Meanwhile in Czechia... 11/26
20.03.2026
Over 100 new Czech books in German
At least 102 new translations of Czech literature have been published in German since 2024. This was stated by the Director General of the Moravian Regional Library, Professor Tomáš Kubíček, at the opening of the Czech stand at the book fair in Leipzig. The large number of translations into German was massively supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. The number of 102 translations is not yet final, Kubíček added. He also heads the Czechia2026 project, which is organizing the Czech Republic's appearance as guest country at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October this year. On this occasion, the Czech Ministry of Culture released an additional 1.2 million euros (approx. 50,000 euros) to support translations into German. In the years 2022 to 2024, the annual funding amounted to around 18 million crowns (750,000 euros).
At the Leipzig Book Fair, the Czech Republic will be represented by 14 authors at 17 events. The Czech stand is also one of the largest at the fair.
Rose garden at Děčín Castle reopens
The rose garden at Děčín Castle reopens its gates on Saturday. After more than two years of renovation, visitors will experience the popular garden differently than before. The grounds now look as they did in Baroque times. Fountains, water features and historic rose bushes have returned to the garden. Visitors can look forward to a total of 700 rose bushes. For the first time in a long time, visitors also have access to the bastions again.
As part of the restoration of the rose garden, the Sala terrena pavilion and the Lange Fahrt access road were also renovated. The latter has been finished for some time. The lighting in the rose garden itself has been renewed. Individual statues are now illuminated.
Lynx spotted in Bohemian Switzerland
Friday the 13th was a lucky day for the Visokai family. In the late evening hours, the family managed to take a very special snapshot. While driving to Doubice, they spotted a lynx. The animal was initially moving in the forest at the side of the road and only its glowing eyes were visible, which is why the family thought it was a fox. The family had the presence of mind to slow down the car and stop. This made the lynx feel so safe that it crossed the road in front of the family. The Bohemian Switzerland National Park later published the photos on its website.
A photo of a lynx in Bohemian Switzerland is a rare occurrence. So far, there have been photos from 2011 and 2020. The lynx was also moving on the border of Bohemian Switzerland with the Lusatian Mountains Protected Landscape Area. It therefore has a larger catchment area. Further investigations will show whether the lynx has only passed through the area or whether it is already native.
Czech In! whets the appetite for the Czech Republic
Last week, the Vitzthum-Gymnasium in Dresden-Zschertnitz focused on the neighboring country of the Czech Republic. The "Czech In!" initiative, which has volunteered to raise awareness of the country among young people, was the guest of honor. Speakers from the ranks of the project presented the Czech Republic in four informative and vivid lectures for a total of around 100 tenth-grade students.
It was not just about dry facts about the country and culture, but the speakers also talked about their very own experiences of stays abroad in the Czech Republic and gave practical tips on voluntary services, internships, bilateral encounter projects, exchange or study programs. Many of the young people found out for the first time what opportunities are available in the nearby neighboring country and that there are numerous funding opportunities available that you just need to know about and take advantage of.
With these events, "Czech In!" aims to encourage young people in Germany to dare to look across the border. After all, the neighboring country is not only easily accessible from Saxony, but also offers exciting career opportunities for young people, not to mention new personal contacts across borders. "Czech In!" has already been a regular guest at Dresden schools. The free information presentations can be requested directly from the project (also on Facebook and Instagram).
Czech Republic bans HHC
The Czech government has banned the possession of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). This automatically restricts its sale. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch announced the decision, which will come into force upon publication in the Collection of Laws. The previous government had already placed the substance under observation. Substances containing HHC were freely available in the Czech Republic and could be found in vending machines as well as in supermarkets, especially in the border region with Saxony. German shopping tourists also liked to buy them there. The effects of HHC have not yet been definitively recorded. As soon as the amendment to the law appears in the statute book, possession of HHC will be a criminal offense.
Freight shipping struggles with Elbe level
There is a conspicuous number of goods ships on the Elbe at the moment. After months of low water, companies are now trying to send as many ships as possible down the Elbe, especially those carrying large-format goods. One of the companies is Chart Ferox in Děčín, which manufactures large tanks that cannot be transported by land. However, the customer in Sweden has been waiting almost a year for his goods. A first batch of four large tanks is now on its way. Two more such shipments are to follow. The tanks are intended for filling with hydrogen and liquid gas, among other things. The freight will be shipped to Hamburg on the Elbe.
The reason for the hustle and bustle, especially in the port of Děčín Rozbělesy, is the currently favorable Elbe level, which, thanks to the thaw in the low mountain ranges, ensures the navigability of such large cargo ships with heavy freight. However, shipowners are aware that the window of opportunity could soon close again. Large generators are also transported on the Elbe. "We have already transported six generators to Bremerhaven, where they are waiting for two more generators, which we are now sending off," says Lukáš Hradský from the shipping company Evropská vodní doprava (EVD). Later, another generator weighing 220 tons is to be sent down the Elbe. "We have not planned any more transports, because after that, transportation would be too risky due to falling water levels," Hradský told Czech media.