On a Bike, at Ease

Bečva Cycling Trail: The Best Moravian Trail

The Bečva River runs through the eastern regions of the Czech Republic. The river begins in the Beskydy Mountains and it flows into the Morava River in the lowlands after about 160 kilometres. And this cycling trail traces the river’s path almost completely. The trail starts in the green and undulating protected landscape area of the Beskids and slowly drops into the lowlands together with the river current. The trail is also suitable for families with children who are able to cycle on their own, as it is downhill almost all the way. And what can you enjoy during the ride? In addition to the beautiful landscape of the Beskydy Mountains, you can visit one of the oldest and largest European open-air museums in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, with more than a hundred protected houses built in the folk style. The trail then runs along the spa of Teplice nad Bečvou, where you simply must stop to taste the local mineral water. Near the spa, there are the Zbrašovské Aragonite Caves that are also well worth a visit. 

České středohoří: Through the Land of Extinct Volcanos

České středohoří, or the Central Bohemian Highlands, is a mountain range that lies in the centre of Bohemia, north of Prague. It is formed by hundreds of peaks and hills that are millions of years old. The Labe River meanders through the Highlands. The cycling trail is almost 100 kilometres long and it starts at the foothills of the Říp Mountain and ends by the German border. There are a lot of bridges or ferries that you can use to cross the river and it is only up to you to decide where to go and what to see. In Děčín, there is a chateau above the river, and you should definitely visit the historical town of Litoměřice, where you can find medieval walls, St Stephen’s Cathedral, and many galleries and museums. You can explore the dark side of history in Terezín, which served as a Nazi concentration camp for Bohemian and other Jews during WWII. Originally, it was a military fortress built in the 18th century. The site has recently been reconstructed, and you can learn about both historical periods. And what about natural sites? Remember to check out the rock cities near Děčín and Hřensko!

South Bohemia: Pleasant Cycling with Perfect Infrastructure

If you want to explore the typical landscape that for many Czechs means the countryside, ease, and holidays at Grandma’s, you need to go to South Bohemia! Moreover, South Bohemia has the densest marked network of cycling trails in the entire Czech Republic, and it is mostly flat. It is the land of lakes, centuries-old avenues of trees along dams, scenic villages, and old towns. In South Bohemia, you can visit dozens of chateaus, such as the romantic Červená Lhota, Hluboká, or Český Krumlov, listed by UNESCO. And you can let your bike take you to another UNESCO site: the village of Holašovice is unique thanks to its houses built in the peasant Baroque style, preserved in a beautiful and uniform condition. And which cycling trail should you take? The Vltava Cycling Trail is the longest: it starts in the hills of Šumava by Kvilda and ends at the castle of Zvíkov. If you decide to follow it, it will take you to the greatest attractions that South Bohemia has to offer: Český Krumlov, the monastery in Vyšší Brod, the castle of Rožmberk, and the monastery in Zlatá Koruna.

Crown of Vysočina: Through Unspoiled Scenic Countryside

Vysočina, the undulating mountain range on the border of Bohemia and Moravia, is interwoven with almost 2,500 kilometres of cycling trails. You can cycle to your heart’s content! It is a region of blooming meadows and splendid sites. The cycling trail from Žďár nad Sázavou to Přibyslav is very popular. It is built along a closed railway track and has a unique atmosphere. The cultural wealth of Vysočina is within easy reach: there is a UNESCO site, the stunning Santini’s Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora; the castle of Pernštejn; and the monastery and chateau compound in Žďár nad Sázavou with the original New Generation Museum. And what about the beauties of nature? The cycling paths will take you into the heart of the protected landscape area of Žďárské vrchy, where there are lookout towers, viewpoints, recreational ponds, restaurants, and rural pubs. The countryside around Bystřice nad Pernštejnem is best explored via the Bison Routes, a sophisticated system of theme-based loop trails.