Czechia is located in the middle of Europe, a day’s drive or an hour’s flight away, and is often overlooked by cyclists. Unjustifiably so. The country has mountains on its borders, vast forests, castles on every hill, vineyards in the southeast, and one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Food and drink are affordable, and the beer is excellent.
Prague
Prague is more than just a city trip. The city itself has some tough climbs, for example to the castle and the Strahov Monastery, and just outside the city begins the rolling Bohemian countryside. Every year L’Etape Czech Republic is raced here, the Czech edition of the famous Tour de France cycling race. We rode along: read Cycling in Prague: L’Etape du Tour. You can rent race bikes in Prague.
The regions
- Krkonoše (Giant Mountains): The highest mountains in the Czech Republic, near the Polish border, around Sněžka. Around Špindlerův Mlýn there are long climbing and mountain biking trails.
- Šumava (Bohemian Forest): a large, sparsely populated forest area on the border with Germany and Austria. Ideal for gravel and multi-day tours, with the medieval town of Český Krumlov as a base.
- Bohemian Switzerland: sandstone rocks and gorges on the Elbe, against the German border.
- South Moravia: Wine hills, castles and quiet roads around Mikulov and Znojmo. Ravine and sunny, also great for those who don't like mountains.
Long routes
The Elbe Cycle Route follows the river from the Giant Mountains via Bohemian Switzerland to Germany. EuroVelo 7 runs from Berlin via Prague to the south. And the Greenways Prague – Vienna connect two capitals via castles and quiet villages in South Bohemia and Moravia.
Well-signposted
The Czech Republic has one of the most dense networks of signposted cycling routes in Europe. The yellow bicycle signs of the Czech Hiking and Cycling Club (KČT) are posted along thousands of kilometers of quiet roads and forest paths, even far outside the tourist areas. This makes it a great country to go hiking without a fixed route.
Practical
- MoneyCzechia uses the koruna (CZK), not the euro. You can use ATMs almost everywhere.
- TrainThe Czech Railways (ČD) carry bicycles on many lines. It is convenient for traveling to the Giant Mountains or South Bohemia.
- By carFor the highways, you need a digital vignette.
- Food and drink: sturdy and cheap. Try the svíčková (pork with cream sauce and dumplings) and of course a freshly brewed Czech beer after the ride.
Because of the short travel distance, Czechia is also suitable for a long weekend: drive to the Giant Mountains or the Bohemian Forest on Friday and you have two full days of cycling.
Three trips to start with
- Prague – Karlštejn: a day trip out of the city, along the Berounka river to the medieval castle of Karlštejn, then return by train if you don't want to cycle.
- Rundowns from Český Krumlov: through the forests of the Bohemian Forest (Šumava), along the Lipno Lake and the upper reaches of the Moldau River. Quiet asphalt and plenty of forest paths for gravel.
- Wine Route in Southern MoraviaFrom Mikulov, along rolling roads past vineyards, castles and the parkland of Lednice-Valtice, on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
For whom is the Czech Republic?
Czech Republic is ideal for cyclists looking for an affordable, undiscovered destination with plenty of variety. Mountain bikers will find climbing in the Giant Mountains and the Beskydy Mountains, gravel riders endless forest trails in the Bohemian Forest, and road cyclists peaceful routes along rivers and vineyards. Combine a few days of cycling with a city trip to Prague or Brno, and take the time for food and beer.
When are you leaving?
May to September. June and September are the best months in the mountains; the summer can be hot in the lowlands.
How do you get there?
By car, you can be in Prague in about nine hours from Utrecht. There are direct flights to Prague, and there are also night trains and trains via Germany.
Sources
- Personal story: Cycling in Prague: L'Etape du Tour – at the invitation of CzechTourism Benelux
Stories
This is how we calculate: We calculate distances and travel times starting from Utrecht. Our flights always depart from Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport. Want to know how to travel from your place of residence the best way? Let us know, We are happy to help you. After all, we built this site together.
Are you flying? Read our guide Flying with your bike: Which airline, what the cost is and how to pack your bike.
