Danube Day in The Czech Republic

This year, events across the country invite families, schoolchildren, and nature enthusiasts to discover the Danube's unique ecosystems, its rich cultural heritage, and the importance of protecting our shared waters.

This year, Danube Day was celebrated at the White Carpathians Nature Centre in Veselí nad Moravou, bringing an international tradition to a new corner of the Czech Republic. From Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 June, visitors of all ages were invited to test their knowledge of the Danube and Morava river basins through an interactive quiz, tailored in an easier version for nursery and primary school children and a more challenging one for secondary students and adults.

Complementing the programme was the photographic exhibition "The Danube by Kayak", showcasing striking images captured by diplomat, traveller and writer PhDr. Ing. Zdeněk Lyčka during his 2,800-kilometre journey down the Danube from its source to the Black Sea. Mr Lyčka also gave a captivating talk on 20 June at the House of Nature, recounting his adventures to an audience that included the mayor of Veselí nad Moravou.

Schools across the region took part in the newly introduced Danube Challenge, replacing last year's quiz with hands-on, creative research tasks. Pupils explored the connection between the Danube and the Morava River through activities themed around the colour blue, physical movement, and imagining the journey of a single drop of water to the sea. The first-year class from Na Dědině Primary School in Uherský Ostroh won the competition, earning free entry for the whole class to the White Carpathians Nature Centre.

The festivities culminated in a lively "Relaxed Evening" on 20 June, featuring eight interactive stations designed for children of all ages. Young visitors pieced together pictures, matched fish shadows to their colours, "fished" for model fish, and tested their estimation skills guessing the volume of half a litre of water. The undoubted stars of the evening were two live sturgeons on display in an aquarium, sparking a popular guessing competition over their weight — ultimately won by a member of the evening's performing rock band, who took home a ticket for two to the Nature Centre. Live music from the Veselí nad Moravou Music School's student band and freshly grilled sausages rounded off the festive atmosphere.

In total, over 600 people took part in Danube Days 2026 in the Czech Republic, reaffirming public enthusiasm for combining education, hands-on experience and culture in celebrating the Danube.

The event was organised by the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic, together with the Bílé Karpaty branch of the Czech Union for Nature Conservation (ČSOP) and the Town of Veselí nad Moravou, with support from local schools in Veselí nad Moravou, Uherský Ostroh, Kyjov and Bzenec.

"We particularly welcome the involvement of schools in the Danube Challenge 2026 competition, the children's interest in the interactive stations and water activities, and the fascinating talk by traveller Zdeněk Lyčka" said the local organisers. 

📷 Photo credit: Exhibition photographs by PhDr. Ing. Zdeněk Lyčka 🔗 Further information: kudyznudy.cz | slovacko.cz | dumprirody.cz/bilekarpaty | csop.bilekarpaty.cz