Explore the Enchanted Harry Potter Craze in the Czech Republic

This is an idea for a story by about a young wizard named Harry Potter . He lives in the non-magical world (known as the Muggle world) and starts his magical studies at a School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. The idea came to the author during a train trip. The first book in the fantasy series combines an imaginative world with profound themeslike friendship, bravery, and standing up against unfairness, making it appealing to many readers. The book’s success turned Harry Potter into a worldwide sensation that has impacted literature, movies, and culture globally.

Step into the enchanting realm of magic at Děčín Castle, where you can see thousands of exhibits from Andrea Vendolská’s private collection inspired by the tales of Harry the Wizard until the end of May 2027.

In Prague, you can explore the magical world of J.K. Rowling at CukrCafé Blackulus. This café, inspired by Harry Potter, is located in a bustling area of the city at I. P. Pavlova. It’s not just any café; it’s a unique dining experience called Play-Care, where you can create your own magical potions. They offer a variety of elixirs, brews, essences, along with specialty drinks and many exciting coffee options. This café is the first of its kind in the world, featuring a mysterious cabinet filled with magical artifacts that the server called Wizwaiter brings to your table during your visit (you can even ask for a robe and a wand) along with the Enchanted Library. It was developed in collaboration with Albatros Media, featuring unique items from the wizarding universe!

For fans of Harry Potter looking for a cozy spot, there is the bar The Magical Owl in Vinohrady. This bar is especially welcoming for those who are tired of the mundane world. Inside, you’ll find a magical atmosphere that helps you forget your everyday concerns. You can create your own elixir or choose from a variety of incredible potions. You can also join in themed quizzes, enjoy film screenings, or play board games.

Harry Potter enthusiasts can also check out the Magic Café located in Olomouc or Brno.

If you are a fan of Lego and enjoy building with bricks, you should not miss the exhibitions showcasing the magical Harry Potter universe. You can find these exhibitions, for instance, at the Museum of Bricks in Hati near Znojmo or at the Museum of Bricks in Prague. During the summer, there are many temporary exhibitions, mostly featuring the brands Czech Repubrick or World of Cubes.

The Film Legends Museum Prague provides a glimpse into various fantasy worlds, including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones, Conan the Barbarian, Indiana Jones, and more.

Fun Facts from the Harry Potter Books: Did You Know…?

• • More than half a billion copies of the Harry Potter books have been sold, and they have been translated into over 80 languages, making this series one of the best-selling and most translated in history.

• • This beloved saga nearly didn’t happen since J.K. Rowling was turned down by twelve publishers before she found a small company, Bloomsbury, willing to publish her book.

• • The first installment, known as Czech Republic , was brought to attention by Ondřej Müller, who stumbled upon the book while riding the subway to the Frankfurt Book Fair.

• • Albatros Publishing worked with Vladimír Medek, who along with his brother, also a translator, faced the challenge of translating character and object names which had specific meanings in English. They had to make sure the names made sense to Czech readers, which took an entire year to finalize the key translations (for example, Dumbledore, Quidditch, Brainiac, Hogwarts).

• • The first Czech edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone hit the shelves on 29 February 2000, with an initial print run of only 6,000 copies. The cover of the first edition is different from the second, particularly in its hat design. This first edition is sought after by collectors and fans.

• • The latest collector’s item is a special edition of the first book of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, designed by MinaLima, a graphic design studio known for creating iconic items for the Harry Potter films and Fantastic Beasts, including Pobert’s Map, The Daily Seer, and Jinotaj.