Tips for autumn bike tours in Czechia

Whether you're an avid mountain biker or prefer a leisurely ride through the beautiful autumn countryside, we've got a few tips for you on places and cycle paths to enjoy in Czechia. Take a ride along rippling rivers, admire beautiful historical architecture and taste the best wines Bohemia and Moravia have to offer.

Wine biking trails

Autumn – the end of September and the whole of October – the perfect time to visit Moravia’s wine trails. Picture the combination of a warm autumn day, the golden leaves of the vineyards, a relaxing bike ride and an evening chilling out with a glass of great wine! Moravian and Czech wines win gold medals at competitions around the world and are renowned not only among experts, so why not sample them right where they're made? You can find all this and more in South Moravia and North Bohemia. Not to mention the fact that this is the peak of the vintage season, meaning it's time for festivals of wine and burčák, which is fermented wine juice containing alcohol.

The Znojmo Wine Route in Moravia is 63 km long and forms the backbone of a network of regional biking trails that pass through the countryside of South Moravia. The route is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Along the way, from 13 to 15 September 2024 (cancelled due to the weather forecast!) you can stop off in Znojmo at the renowned Znojmo Historical Vintage Festival, with a symbolical welcome shown to the noble King John of Luxembourg.

Another route, which is also suitable for casual cyclists, is the Moravian Mikulov Wine Trail, which follows the red markers and from 6 to 8 September 2024 will take you the Pálava Wine Festival in Mikulov. This traditional festival of wine, cuisine and culture with its prestigious wine competition is one of the most famous in Czechia. It features a royal entourage parade, a craft market and cimbalom music.

You can get to the Moravian Slovakian Wine Festival and Heritage Site Open Day (7 to 8 September 2024 in Uherské Hradiště), presenting the richness and diversity of traditional folk culture in Moravian Slovakia, by taking the 45-kilometre Uherské Hradiště Wine Trail. Stop off in Vlčnov, where we recommend a visit to the unique set of above-ground cellars and presses (Vlčnov budy) and the Museum of Folk Distilleries.

Another great area for biking can be found north of Prague, at the confluence of the mighty Vltava and Elbe rivers. The great Elbe Trail leads around the historical town of Mělník, whose vineyard-strewn slops rise high above the water, and on towards the royal town of Litoměřice. You’ll see a Gothic castle, Roudnice Chateau, the mythical mountain of Říp and the fortress town of Terezín. In Mělník Chateau, be sure to visit the historical wine cellars. Not to mention that there’s a traditional festival of winemakers and good food that takes place in Mělník from 20 to 22 September 2024.

Singltrek pod Smrkem

One great idea is the Singltrek pod Smrkem in North Bohemia near Liberec, which offers more than 60 km of amazing trails. It’s a place where everyone can have fun, from beginners and families with kids to experienced bikers. It doesn't matter if you don't have your bike with you. The hire centres will be happy to provide you with everything you need. Besides the amazing trails, you’re sure to love the breathtaking beauty of the Jizera Mountains, the nearby Jizera Mountain Beech Forest, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, or the picturesque château in Frýdlant.

Bečva Biking Trail

If you’re looking for an easy longish bike ride to span several days, the Bečva Biking Trail is just what you’re after. It offers almost 160 km of trail along the Bečva River in Moravia. If you ride it from its source in the Beskid Mountains as far as the confluence of the Bečva and Morava rivers, the whole route will be slightly downhill! And what can you expect? Besides the picturesque countryside, Helfštýn Castle and Tovačov Château, you can explore the Zbrašovské Aragonite Caves near Hranice or discover the folk traditions of the Wallachian region at the Open Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.

Klínovec Trail Park and the Ore Mountains

Anyone craving a real adrenalin fix will find the Klínovec Trail Park in the Ore Mountains the perfect choice. Enjoy an unforgettable ride on one of the longest flow trails in Europe! If you’d rather take a more laid-back bike ride, head further into the heart of the Ore Mountains. You’ll be pedalling through an authentic and wild countryside, taking in a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site that showcases the history of mining precious metals, as well as local cuisine at the region’s craft microbreweries.

Prague-Vienna Greenway

If you fancy discovering two of Europe’s finest cities on the bike, the Prague-Vienna Greenway is an absolute must. Along the route between these two European capitals, which runs for 368 km and takes roughly a week on the bike including stops, you can visit historic cities, castles and monasteries. With every stretch you pedal you’ll explore the unique landscape and its history, including a unique range of UNESCO World Heritage sites. You should definitely call in at Tábor, with its wealth of medieval Czech history, in Znojmo, with one of Czechia’s oldest churches, or Mikulov below Pálava!