Prague Aligns With Venice and Bergen as Smartwings Launches New Winter 2026–27 Routes to Boost European City Break and Nature Tourism

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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June 29, 2026 17:54 GMT+5:30

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Prague, Venice and Bergen are set to become more closely connected as Smartwings expands its European network with two new routes for the Winter 2026–27 season. The Czech carrier has confirmed the launch of direct services from Prague to Venice in Italy and Bergen in Norway, strengthening travel opportunities across Central, Southern and Northern Europe during the winter travel period.

The expansion reflects growing demand for short-haul European travel and highlights how airlines are increasingly targeting both cultural city-break destinations and nature-focused tourism markets. For travellers, tourism businesses and destination marketing organisations, the new routes create additional opportunities to stimulate visitor flows while improving connectivity between three of Europe’s most attractive destinations.

Smartwings Strengthens Prague’s European Network

The announcement represents another step in Smartwings’ ongoing network development strategy.

As one of the Czech Republic’s leading airlines, Smartwings continues to expand its presence across Europe by identifying destinations with strong tourism and leisure appeal. The addition of Venice and Bergen broadens Prague’s direct connectivity while providing travellers with more choices during the winter season.

The move also reinforces Prague’s role as a major Central European aviation hub, offering improved access to destinations across different regions of the continent.

For passengers, the expansion means greater flexibility and new travel opportunities throughout the winter months.

Prague–Venice Route Launches in October

The first of the new services will connect Prague with Venice, one of Italy’s most iconic tourism destinations.

Operations begin on 22 October 2026, with flights scheduled four times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. The route is expected to appeal strongly to leisure travellers seeking cultural experiences, weekend breaks and seasonal holidays.

Venice remains one of Europe’s most recognised destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually to its canals, historic architecture, museums and cultural landmarks.

The direct connection will make travel between the Czech capital and northern Italy more convenient while supporting tourism flows in both directions.

Venice Continues to Attract International Visitors

The launch comes as Venice remains a cornerstone of European tourism.

The city is renowned for attractions such as St Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, the Doge’s Palace and its unique network of waterways. Visitors are drawn by a combination of history, art, architecture and cultural heritage that has made Venice one of the most visited cities in Europe.

The new Prague connection may encourage additional city-break tourism while supporting broader travel itineraries across Italy.

For tourism stakeholders, increased accessibility can play an important role in maintaining strong visitor numbers during the winter season.

Bergen Route Opens Gateway to Norway’s Fjord Region

Smartwings will also introduce a direct service between Prague and Bergen.

The route launches on 26 October 2026 and will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. Bergen serves as one of Norway’s most important tourism gateways and is widely recognised as the entrance to the country’s famous fjord landscapes.

The city combines cultural attractions with access to dramatic natural scenery, making it attractive to travellers seeking outdoor experiences, winter landscapes and Nordic culture.

The new connection provides Czech travellers with easier access to western Norway while opening opportunities for Norwegian visitors to explore Prague.

Nature Tourism Drives Interest in Bergen

Bergen has become increasingly popular among international travellers interested in nature-based tourism.

Surrounded by mountains, fjords and coastal scenery, the city offers year-round appeal. Winter visitors often seek experiences that include fjord cruises, hiking opportunities, cultural attractions and Northern European landscapes.

The route aligns with growing travel trends that favour outdoor experiences, sustainable tourism and destinations offering a strong connection to nature.

By linking Prague directly with Bergen, Smartwings is responding to demand for diverse travel experiences beyond traditional city tourism.

Winter Tourism Gains Additional Momentum

The timing of both route launches reflects the importance of winter travel within Europe.

While summer remains the busiest tourism season, winter tourism has become increasingly significant as travellers seek seasonal city breaks, festive markets, cultural events and nature-focused holidays.

Prague itself is a major winter tourism destination, attracting visitors with its historic centre, Christmas markets and architectural landmarks. Venice and Bergen similarly offer distinctive seasonal experiences that appeal to international travellers.

Enhanced connectivity supports this growing segment of the travel industry.

Regional Connectivity Benefits Tourism and Business Travel

Beyond leisure travel, the new routes also support broader regional mobility.

Direct flights improve accessibility for business travellers, visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic and educational exchanges. Enhanced connectivity often contributes to stronger economic relationships while facilitating easier movement between destinations.

Air services remain a critical component of regional development, particularly in Europe where short-haul routes play an important role in supporting tourism and commerce.

The additional flights strengthen transport links between Central Europe, Southern Europe and Scandinavia.

European Airlines Continue Expanding Niche Markets

The Smartwings expansion reflects a wider trend among European carriers.

Airlines are increasingly focusing on routes that combine tourism demand with strong year-round travel potential. Rather than concentrating solely on major hubs, carriers are identifying opportunities that connect secondary markets and specialised tourism destinations.

Routes such as Prague–Venice and Prague–Bergen fit this strategy by linking established tourism markets with growing travel demand.

As competition across Europe continues intensifying, network diversification remains an important growth tool.

Key Statistics

• Prague–Venice flights begin on 22 October 2026.
• The Venice route will operate four times weekly.
• Prague–Bergen services launch on 26 October 2026.
• Bergen flights will operate twice weekly.
• Both routes form part of Smartwings’ Winter 2026–27 schedule.

Chronological Tracker

22 October 2026
Smartwings launches Prague–Venice services.

26 October 2026
Prague–Bergen route begins operations.

Winter 2026–27
Both routes operate throughout the winter season.

FAQ

When does Smartwings start flights to Venice?

The Prague–Venice route begins on 22 October 2026.

How often will flights operate to Bergen?

The service will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Why are these routes important for tourism?

They improve access to two popular European destinations while supporting city-break, cultural and nature-based travel.

Dates

22 October 2026 – Launch of Prague–Venice flights.

26 October 2026 – Launch of Prague–Bergen flights.

Conclusion

Prague, Venice and Bergen are set to benefit from stronger connectivity as Smartwings introduces two new routes for the Winter 2026–27 season. By linking Central Europe with one of Italy’s most celebrated cultural destinations and one of Norway’s leading gateways to the fjords, the airline is responding to evolving travel demand while supporting tourism growth across multiple regions. The new services highlight the continuing importance of regional air connectivity in Europe and provide travellers with greater opportunities to explore diverse destinations throughout the winter season.