WRO OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
EUROPE 2026
October 13-16, 2026
Zagreb, Croatia
Competition Categories
The WRO Open Championship Europe brings together robotics teams from across the continent. Following the official WRO rules for robot sizes and dimensions is crucial across all categories to ensure fair competition and safety.
RoboMission
Design and program an autonomous robot to complete missions on a themed field.
RoboSports
Teams build and program two autonomous robots that compete head to head in fast paced Double Tennis matches.
Future Innovators
Create an innovative robotics project that addresses real world problems related to the season theme: Robots Meet Culture.
Future Engineers
Advanced robotics where teams build a self driving robot that navigates a track autonomously using free choice of hardware and software.
Event Details
📅 October 13-16, 2026
Zagreb, Croatia | Hosted by HROBOS (Croatian Robotic Association)
📍 Location
Zagreb, Croatia
Exact venue to be announced by HROBOS (Hrvatski robotički savez).
⏰ Event Schedule
TBD
Detailed schedule will be updated as the event draws closer and information is released by the organizing country.
🤖 About the Event
The WRO Open Championship Europe 2026 brings together robotics teams from across the continent. It's an opportunity to compete in WRO challenges, make international friends, and celebrate the theme "Robots Meet Culture" with young innovators from across Europe.
🇭🇷 About Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital, blends Austro-Hungarian architecture with modern culture. Explore the historic Upper Town, visit world-class museums, stroll through Dolac Market, and enjoy the famous café culture. A city where Central European charm meets Mediterranean warmth.
📝 Registration & Qualification
Registration for WRO tournaments, including Open Championships and International Finals, is not open to the general public. Teams must earn their spot by qualifying through official channels:
• Partner Country Tournaments: National competitions organized by official WRO partner organizations
• Affiliate Tournaments: Regional or local qualifying events recognized by WRO
• Other Qualifying Events: Special qualification pathways as designated by WRO or the host organizer
Contact your country's WRO National Organizer or visit the official WRO website for information on how to qualify in your region.
Hotel Recommendations
🏨 Hotel Information Coming Soon
We are currently awaiting official venue and hotel partnership information for the WRO Open Championship Europe 2026. Detailed hotel recommendations, including booking instructions, will be updated on this page as we draw closer to the event and information is released by HROBOS. Please check back soon for accommodation options in Zagreb.
Airport Information
✈️ Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG)
Distance from City Center: Approximately 17 km (25-35 minutes by car)
Croatia's largest international airport, serving as the main hub for flights across Europe and beyond. The modern terminal opened in 2017 offers excellent facilities and connections.
Transportation Options: Airport shuttle bus to Zagreb Bus Station (30 min), taxis, Uber/Bolt, rental cars, and hotel transfers available.
🚆 Alternative: Train Connections
Zagreb Main Station (Glavni kolodvor): Located in the city center
Zagreb is well-connected by rail to major European cities including Vienna (6h), Budapest (6h), Ljubljana (2.5h), and Munich (8h). The historic main station is centrally located with easy access to hotels and attractions.
Tip: Train travel is a scenic and eco-friendly option for teams traveling from neighboring countries.
Dining Options in Zagreb
Zagreb offers a delicious blend of Central European and Mediterranean cuisine. From hearty traditional dishes to modern Croatian gastronomy, there's something for everyone.
🍽️ Dolac Market Area
Location: Upper Town, Central Zagreb
Cuisine: Fresh Local Produce & Traditional
Zagreb's famous open-air market is surrounded by traditional restaurants and bakeries. Try fresh produce, local cheeses, and authentic Croatian street food. The nearby eateries serve classic dishes in a historic atmosphere.
🍽️ Tkalčićeva Street
Location: Lower Town
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine & Cafés
Zagreb's most famous pedestrian street is lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars. Perfect for families with varied tastes, offering everything from traditional Croatian to Italian, Asian, and international cuisine.
🍽️ Traditional Croatian Cuisine
Must-Try Dishes: Štrukli, Ćevapi, Peka
Cuisine: Authentic Croatian
Don't miss Zagreb's signature cheese-filled pastry Štrukli, grilled meat dishes like Ćevapi, and slow-cooked Peka (meat and vegetables under a bell). Pair with local wines from Croatian vineyards.
🍽️ Zagreb Coffee Culture
Location: Throughout the City
Experience: Cafés & Pastries
Coffee culture is central to Zagreb life. Join locals for "špica" – the Saturday morning coffee ritual on Bogovićeva Street. Enjoy excellent espresso, Croatian pastries, and the art of slow living.
