Prague, Czech Republic, Expands Winter Tourism Reach as Smartwings Introduces New Venice and Bergen Routes for 2026–27 Season
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Winter travellers looking for European city breaks and scenic escapes will soon have more options from Prague as Smartwings prepares to launch new direct services to Venice in Italy and Bergen in Norway during the winter 2026–27 season.
The airline’s latest network expansion adds two highly distinctive destinations to its winter schedule, connecting Czech travellers with one of Europe’s most iconic cultural cities and one of Scandinavia’s most celebrated gateway destinations. The new routes are also expected to support inbound tourism to Prague by creating additional travel opportunities for visitors from Italy and Norway.
The Prague–Venice route will commence on 22 October and operate four times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights between Prague and Bergen will begin on 26 October with twice-weekly services operating every Monday and Friday.
The additions reflect continued demand for short-haul European travel, particularly among leisure travellers seeking cultural experiences, winter holidays and long-weekend breaks throughout the colder months.
Venice Strengthens Prague’s Southern European Tourism Links
Few destinations in Europe carry the global tourism appeal of Venice.
Known for its canals, historic architecture, cultural heritage and romantic atmosphere, the Italian city remains one of the continent’s most visited destinations. The launch of direct flights from Prague provides travellers with easier access to one of Italy’s most recognised tourism centres while reducing travel times and improving convenience.
For Czech travellers, the route offers direct access to a destination that attracts visitors year-round. While summer remains the busiest tourism season, autumn and winter have increasingly become attractive periods for visitors seeking a less crowded experience.
Venice’s historic districts, famous bridges, museums, churches and waterfront attractions continue drawing international tourists from across Europe and beyond. The city also serves as a gateway to the wider Veneto region, allowing visitors to explore nearby destinations and cultural sites.
At the same time, the new route opens additional opportunities for Italian travellers visiting Prague. The Czech capital remains one of Central Europe’s most popular city-break destinations, attracting visitors through its medieval architecture, cultural landmarks, dining scene and festive winter atmosphere.
Bergen Brings Scandinavian Tourism Closer to Central Europe
While Venice represents a classic cultural destination, Bergen offers a completely different tourism experience.
Located on Norway’s western coast, Bergen is widely recognised as one of Scandinavia’s most picturesque cities. Surrounded by mountains, fjords and dramatic coastal landscapes, it serves as a gateway to some of Norway’s most famous natural attractions.
The introduction of direct flights from Prague creates a new tourism bridge between Central Europe and Scandinavia, providing travellers with easier access to Norway’s outdoor experiences and winter scenery.
For visitors arriving in Bergen, opportunities range from exploring historic waterfront districts to embarking on fjord cruises and nature-based excursions. The city also acts as a starting point for journeys deeper into Norway’s western regions, which continue attracting travellers seeking adventure tourism and scenic experiences.
Growing interest in sustainable tourism, outdoor travel and nature-focused holidays has contributed to increasing demand for destinations such as Bergen, particularly during shoulder and winter travel seasons.
The route also strengthens tourism links between Norway and the Czech Republic, creating new opportunities for Norwegian visitors exploring Prague and other destinations across Central Europe.
Winter Travel Demand Continues to Evolve
European travel patterns have changed significantly in recent years, with winter tourism becoming increasingly diverse.
Travellers are no longer focused solely on traditional ski destinations. City breaks, cultural tourism, culinary travel, festive experiences and nature-focused escapes now play a larger role in winter travel planning.
The addition of Venice and Bergen reflects these evolving trends.
Venice appeals to travellers seeking art, history, architecture and gastronomy, while Bergen attracts visitors interested in natural landscapes, outdoor activities and Nordic culture. Together, the routes provide access to two very different but highly attractive tourism markets.
For airlines, expanding winter schedules beyond traditional sun destinations helps capture demand from travellers looking for varied experiences throughout the year.
The growth of flexible travel habits and shorter holiday breaks has also increased interest in direct flights connecting major European cities.
Prague Continues to Strengthen Its Position as a European Gateway
The launch of the new Smartwings routes further reinforces Prague’s role as one of Central Europe’s leading aviation and tourism hubs.
Václav Havel Airport Prague continues expanding its network of European destinations, supporting both outbound and inbound tourism. Improved connectivity allows travellers greater flexibility while helping tourism businesses attract visitors from a wider range of source markets.
Prague remains one of Europe’s most visited capitals, drawing tourists with its UNESCO-listed historic centre, castles, museums, cultural events and seasonal attractions.
Additional direct links to Italy and Norway support the city’s tourism sector by improving accessibility and encouraging year-round visitor flows.
For local tourism stakeholders, increased air connectivity often translates into broader economic benefits across hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail businesses and transport providers.
Smartwings Expands Opportunities for European Travellers
The addition of Venice and Bergen demonstrates how airlines continue responding to changing travel preferences across Europe.
Direct flights reduce travel complexity and create opportunities for more spontaneous journeys, weekend breaks and multi-destination itineraries. As travellers increasingly prioritise convenience and time efficiency, route expansion remains a key factor supporting tourism growth.
With services operating several times each week, both routes provide flexibility for leisure travellers planning short stays as well as longer holidays.
The new connections are expected to contribute to stronger tourism exchanges between the Czech Republic, Italy and Norway while expanding travel options for passengers across the region.
Chronological Tracker
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 22 October 2026 | Smartwings launches Prague–Venice route |
| 22 October 2026 | Venice service begins with four weekly flights |
| 26 October 2026 | Smartwings launches Prague–Bergen route |
| 26 October 2026 | Bergen service begins with twice-weekly flights |
| Winter 2026–27 | New routes operate as part of Smartwings’ winter schedule |
FAQ
When will Smartwings begin flights between Prague and Venice?
The Prague–Venice route will launch on 22 October 2026 with four weekly flights.
When will flights between Prague and Bergen start?
The Prague–Bergen service will commence on 26 October 2026 with twice-weekly operations.
Why are these routes important for tourism?
The routes improve direct connectivity between the Czech Republic, Italy and Norway, supporting city-break tourism, cultural travel and winter holiday demand.
Key Dates
- 22 October 2026 – Prague–Venice flights commence
- 26 October 2026 – Prague–Bergen flights commence
- Winter 2026–27 – Smartwings operates both routes as part of its winter network expansion
Conclusion
Smartwings’ decision to launch direct flights from Prague to Venice and Bergen for the winter 2026–27 season strengthens tourism connectivity across Europe and provides travellers with access to two distinct destination experiences. While Venice offers world-renowned culture, history and architecture, Bergen opens the door to Norway’s fjords, landscapes and outdoor attractions. Together, the new routes expand travel opportunities for leisure visitors, support inbound tourism to Prague and reinforce the growing importance of direct air connectivity in shaping Europe’s winter tourism market.
