue to regularly monitor water quality at Prague’s natural swimming sites, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and rising temperatures. City officials expect strong attendance throughout the summer season, particularly during heatwaves when residents and tourists seek outdoor spaces to relax and cool down. With multiple upgrades taking place across the Czech capital, Prague aims to provide safer, more modern, and more accessible recreational facilities for both locals and visitors during the busy summer months.