Quick answer
Cycling in the Czech Republic is best experienced along the Elbe (Labe) river valley, the Vltava south of Prague, and through the South Moravian wine country near Znojmo and Mikulov. The infrastructure is improving rapidly but is less developed than Austria or Germany — GPS navigation is essential outside major river routes, and cycle-specific accommodation varies in quality. The rewards are significant: beautiful scenery, affordable prices, and far fewer tourists than the equivalent Austrian routes.
Who is this for
This guide is for cyclists planning a multi-day trip in or through the Czech Republic — whether as a standalone destination or as part of a longer Prague-to-Vienna journey. It suits cyclists who are comfortable with occasional rougher surfaces, basic navigation, and a slightly more adventurous experience than the polished Danube path.
Best cycling routes in the Czech Republic
Prague to Cesky Krumlov (approx. 180 km)
The most popular long-distance route for international cyclists, following the Vltava river south from Prague through increasingly dramatic scenery to the UNESCO-listed baroque town of Cesky Krumlov. The terrain is rolling rather than flat — expect several climbs of 200–400 m — but the route is manageable for fit recreational cyclists. Navigation is straightforward with a GPX track; on-road signage is patchy in places.
Cesky Krumlov itself rewards a full extra day: the castle complex, the baroque theatre, the old town, and the riverside cycle path downstream through the nature reserve are all exceptional. Most cyclists who come for one night end up staying two.
Elbe Cycle Path (Labe) — Prague to the German border
EuroVelo 7 follows the Elbe (Labe in Czech) from Prague northeast through Melnik, Litomerice, and the dramatic Bohemian Switzerland sandstone landscapes to the German border near Decin. The section through the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is one of the most spectacular in Central Europe — sandstone towers, deep gorges, and very few other cyclists.
The Czech section of the Elbe path is about 200 km and can be cycled in 3–4 days. Surfaces vary from asphalt to unpaved track; a hardtail or gravel bike is recommended for the natural sections.
South Moravia wine country
The area around Znojmo, Mikulov, and the Palava hills in South Moravia is Czech cycling at its most relaxed: flat to gently rolling vineyards, excellent local wine, and a well-developed network of local cycling trails. This region is less known internationally but extremely popular with Czech and Austrian cyclists. Distances are short, villages are frequent, and the combination of wine tasting and easy riding makes it ideal for a long weekend.
Moravia cycling trails (Stezka Vody, Vina a Zelena)
South Moravia has invested heavily in long-distance trail infrastructure. The Stezka Vody (Water Trail), Stezka Vina (Wine Trail), and Stezka Zelena (Green Trail) form a network of over 400 km of primarily off-road cycling paths through vineyards, forests, and river valleys. These trails use compressed gravel and are best suited to gravel or mountain bikes.
Key practical facts
- Cycling infrastructure: Good on major river routes; variable elsewhere
- Navigation: GPS essential; Mapy.cz is the best app for Czech Republic
- Surface: Mix of asphalt and unpaved track; gravel bike recommended off major routes
- Bike rental: Available in Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Brno, and major tourist towns
- Luggage transfer: Available on organised tours; harder to arrange independently
- Cost: Significantly cheaper than Austria — accommodation EUR 35–65 pp/night, meals EUR 8–15
When to go
Best months: May, June, September
Spring cycling in the Czech Republic is excellent — wildflowers, manageable temperatures (15–22 C), and empty trails. September brings harvest festival atmosphere in South Moravia and beautiful light in the river valleys. July and August are hot but manageable; the Bohemian highlands stay cooler than the flat wine country.
Avoid November through March: many rural guesthouses close, trails become muddy, and daylight is limited.
Practical tips
Getting around
Czech trains accept bicycles in dedicated bike carriages — book ahead on popular routes (Prague–Cesk Budejovice, Prague–Brno). Regional buses do not typically accept bikes. The intercity bus operator RegioJet allows bikes on some routes with advance reservation.
Language
English is widely spoken in Prague and major tourist towns. In rural areas, basic Czech or German phrases help. Locals are invariably friendly and patient with cyclists asking for directions.
Using Mapy.cz
Mapy.cz is the essential navigation tool for Czech Republic cycling. It has the most detailed and accurate cycling routing in the country, including off-road trails that Google Maps and Komoot miss. Download offline maps before you go — mobile signal in rural areas can be patchy.
Recommended tours
Our Prague–Vienna tours include the best of the Czech Republic — Prague, the Vltava valley, and Cesky Krumlov — as part of a 7–10 day river journey. Available as self-guided and fully guided. See our Czech Republic cycling tours for itineraries and departure dates.
