Cycling routes in Czechia

Cycling tourism in Czechia enjoys enormous popularity – the country boasts an excellently developed cycling infrastructure with over 4000 km of marked routes. Many of them were created mainly as communication routes for residents, so you can comfortably travel many kilometers away from streets. This makes Czechia one of the countries where it's easy to travel by bicycle with children.

Czech cycling trails connect historic cities, picturesque villages, medieval castles and lead through beautiful landscapes: from the hilly areas of Moravia to the mountainous regions of the Sudetes. The extensive network of local roads and dedicated cycling paths allows you to enjoy riding away from main transportation arteries. What's more, during summer, some cycling routes have stops and kiosks with snacks and drinks, away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Nature lovers will appreciate the diversity of landscapes – from the lowlands along the Elbe, through the hilly vineyard areas in Moravia, to mountain routes in the Giant Mountains and Šumava. Czechia is also very affordable for tourists, offering high-quality accommodation and excellent cuisine at reasonable prices.

The most beautiful cycling routes in Czechia

1. Elbe trail (Labská stezka)

Part of the international EuroVelo 7 route, running along the Elbe River from its sources in the Giant Mountains to the German border. A perfectly marked and maintained route, mostly leading through flat terrain.

• Průhonice with its historic park and palace
• Mělník – a city famous for its vineyards
• Litoměřice – a pearl of Czech Baroque
• Děčín with its impressive castle

2. Moravian trail (Moravská stezka)

A route running from north to south Moravia, from the Jeseníky Mountains to Mikulov at the Austrian border. It leads through picturesque vineyard areas, landscape parks, and historic cities.

• Olomouc with its historic center and Holy Trinity Column
• Kroměříž with its UNESCO palace and gardens
• Lednice-Valtice – UNESCO palace complex
• Mikulov – a wine town under Pálava

3. Prague-Vienna Greenway

An international trail connecting two historic capitals through the picturesque areas of southern Czechia and Moravia. Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts.

• Český Krumlov – a pearl of southern Czechia
• Telč with its UNESCO Renaissance square
• Znojmo – a city of wine and pickles
• Vranov nad Dyjí with its Baroque castle

4. Around Šumava trail (Cyklotrasa Šumava)

A route leading through Šumava, the most extensive Czech national park, with pristine forests and peat bogs. It offers both easy and challenging sections.

• Lake Lipno – the largest reservoir in Czechia
• Černé and Čertovo lakes – glacial lakes
• Kašperské Hory with its Gothic castle
• Modrava – gateway to the wild parts of Šumava

5. Jizera Greenway (Cyklotrasa Jizera)

A route along the Jizera River, connecting the Giant Mountains with the Elbe Valley. One of the best-prepared routes in the country, easy and accessible for families.

• Turnov rocks in Bohemian Paradise
• Malá Skála with Vranov Castle
• Železný Brod famous for its glassmaking traditions
• Mladá Boleslav – headquarters of Škoda

6. Berounka trail

A route leading through the picturesque Berounka River valley, connecting Pilsen with Prague. Ideal for nature and castle enthusiasts.

• Karlštejn Castle – a Gothic pearl of Czechia
• Křivoklát – one of the oldest Czech castles
• Rocks in Tetín
• Pilsen – the city of beer

7. EuroVelo 4 Route (Czech section)

An international route crossing Czechia from west to east, from the German border to the Polish border. It leads through diverse areas, including historic cities.

• Prague – the capital and heart of Czechia
• Kutná Hora with its Gothic St. Barbara's Cathedral
• Hradec Králové – a city on the Elbe and Orlice rivers
• Opava – a historic Silesian city

8. Ohře trail (Cyklostezka Ohře)

A route along the Ohře River, from the German border to its confluence with the Elbe. It leads through historically rich regions of western Bohemia.

• Karlovy Vary – famous spa town
• Loket with its Gothic castle
• Kadaň – a charming medieval town
• Klášterec nad Ohří with its Baroque castle

9. Moravian palaces cycling trail

A winding route connecting the most beautiful palaces and castles of southern Moravia, leading through picturesque vineyards and historic towns.

• Lednice Palace with landscape gardens
• Valtice – wine center of Czechia
• Architectural gems of Břeclav
• Pernštejn Castle – one of the best-preserved in Europe

Important legal tips for cyclists in Czechia

Mandatory bicycle equipment – working brakes, reflectors on spokes (at least one at the front and back), lights (white at the front, red at the back) mandatory after dark and in poor visibility.

Riding on the road – if there is a cycle path, you must use it. Otherwise, you should ride on the right side of the road. Riding on the sidewalk is forbidden unless it is marked as permitted for cyclists.

Group riding – riding side by side is allowed, but only on cycling paths. On public roads, you must ride in single file.

Helmet and reflective vest – a helmet is mandatory for persons under 18 years of age. A reflective vest is not mandatory but recommended outside built-up areas.

Alcohol – in Czechia, there is zero tolerance for alcohol for cyclists. Riding under the influence of alcohol can result in high penalties.

What to eat in Czechia?

Czech cuisine is known for hearty, meat dishes, excellent desserts, and of course, world-class beer. Vegetarians will find more options in large cities, but it's worth being prepared for limited choices in smaller towns.

1. Svíčková na smetaně

Beef sirloin in cream sauce with root vegetables, served with dumplings (steamed dumplings) and cranberries. This is the flagship dish of Czech cuisine.

2. Vepřo knedlo zelo

A classic of Czech cuisine – roasted pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. A simple but very filling dish, ideal after a long cycling route.

3. Smažený sýr

Breaded and fried cheese (usually Edam), served with tartar sauce and fries. A popular vegetarian dish available in most Czech restaurants.

4. Kulajda

Traditional cream soup with potatoes, forest mushrooms, dill, and egg in sour cream. Perfect for cooler days.

5. Trdelník

Sweet cake made from yeast dough baked over an open fire, sprinkled with sugar and nuts. Popular at festivals and fairs.

6. Koláče

Traditional Czech yeast pastries with fillings (poppy seeds, cottage cheese, plum jam). Ideal for a sweet snack while traveling.

7. Bramborák

Potato pancakes with garlic and marjoram, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. An excellent snack while traveling.

8. Czech beer

Czechia is famous for its highest quality beer. The most popular brands are Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar, Kozel, and Staropramen. It's also worth trying local craft beers from small breweries, which can be found in many Czech cities.

When is the best time to plan a cycling trip in Czechia?

The best period for a cycling expedition in Czechia is from May to September. In June and September, there are pleasant temperatures, and the number of tourists is smaller than at the peak of the season in July and August. Early autumn (September-October) is particularly picturesque in the wine regions of southern Moravia.

When planning a trip, it's worth taking into account Czech public holidays, when many people travel and accommodation may be more difficult to find:

• May 1 – Labor Day
• May 8 – Victory Day
• July 5-6 – Cyril and Methodius Day and Jan Hus Day
• September 28 – Czech Statehood Day
• October 28 – Independent Czechoslovak State Day
• November 17 – Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

It's also worth remembering that in many smaller towns, shops may be closed on Sundays, although this is not a rule.

The most interesting places to visit in Czechia

1. Prague – Old Town, Hradčany, Charles Bridge

The Czech capital enchants with the atmosphere of a medieval city, with Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the original astronomical clock in the Old Town Square. It's also worth seeing Malá Strana, Vyšehrad, and the Jewish Quarter of Josefov.

2. Český Krumlov

A pearl of southern Czechia with a perfectly preserved medieval center and the second-largest castle complex in the country. The picturesque location in a bend of the Vltava River creates a unique atmosphere of the town inscribed on the UNESCO list.

3. Karlovy Vary

The most famous Czech spa with numerous thermal springs and characteristic buildings from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It's worth trying the local medicinal waters and seeing the spa colonnades.

4. Adršpach – Rock City

Extraordinary rock formations creating a natural labyrinth of paths, gorges, and viewing terraces. One of the most spectacular natural places in Czechia, located in the northern part of the country near the border with Poland.

5. Moravian Karst

A system of karst caves with the Macocha Abyss, underground rivers, and rich dripstone formations. The most famous caves are Punkevní, with the possibility of underground river rafting, and Kateřinská with huge chambers.

6. Kutná Hora

A historic mining town with the famous Chapel of Bones (Ossuary), Gothic St. Barbara's Cathedral, and the former royal mint. The entire historic center of the city has been inscribed on the UNESCO list.

7. Olomouc

The former capital of Moravia with the second-largest complex of monuments in Czechia after Prague. Worth seeing are the square with the Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO), the town hall with an astronomical clock, and St. Wenceslas Cathedral.

8. Lednice-Valtice

An extensive landscape complex with two palaces, English-style parks, and numerous garden pavilions. Often called the "garden of Europe," it has been inscribed on the UNESCO list as an example of the harmonious combination of architecture and nature.