Prague ice bar gives tourists respite from heat wave

As a heat wave rolls over Europe, bringing temperatures as high as 33 Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in Prague on Tuesday, the ICE PUB in downtown Prague offers a brief escape to Arctic conditions. (Photo + Text: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

The bar is just a minute's walk from the capital's renowned Charles Bridge. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

It serves vodka-based cocktails in cups made of ice; the furnishings and decorations are also made from ice. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

A bartender prepares drinks in glasses made of ice inside the Ice Pub in Prague. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

Customers drink from glasses made of ice inside the Ice Pub in Prague. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

The temperature inside, around -7 Celsius (45 Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, is so cold that visitors are handed fleece coats and mittens, and visits are limited to under half an hour. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

The bar used to serve beer as well -- but has stopped that because the tap kept freezing up, bartender Lukas Santler said. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

Customers wait to order a drink inside the Ice Pub in Prague. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

Temperatures may remain above normal into the middle of next week, the World Meteorological Organization said, warning that such events could occur with greater frequency in the future. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)

A customer drinks from a glass made of ice inside the Ice Pub in Prague. (Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny)