In Prosek in Prague 9 the Bobová dráha Praha reopened on 21 October 2026 after more than a year of reconstruction. A new Alpine Coaster track, on which the sled is guided along a rail, was added to the original trough track from 2003. Representatives of the site said that the investment reached roughly CZK 100 million and was made without subsidies.[1][2]
Tracks and capacity
The classic track with an open stainless-steel trough is 700 metres long, the Alpine Coaster 650 metres. Both were supplied by the German manufacturer Wiegand, and on both it is possible to ride at up to 45 km/h, with the rider regulating the speed with a brake. With the second track the capacity of the site rose to 400 people per hour. The classic track had already been rebuilt in 2022, when an iron structure replaced the wooden one.[1][2]
According to Pražský patriot, the Prague Alpine Coaster is only the second track of its type among the 23 bobsled tracks in the Czech Republic, the first being in Monínec. The operation is controlled by a computer, the position of the sleds is monitored by 2,000 magnets, and induction brakes slow them down automatically as needed. The track used 1.5 kilometres of rails, the supporting structure weighs 60 tonnes, and before opening it went through 80 hours of test runs.[1]
Facilities of the site
The tracks are linked by a structure of five steel ellipsoids and viewing terraces, designed by the architect Ondřej Fuchs of the studio NOSCALE architects. Instead of one large building with a restaurant, the slope holds a set of circular terraces, stalls and a children's playground. According to Pražský patriot, the new part with restaurants and the playground is to open in spring. According to Pražský deník, the terraces are placed at various heights, and from the higher levels one can see as far as the Petřín Lookout Tower and Hradčany.[1][2]
Fuchs said that the investor wanted the building not to look like an isolated standalone structure, and the tracks and facilities were therefore designed as a single spatial whole. The general contractor of the construction was the company Lachman Styl, and the earthworks were carried out by the company Kers.[1][2]
Financing
Jan Kantor, managing director of the company Bobovka, said that the reconstruction was financed from the company's own resources, by a supplier credit from Lachman Styl and by private investments. A bond issue brought in about CZK 3 million. According to Kantor, after 22 years of operation the site had to be adapted to requirements for capacity, safety and speed of handling.[1][2]
Fares
According to a representative of the operator, tickets are valid for both tracks, and visitors choose the track only on site. One ride costs CZK 99, five rides CZK 400 and ten rides CZK 700, and these tickets are valid for three months. Tickets for 20 rides at CZK 1,300 and for 30 rides at CZK 1,800 are valid for a year.[2]
Chronology
- — The bobsleigh track in Prosek, Prague 9, resumed operation after reconstruction; a new Alpine Coaster track, on which the sled runs on a rail, was added to the original track from 2003, and according to the operator the investment came to roughly 100 million crowns. Pražský patriot Pražský deník
Sources
- Pražský patriot — 21 October 2026
- Pražský deník — 21 October 2026