Iron curtain trail
- Length 9 Days
- Difficulty level Moderate
- Tour length 401 Km
- Price from 815 € Per person
Tour description
The name says it all – we will ride along the border between Communist East and Democratic West, marked by the infamous Iron Curtain from 1948 until late 1989. But we will discover lands that were connected for centuries whose spirits still endure and even thrive together again.
These borderlands and their brutal separation bring numerous stories of villages that are no more, of bridges that cross to nowhere, of roads and paths that simply finish without destination.. It tells us about people who had lived on both sides and who have desperately tried to return to each other, risking and in many cases losing their lives! Luckily, this time is over! The countryside slowly heals its wounds and gives us the unique opportunity to see the process, to enjoy the bits of the lush countryside, the sleepy forest, misty ponds and people living together again. It is not an easy route; the trails combine everything from asphalt to dirt trails. The story is challenging, so is the biking; but it will leave you with indelible memories!
The name says it all – we will ride along the border between Communist East and Democratic West, marked by the infamous Iron Curtain from 1948 until late 1989. But we will discover lands that were connected for centuries whose spirits still endure and even thrive together again.
TOP departure dates - need to check availability:
Mikulov Wine Festival: September 12–14
Znojmo Wine Festival: September 12–14
Itinerary
Arrival to České Budějovice (Budweis)
Show dayThis day is yours to explore České Budějovice, the capital of the Bohemian south. Take your time to climb up the Black tower, walk the huge Přemysl Otakar II square or simply enjoy the local Budvar beer (yes, this is the home of the one and only original Budvar!) on the banks of Vltava or Malše rivers.
You start cycling from the lovely town of České Budějovice to the southeast, along a route taking you through a country of lakes and ponds, even past the legendary spot where the Hussite warlord Jan Zizka was born in the cozy town of Borovany. We conclude the day in Nové Hrady, a small but picturesque town with a castle, a chateau and a monastery. The place was related to the Buquoy noble family for over 3 centuries, and remains the capital of Novohradske hory, a remote but lovely area. When there, do spend some time exploring the lovely Tercino udoli, a great landscape park dating back to the 18th century!
Today we meet the border and history of the Iron Curtain trail! It will zig-zag across the Czech-Austrian border showing us tons of remote nature beauties and forgotten villages and towns telling stories and tales of those who have lived here. We can admire the Chateau in Litschau, the majestic castle in Landstejn and finally the great renaissance beauty – the town of Slavonice. In between tons of ponds, bunkers and even spots where villages and across-the-border connections used to be.
Again, across the border and back and again and again… First, we use the lovely dismantled railway track into Austria, then start meandering through the villages of Upper Austria like Neugiers and Drossendorf. We learn who Grassel was and how his surname became a nickname for bandits and villians. Finally, back on the Czech side of the border we end up in the small sleepy town of Vranov with a magnificent chateau crowning the town.
Description of the day: Today we combine the lovely nature of the Podyji / Thayatal National Park with its wealth of small villages like Hardegg, WWII monuments and remains of the Iron Curtain itself. When it all gets too heavy, we squeeze through some lush vineyards and end up in lovely Znojmo, to relax, drink some great local wine and simply enjoy the views!
Description of the day: And here we go again! Saying goodbye to Znojmo, we hop across the border, fly through the sleepy town of Hardres which shelters the longest cellar lane in Austria and on we go to the sleepy chateau in Jaroslavice. All this framed in the countryside where Maria Theresia’s military cartographers drew the first maps of the kingdom. When tired by riding, we end up in the teeny-tiny spa town of Laa, the local castle tower giving us a good view of the area around!
Today we enter the lands of a family that has written the history of the area for over 8 centuries – the Liechtensteins! Yes, the people with their own country between Austria and Switzerland. We can admire what they have built here, the lively town of Mikulov, wine palaces like Valtice, numerous saletts in the forest and of course ponds and vineyards. And naturally, we learn more Iron Curtain stories and have time to remember the unfortunate ones who died along it at the raw but very touching Monument of the Victims of the Iron Curtain. On a happier note, the town Breclav is our final destination of the day!
The last cycling day brings on board another country – Slovakia and its capital Bratislava. As the full distance would be over 100 km, we only bike to Marchegg, a historical town in Austria right on the river March/Morava which creates the Slovak-Austrian border. Until then we admire the lovely so-called Moravian Amazon at the confluence of Dyje and Morava rivers, the tiny Austrian villages with views across the border and centuries of history of the area. From Marchegg a transfer takes us to Bratislava, the lively Slovak capital which has all the ability to refresh us after a long cycling journey!
Departure
Show dayWe highly recommend you take a time to tour this magnificent city, the Slovak capital has a tiny city center full of picturesque places and buildings, and the castle is worth a visit.
You can also prolong your tour by a ride to Budapest or take a boat trip there or to Vienna!
Services and prices
Selfguided tour with luggage transfer included
| 2 Persons | 1050 € |
| 4 Persons | 980 € |
| 6 Persons | 899 € |
Extras
| Booking fee | 30 € / group |
| Booking fee (tailormade tour) | 100 € / group |
| Bike rental | 135 € |
| Gravel bike rental | 180 € |
| E-bike rental | 270 € |
| Single surcharge | 250 € |
| Solo rider surcharge | 220 € |
| Premium accommodation surcharge | 235 € |
| Premium accommodation SGL surcharge | 310 € |
| Halfboard | 235 € |
| Premium halfboard | 395 € |
| Extra night in České Budějovice | 50-80 € |
| Extra night in Bratislava | 55-80 € |
| Group 1-3 Person Bratislava-České Budějovice | 320 € |
| Group 4+ Person Bratislava-České Budějovice | 395 € |
| Train transfer Bratislava-České Budějovice | 25 € |
| Train transfer Bratislava-České Budějovice with bike | 35 € |
| Car parking in Prague | 14 € / day |
Selfuguided tour with NO luggage transfer
| Price per person | 815 € |
Tour datesAny scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates. Go Private
No terms available right now
Interactive mapSelf guided tour info
Our rental bikes
At Europe Bike Tour, we understand that a high-quality bicycle is key to an enjoyable vacation. That's why we ensure all our bikes are regularly serviced to maintain their perfect condition. For additional equipment, please refer to the "Bike Equipment" section where you'll find items included in the bike fee or available for rent/purchase at an extra cost.
Our diverse fleet includes bikes for men and women in various sizes, electric bikes, tandem bikes, children's bikes, and even recumbent bikes upon request. If you have any special requirements or wishes, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to meeting your needs and ensuring you have the best experience possible!
What is included and what notOn self guided idividual tours
- Individual pre-tour meeting at appointed time at client's hotel on the first day of the tour
- Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions (city standard/premium)
- Breakfast on all days
- Day by day description with altitude profiles, places to visit and local tips
- Official biking maps with highlighted routing (per room)
- Detailed tailor-made cycling maps (per room)
- Detailed town maps with highlighted routing to/from hotel (per room)
- Step by step route description (per room)
- Train tickets and train timetables (for tours where train transfer is part of a tour schedule)
- Transportation of luggage between hotels between 9-17:00 (for option including luggage transfers only!)
- Practical bike ride and safety information
- 24-hour hotline assistance service
- Personal travel and health insurance for participants in the tour
- Transportation (air tickets) to/from starting/final point of the tour
- Transfer from Prague Airport to your Prague hotel on the day of arrival
- Transfer from hotel to the airport on departure day
- Meals (except for breakfasts)
- Entrance fees to museums, castles, and chateaux
- Local touristic/spa tax (to be paid on spot directly to accommodation)
- Bike rental
On fully guided tours
- Specialized Bike Holidays bicycle tour leader during all biking days
- Pick-up from any Prague hotel on the first day of the tour at an appointed time
- Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions
- Breakfast on all days
- Dinners without drink on specific number of biking days (usually every other day but for more info, please contact your tour coordinator)
- Refreshments in the supporting vehicle (soft drinks, snacks, sweets, fruit)
- Water for bike-flasks
- Welcome briefing on the first day
- Maps of towns of accommodation on the tour (per room)
- Detailed cycling maps (on request)
- Program and detailed day-by-day description (per room)
- Practical bike ride safety training
- Technical service on the route
- First aid service on the route
- Support vehicle
- All transportation of participants and their luggage and bicycles during the tour
- Personal travel and health insurance for participants in the tour
- Transportation (air-tickets) to/from Prague – starting/final point of the tour
- Transfer from Prague airport to your Prague hotel on the day of arrival
- Transfer from hotel to the airport on the departure day
- Other meals than mentioned in "What is included"
- Entrance fees to museums, castles, and chateaux
- Local touristic/spa tax (to be paid on spot directly to accommodation)
- Bike rental
Request your holidaysSelf guided tours it is support and independence
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Full-guided trip
We at Europe Bike Tour do know, that a good bike is the most important part of a nice vacation. So we let all our bikes serviced regulary so they stay in perfect condition. Under "Bike Equipment" you can find other aditional equipment that is either in the bike fee included or you can rent/buy it for adittional funds.
We offer male and female bikes with different sizes, E-bikes, Tandembikes, Bikes for kids and on request the Recumbent bike as well. Should you have a special wish/need, do not hesitate to ask us, we will make our best to fullfill your wish!
Why with us?
With a rich 12-year history, Europe Bike Tours offers more than just cycling trips; we provide immersive "Culture Biking" experiences across the Czech Republic and Central Europe. Our tours blend the thrill of biking with cultural exploration, taking you from charming local eateries to ancient, hidden castles. We handpick the most captivating locations, ensuring each bike, family, or wine holiday is an adventure in itself. Catering to diverse preferences, our tours come in various formats, from self-guided to fully guided, with options for luggage transfer and different accommodation levels. For those seeking something unique, we're always ready to craft a tailor-made tour that perfectly fits your vision of a cycling holiday.
- Self guided, fully guided or supported tours
- City standard or premium accommodation
- Tailor made maps
- More biking options for each day
- 24/7 Hotline with personal approach
- Quality bikes e-Bikes
Who we are
Lukáš SvárovskýManager
Languages spoken Czech, English, German
Guide since 2008
Lukas was born and raised in the Czech capital of Prague. His keen interest in history and sports influenced his determination to study both subjects at university in Germany. His passion for travel also led to Lukas adding a tourism degree to his studies. Biking, exploring, and discovering interesting places was one of the determining moments when in 2010 he decided to start Europe Bike Tours. Since than Lukas is keen on developing new products, improve services and above all, share his passion for traveling while guiding one of the tours!
Lukáš Svárovský
Manager
Languages spoken Czech, English, German
Guide since 2008
Lukas was born and raised in the Czech capital of Prague. His keen interest in history and sports influenced his determination to study both subjects at university in Germany. His passion for travel also led to Lukas adding a tourism degree to his studies. Biking, exploring, and discovering interesting places was one of the determining moments when in 2010 he decided to start Europe Bike Tours. Since than Lukas is keen on developing new products, improve services and above all, share his passion for traveling while guiding one of the tours!
Vitek ProchazkaManager
Languages spoken Czech, English, French, German, Slovak, Spanish
Guide since 2012
Vitek was born in Prague, Czech Republic and has remained there most of his life. During his travel and tourism studies he began guiding mostly bike and rafting trips all around Europe. Through his years in the office of a travel agency, guiding remained an important part of his life. Eventually went of for year in New Zealand and after returning started guiding and preparing programs in and around his homeland
Vitek Prochazka
Manager
Languages spoken Czech, English, French, German, Slovak, Spanish
Guide since 2012
Vitek was born in Prague, Czech Republic and has remained there most of his life. During his travel and tourism studies he began guiding mostly bike and rafting trips all around Europe. Through his years in the office of a travel agency, guiding remained an important part of his life. Eventually went of for year in New Zealand and after returning started guiding and preparing programs in and around his homeland
Our self-guided tours
Accommodation is one of the most important parts of each trip that strongly influences the final look of it. We make our best to offer you the best possible accommodation in the prefered category. The hotels we offer are either comfortable small hotels or quite guesthouses both in 3* quality, all of it rather small and with personality than big chain. All the tours have accommodation in or near the town/village centres so you can spend the afternoon and evening after biking exploring the town itself or simply enjoy the peace of the place.
TestimonialsWhat our clients say about us
26 Aug
Scott Nelson
Tour Prague - Krakow short
I did the Prague to Krakow self-guided tour.A great route with such history and two great cities! Would highly recommend not only the route, but the tour company. I was provided with Ride with GPS files in advance and a host of maps and other information upon arrival in Prague. They also use the "Trip Plans" app, which not only gives you the routes, but historical and other information about...Scott Nelson
Tour Prague - Krakow short
I did the Prague to Krakow self-guided tour.
A great route with such history and two great cities! Would highly recommend not only the route, but the tour company. I was provided with Ride with GPS files in advance and a host of maps and other information upon arrival in Prague. They also use the "Trip Plans" app, which not only gives you the routes, but historical and other information about the towns you will be passing through and restaurant recommendations!
Great communication during the ride as well - even making a route change along the way due to road construction (they updated the Ride with GPS file in seemingly real time).
I have done a dozen or so self-guided solo bike trips around the world and often have had very little support - this team made it easy and they were always just a WhatsApp text or call away.
Looking at booking my next tour with them now...
Thanks!
Scott Nelson
26 Aug
Abe Shasha
Tour Prague - Berlin
What a pleasant and positive surprise. Europe bike tours was amazing before (Pretour-meet) during (WhatsApp) and after (followup and pickup). And the other super pleasant surprise was the wonderful country of Czechia. It is under advertised but clean, modern, friendly and the biking through rural small towns was wonderful.Abe Shasha
Tour Prague - Berlin
What a pleasant and positive surprise. Europe bike tours was amazing before (Pretour-meet) during (WhatsApp) and after (followup and pickup). And the other super pleasant surprise was the wonderful country of Czechia. It is under advertised but clean, modern, friendly and the biking through rural small towns was wonderful.
25 Aug
Elena Montagna
Tour Prague - Vienna
We cycled from Prague to Vienna in July, crossing Bohemia and Moravia.The route took us on both bike paths and quiet country roads. The support provided by Europe Bike Tours was very helpful. The app with maps and route guidance was very effective. Their WhatsApp support was always prompt.We really appreciated the accommodations we chose, both in terms of quality and location. The locations wer...Elena Montagna
Tour Prague - Vienna
We cycled from Prague to Vienna in July, crossing Bohemia and Moravia.
The route took us on both bike paths and quiet country roads. The support provided by Europe Bike Tours was very helpful. The app with maps and route guidance was very effective. Their WhatsApp support was always prompt.
We really appreciated the accommodations we chose, both in terms of quality and location. The locations were always convenient to the historic centers of the towns we visited or to public transportation in the major cities.
Highly recommended!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wa733F...
25 Aug
Susan Straley
Tour Prague - Dresden Tour
The planned routes took us to beautiful countryside and historical city squares. Our luggage was always at our lodging waiting for us when we arrived.The Czech Republic is full of history, interesting places, and lovely scenery.Speaking of lodging! What wonderful picks! We were always close to restaurants. In Prague and Dresden we were near the trolley lines so we were able to get to the si...Susan Straley
Tour Prague - Dresden Tour
The planned routes took us to beautiful countryside and historical city squares. Our luggage was always at our lodging waiting for us when we arrived.
The Czech Republic is full of history, interesting places, and lovely scenery.
Speaking of lodging! What wonderful picks! We were always close to restaurants. In Prague and Dresden we were near the trolley lines so we were able to get to the sites easily.
Our bikes worked well for the terrain, which was sometimes smooth and sometimes bumpy.
We were connected to staff via WhatsApp and they were quick to respond when we had a question.
We would use them again.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HyVEFa...
25 Aug
Asaf Lupo
Tour Prague - Vienna Easy Short
This is my third trip with Euro-Bike, this time from Prague to Vienna. The trip through the Czech Republic's landscapes is simply a pleasure. The castles and the medieval atmosphere alongside nature and agriculture are simply charming. Along the way, we met deer, horses, geese, cows, and more. The trip is independent, but the help of Euro-Bike, which included bike rental, hotel reservations in ...Asaf Lupo
Tour Prague - Vienna Easy Short
This is my third trip with Euro-Bike, this time from Prague to Vienna. The trip through the Czech Republic's landscapes is simply a pleasure. The castles and the medieval atmosphere alongside nature and agriculture are simply charming. Along the way, we met deer, horses, geese, cows, and more. The trip is independent, but the help of Euro-Bike, which included bike rental, hotel reservations in the most perfect places, and the hopping of our luggage from hotel to hotel, makes the trip easy and simple. It saved me a lot of work and took away unnecessary stress. The new app makes it even easier and more convenient. I recommend it to anyone who loves bikes.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fP397b...
25 Aug
Taku Yamada
Tour Prague - Vienna Greenways Tour - Short
I participated in the Prague-Vienna Greenway with my 16-year-old son.We opted for the self-guided option, and it was a wonderful experience.My son was very excited about cycling between the well-known cities of Prague and Vienna, and he felt a great sense of accomplishment when we arrived.This was my first time in the Czech Republic, and the atmosphere was very different from other Western Euro...Taku Yamada
Tour Prague - Vienna Greenways Tour - Short
I participated in the Prague-Vienna Greenway with my 16-year-old son.
We opted for the self-guided option, and it was a wonderful experience.
My son was very excited about cycling between the well-known cities of Prague and Vienna, and he felt a great sense of accomplishment when we arrived.
This was my first time in the Czech Republic, and the atmosphere was very different from other Western European countries I had visited.
Along the way, we were able to experience the diverse beauty of the Czech Republic, with endless wheat fields, the atmosphere of the small villages we passed, and the pure forest air.
I was a little worried about my son's physical condition, but the route allowed for shortcuts such as taking the train, so we were able to reach the finish line safely.
The choice of towns and hotels we stayed in was very well-balanced, and we had a comfortable stay. Our checked luggage was always there when we arrived, so the operation was excellent.
Even though there was no guide during the tour, support members were always available via chat, so we were able to proceed without any worries. We were provided with plenty of information about towns and dining spots before the start, and when we needed real-time support on the spot, such as choosing shortcuts, they responded immediately, making it feel like we were with a guide.
Japanese people are probably dying to go to Italy or France, but the Czech Republic allows you to fully experience Europe and there are many cyclists to be seen, so I think it's perfect for people who prefer a more unconventional itinerary.
Thank you so much to everyone at Europe Bike Tours!
I'd love to come again.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7rUPbd...
25 Aug
Aldo Zunino
Tour Prague - Vienna Greenways Tour - Short
what we have appreciated with Euro Bike Tour in Czech- The visit of Prague with the 2 ladies- Very good and confortable bikes. In very good status.- Good hotels well located with friendly welcoming- the entire tour was very well designed, it has allowed us to visit in very good condition a country we didn’t know at all .We hope to have other opportunities to do bicycle riding with Them againhtt...Aldo Zunino
Tour Prague - Vienna Greenways Tour - Short
what we have appreciated with Euro Bike Tour in Czech
- The visit of Prague with the 2 ladies
- Very good and confortable bikes. In very good status.
- Good hotels well located with friendly welcoming
- the entire tour was very well designed, it has allowed us to visit in very good condition a country we didn’t know at all .
We hope to have other opportunities to do bicycle riding with Them again
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y6vYVg...
25 Aug
Machteld Stoffels
Tour Iron Curtain trail West
Cycling the Iron Curtain Trail from Cheb to České Budějovice; what an amazing and beautiful tour! Cycling through the Sumava National Park, along the Schwarzenberg Canal, the Vltava and sleeping in friendly villages; we enjoyed it. It is a very quiet area, with a lot of up and down, gravel paths, and a tour with good cycling distances.Thanks to -especially- Vitek, but also Lukas, Tetiana and th...Machteld Stoffels
Tour Iron Curtain trail West
Cycling the Iron Curtain Trail from Cheb to České Budějovice; what an amazing and beautiful tour! Cycling through the Sumava National Park, along the Schwarzenberg Canal, the Vltava and sleeping in friendly villages; we enjoyed it. It is a very quiet area, with a lot of up and down, gravel paths, and a tour with good cycling distances.
Thanks to -especially- Vitek, but also Lukas, Tetiana and the whole team of Europe Bike Tours.
We hope to see you again next year with another tour, Machteld & Maarten
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcD2Cu...
25 Aug
Barbara Schneider
Tour Prague - Passau Tour
We rode the route from Prague to Passau with Europe Bike Tours.We enjoyed a wonderfully curated tour through stunning landscapes and charming medieval towns!The hotels were great, and the morning buffets were amazing.Thanks to the app, everything was very easy to find.Everything was superbly organized and worked perfectly.A big thank you! We highly recommend Europe Bike Tours!Best regards,Barba...Barbara Schneider
Tour Prague - Passau Tour
We rode the route from Prague to Passau with Europe Bike Tours.
We enjoyed a wonderfully curated tour through stunning landscapes and charming medieval towns!
The hotels were great, and the morning buffets were amazing.
Thanks to the app, everything was very easy to find.
Everything was superbly organized and worked perfectly.
A big thank you! We highly recommend Europe Bike Tours!
Best regards,
Barbara and Renato
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mDYEWA...
25 Aug
Joxan Zumeta
Tour Prague - Budapest short
An unforgettable cycling experience: Prague – Vienna – Bratislava – BudapestI've just completed a spectacular bike tour from Prague to Budapest, passing through Vienna and Bratislava — all organized by a small Czech company called Europe-Bike-Tours Team. They were outstanding in every way.The organization was flawless: perfectly prepared GPS tracks, comfortable and well-chosen accommodations, g...
Joxan Zumeta
Tour Prague - Budapest short
An unforgettable cycling experience: Prague – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest
I've just completed a spectacular bike tour from Prague to Budapest, passing through Vienna and Bratislava — all organized by a small Czech company called Europe-Bike-Tours Team. They were outstanding in every way.
The organization was flawless: perfectly prepared GPS tracks, comfortable and well-chosen accommodations, great food, logistical support, and detailed tourist information. I didn’t have to worry about anything – just ride and enjoy.
The route itself was amazing: low-traffic roads, beautiful weather, charming towns like Tábor, Jindřichův Hradec, Telč, Vranov, Znojmo, Mikulov, Poysdorf, Győr, Komárom, Esztergom… all accompanied by excellent food, fantastic wines, and of course, great beer!
I highly recommend Europe-Bike-Tours Team. They don't just organize cycling trips — they create truly memorable journeys with great care and professionalism. If you're considering a bike tour through Central Europe, look no further.
A huge thank you for an unforgettable adventure!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RtCYGP...
