Kraków prepares for a weekend on Mars
Kraków will once again welcome one of Europe's leading space robotics events this September, when the European Rover Challenge (ERC) arrives in the city from 4–6 September 2026.
For three days, teams from around the world will put their specially designed rovers through demanding challenges on a simulated Martian landscape. Alongside the competition, visitors can explore exhibitions, educational activities and a conference programme featuring scientists, engineers, astronauts and experts from the international space sector.
The event is free to attend, making it an accessible option for families, students, technology enthusiasts and anyone curious about what future exploration beyond Earth might look like.
Robots, Mars and real space-mission challenges
At the heart of ERC is the Marsyard, a specially constructed terrain designed to reproduce the kinds of geological and operational challenges that planetary rovers face.
The competing teams, largely made up of university students, design and build their own robotic vehicles before bringing them to Kraków for the finals. The challenges draw on real space missions and test areas including navigation, automation, control systems, problem-solving and autonomous operation.
The 2026 competition has attracted 124 registered teams from 29 countries, underlining the international character of the event. Among the teams taking part is Kraków's own AGH Space Systems, representing AGH University of Krakow.
A hands-on space experience for visitors
There is plenty to see away from the competition track too.
The ERC's STEM Exhibit and Inspiration Zone will feature interactive displays, educational workshops and experiments, allowing visitors to explore robotics, space technology and science at their own pace. The programme is designed for different ages, so younger visitors can get involved while older students and technology enthusiasts can take a closer look at the ideas and engineering behind the machines.
The conference programme will bring another dimension to the weekend, with discussions and presentations covering subjects including future missions to the Moon and Mars, human settlement, sustainability and the applications of space technology on Earth.
Kraków takes centre stage
Kraków is the host city for ERC 2026, continuing the city's role in an event that brings together international students, researchers, engineers and professionals from the space industry.
The city's own zone will be located close to the main Marsyard installation. Visitors will also find a dedicated place to relax, with comfortable loungers providing a spot to take a break while staying close to the action.
For Kraków residents, the event offers a chance to see the city's connection with the growing space and robotics community first-hand. It also gives international visitors another reason to experience Kraków beyond its historic centre, with a major international technology event taking place in the city.
When to visit European Rover Challenge 2026
The European Rover Challenge takes place in Kraków from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026.
Event details:
Dates: 4–6 September 2026
Location: Władysława Reymonta 19, Kraków
Admission: Free
Friday and Saturday: 10:00–17:00
Sunday: 10:00–15:00
Suitable for: Families, children, young people, students, science and technology enthusiasts
The official ERC website provides the latest programme, visitor information and details of the competition.
See more: Kraków AGH Students Win International Mars Rover Competition in Türkiye
Image credit: Jakub Hałun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
