Ahoj, Monday! 5 things you need to know this week in Czechia

Severe weather conditions including widespread flooding resulted in numerous disruptions to travel over the weekend, and the situation will likely continue early this week. If you're traveling in the Czech Republic this week, keep updated on the latest road closures from the Czech Road and Motorway Directorate and affected train lines from Czech Railways. In Prague, updated information about public transport closures can be found from Prague Integrated Transport.

During Sept. 16-29, individuals and companies are invited to participate in Czechia’s nationwide bike-to-work (Do práce na kole) initiative. Participants are encouraged to use sustainable forms of transportation and reduce pollution by signing up online and recording their physically active commutes. Companies can support their employees by covering the entry fees. The challenge offers participants the chance to compete for various prizes. You can sign up for the initiative here.

The Czech crown jewels will be displayed to commemorate St. Wenceslas Day, which is also Czech Statehood Day, on Sept. 28. The exhibit will run from Sept. 17-30 at the Vladislav Hall of the Old Royal Palace by Prague Castle, and will be free for viewing. This exhibition will now be held every September in accordance with the decision of the head of state.

The second annual FALL festival at DOX, which runs from Sept. 19-22, invites writers, poets, and visual artists to explore the impact of literature, storytelling, and art in our digital age. The festival addresses how evolving technologies, climate change, social media disruptions, and recent global conflicts challenge our human limits. Attendees will engage in discussions, readings, workshops, and exhibitions, reflecting on how stories and art shape our perspectives and connections.

The first round of the 2024 Czech Senate elections will take place in selected districts on Sept. 20-21. The first round of voting is scheduled for Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A second round of voting will be held on Sept. 27-28. Czech Senate elections are held every two years, with one-third of the country's 81 senators elected for a six-year term. The elections will also coincide with regional elections this weekend; a full list of districts voting can be found here.