Vrchlabí 2026–2028: A Partnership That Turns Intentions into Reality 🤝
Press release: Support for education, a new culture and education centre, and a renovated monastery garden. The ŠKODA AUTO Endowment Fund, the Town of Vrchlabí and the KRNAP Administration are continuing their cooperation.
On Thursday 19 February 2026, representatives of the ŠKODA AUTO Endowment Fund (NFŠA), the Town of Vrchlabí and the Krkonoše National Park (KRNAP) Administration signed memoranda of cooperation that confirm a long-standing partnership and define the key priorities for 2026–2028. The aim of the cooperation is the systematic development of the Vrchlabí area, with a focus on quality public space, education, culture, community life and the protection of nature. The total financial support for projects from the fund will reach almost CZK 15 million.
“We see the memoranda as a clear commitment to continue our successful work on concrete projects in Vrchlabí and the surrounding area. Whether it's the development of education, culture, public space or the protection of nature, our main aim remains the same: to turn agreed intentions into real steps that engage local associations and active citizens. The continuing partnership of the town, the KRNAP Administration and the endowment fund plays a key role in that,” says Michal Kadera, Chairman of the Board of NFŠA.
The cooperation between NFŠA and the Town of Vrchlabí in 2026–2028 will focus in particular on the development of culture, education and public space. Among the key strategic projects is the development of the area in the town centre as a culture and education hub, including the construction of a new building for the basic art school and the conversion of the former cinema into a theatre. Another is the preparation of a HUB — an innovation and community centre. A further step in extending the cycle path from Vrchlabí towards Jilemnice will also be supported. The memoranda also affirm support for public engagement in dialogue about the further development of the town, whether through the participatory budget or the involvement of local associations in public discussions.
“The rich history and continued growth of the carmaker's plant here is of paramount importance to Vrchlabí in terms of employment and the economic stability of the entire region. Equally welcome is the strengthening involvement of the ŠKODA AUTO Endowment Fund in supporting a varied range of projects that benefit a wide circle of local residents,” says Jan Sobotka, Mayor of Vrchlabí.
The memorandum between NFŠA and the KRNAP Administration focuses on the protection and development of the natural environment in the Krkonoše and the immediately surrounding area. Joint activities include support for biodiversity, volunteering, environmental education and community projects. One of the main concrete goals is the second phase of the revitalisation of the monastery garden in Vrchlabí, which combines nature protection with quality public space for local residents and visitors to the town.
“ŠKODA AUTO and the ŠKODA AUTO Endowment Fund have been our valued partners for many years. Thanks to their financial support for the Krkonoše National Park, we are succeeding in returning previously more abundant tree species — such as silver fir and sycamore — to the forests. Together we managed to deliver the project Návrat starých ovocných odrůd do Krkonoš, and they help us with public events such as Čisté Krkonoše. We're delighted that our cooperation will also continue on the further revitalisation of the Vrchlabí monastery garden, which thanks to this work will become a pleasant meeting place for locals and visitors alike,” says Robin Böhnisch, Director of the Krkonoše National Park Administration.
The signing of the memoranda builds on a long-standing cooperation that has delivered a number of strategic projects with concrete impact, whether on the territory of the town, the national park or the entire Vrchlabí region. Examples include support for sustainable mobility in the form of bike-sharing and the first phase of the revitalisation of the Vrchlabí monastery garden. The cooperation between NFŠA and the Town of Vrchlabí has also included financial support for projects and organisations totalling more than CZK 20 million, and in the case of the KRNAP Administration almost CZK 5 million.
These partnerships also build naturally on the long-standing activities of ŠKODA AUTO in the region, where in recent years the company has invested tens of millions more in development, education and cultural projects.
