The best bike paths in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is not only beer, dumplings, castles and palaces. There are also beautiful landscapes that you can admire in various ways. Today we will tell you about bicycle routes running through, along and around Czech attractions. We invite you!

There are plenty of benefits to exploring beautiful areas by bike. There is probably no need to explain obvious things such as independence or the lack of restrictions that drivers have to take into account. But traveling on two wheels is definitely something more. If you love this type of activity (and tourism), we encourage you to check out the paths of our neighbors. We will walk along canals and rivers, as well as around the lake. There will be something for fans of difficult routes that require fitness, skills and reflexes.

Becva cycle route (Beczwa)

Would you like to get to know the most beautiful corners of the Silesian-Morawski Beskids? The Becva bike path is waiting for you. The starting point is the so-called Wallachian Athens or the gateway to the Silesian-Moravian Beskids - Valašské Meziříčí or, more familiarly, Międzyrzecze Wallachia. As you might guess, it is located between rivers. The Lower Beczwa and Upper Beczwa merge here into one, larger one.

Międzyrzecze is not a large city, but it is still one of the largest centers of Moravian Wallachia. Plus it has two locks. The first one is Zámek Žerotínů, where you can stay overnight because part of the building is a hotel. The second one is Zámek Kinských, surrounded by a park. It is not particularly beautiful, but it houses the Wallachian Museum.

We recommend taking a walk around the market square and visiting one of the local cafes. Then we head to Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, where a major attraction is the brewery that has been brewing beer since the 18th century. The second important point is the open-air museum of the Wallachian village (Valašské museum in přírodě). It is divided into the Wooden Town, the Mill Valley and the Wallachian Village, beautiful in itself, but also picturesquely situated on the slopes.

If you like steep climbs, you will like the route to Radhošť. It leads along field paths, and on the way you pass Planiska, Bystré and Maňáky. You climb to an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level, starting from 400 m. After reaching the top, you can catch your breath on the Pustevny pass. In winter, it is full of skiers, but tourists are also attracted by interesting folk architecture. If you feel exhausted, you can go down by cable car.

Ohře cycle path

Another proposal is a route along the Ohra River. It starts in Germany, in Waldasassen, so you'll discover more attractions if you have time. You have a chance not only to enjoy the beauty of Czech (or German) nature. It is also possible to visit several castles, including a 14th-century Gothic monument. Karlštejn Castle is considered by many to be the most famous in the Czech Republic. Beyond it you can see Cheb, Loket and Křivoklát. What is worth emphasizing is that Eurovelo 4 will reach everyone.

Let's get back to our route. It is less than 100 km long, it is nice, simple and pleasant, suitable even for beginners. Kynšperk – Karlovy Vary is a section suitable for families with small children. Most of the trail is divided into designated bicycle paths, and some runs along the road. You won't find any major climbs here that could pose difficulties for recreational cyclists. Follow the sign with the number 204. It applies to several regions: Cheb, Sokolov, Karlovy Vary and Ostrovsky.

The Ohře cycle path delights with its natural beauty and monuments. In addition, you are traveling through the most seismologically active area of all in the north-west of the Czech Republic. When you visit Cheb, its market square with merchant houses (Chebský Špalíček) and the Cheb Castle, it's time to visit Komorní Hůrka. It is the youngest volcano in the Czech lands. Until recently, researchers argued about whether it could be called a volcano and how exactly it was formed. Don't be surprised by a small monument on one of the rocks. Johann Wolfgang Goethe fully deserved this distinction, because the discovery of the truth was largely due to him.

Where to stay in the Czech Republic? Take a look at our campsite search engine and check which campsites in the Czech Republic we recommend.

The next stops are the towns of Kynšperk, Sokolov and the canyons of the Svatoš Rocks. Be sure to stop by in Karlovy Vary! The most famous and at the same time most beautiful Czech spa town has plenty of attractions. Taste the water from the local springs. There are a total of 5 colonnades in the city, including the Spring Colonnade, from which the largest spring of the resort flows. It is the only one that is not available 24 hours a day, and the water gushes out of it into several smaller bowls, so it has different temperatures,

After leaving the spa, we go to Rakovník and then to Křivoklát Castle.

Tiché Orlice bicycle route

We are moving to the Orlické Mountains, where you have plenty of opportunities for cycling and roller skating. An understatement - the area is sometimes called the kingdom of inline biking and roller skating! A tangle of trails with a total length of 40 km has been created in the Orlicko-Třebov region. The network stretches along the valleys of two rivers, Cicha Orlice and Trebovka. It runs between the towns of Choceň, Ústí nad Orlicí, Letohrad and Česká Třebová. The privileges of cyclists and roller skaters may be evidenced by the exclusion of car traffic from these centers.

They say there is no better place for inline skating than Eastern Bohemia. If you have a different opinion, come here to check it out. And if you agree, even better go on a trip. You can choose from three bicycle routes from Ústí nad Orlicí. You can go to Letohrad, Česká Třebová or Choceň. A new 15-kilometer route leads to the first point of cyclists (and roller skaters). You can admire the landscapes from the ruins of Lanšperk Castle, where there is a viewing point. You will see, among others: remains of another castle – Žampach.

If you want to go to Česká Třebová, you will reach the destination of numerous pilgrimages, Hora. Just like in Karlovy Vary, visitors can also drink spring water here. Local attractions also include the observation tower on Kozlovské Wzgórze and the Romanesque rotunda of St. Catherine. The trail is 9 km long.

The third option is Choceń. The bicycle path stretches for 15 km in picturesque areas. You will see the nature reserves of Hemže and Pelina, and in the town of Brandýs nad Orlicí you will see the monument to Jan Amos Komenský, a reformer of the modern era.

Bicycle path around Lake Lipnie

This time we will not go along the river or the forest, but next to the lake. The trail is 14.5 km long and runs from the dam through Lipno nad Vltavou to Frymburk. The path is well prepared, so apart from the landscapes, you can be sure of a comfortable ride. There are many short climbs and descents, turns and attractions in the form of small outdoor swings on the route. The road is intended only for enthusiasts of fast inline skating, cyclists and pedestrians. If you get tired, there are plenty of places to regain strength.

Don't have your own sports equipment? No problem, you can rent it at the Lipno Rent summer rental company. You will find it right next to the bicycle and roller skate route. Importantly, you can also ride the distance between Lipno and Frymburk (8 km) after dark because it is illuminated.

Cycle route along the Bata Canal

Do you feel the soul of a romantic in you? It is worth going to South Moravia, and specifically to the Baťa Canal. The historic waterway connects the towns of Kroměříž and Hodonín, stretching for 56 km. It is not only pretty, but also simple, which means it is suitable even for little ones. You can see 13 locks with staff houses (available to visitors), 23 bridges and artificially deepened canals with movable weirs.

If you are looking for more inspiration about bicycle tours in the Czech Republic, take a look at our article: " Bike tours in Eastern Moravia - campsites and attractions nearby. "

Most of the trail is on flat terrain, some sections can also be covered by boat. Then just get off at the pier and continue your journey. This way you will visit many regional monuments, e.g. Buchlov Castle, the Archaeological Open-Air Museum in Modrá or the Buchlovice Palace. This is a great route for nature lovers. You have the opportunity to admire protected areas, bird reserves and riparian forests. Moreover, you can go with your children on one of the educational paths. And if you feel tired, stop for the night. You can sleep on the barge.

Something for MTB fans

The last proposal is a tribute to those who love challenges. In the Jizera Mountains, adventurers can enjoy the Singltrek pod Smrkem, the first trail of this type in the Czech Republic and continental Europe. Singletrack is such a narrow bicycle trail that it is often impossible to pass, overtake or ride side by side. Put on your helmet, get on your mountain bike and go on a journey through the trees!

You can find other attractions that raise the level of adrenaline in your blood in our article: "Czech attractions for the brave ".

Smrek is the highest peak in the Czech part of the Jizera Mountains. As you overcome the not very steep but winding paths in the forest, you will feel an adrenaline rush. Advanced fans of two-wheel riding will like the red route, but there is something else. Do you like to test yourself? Well, we recommend the black route, only for experienced cyclists. It is full of unexpected obstacles, so driving requires quick reactions. Experiences guaranteed, but remember - this is an adventure for people with appropriate skills.

Of course, there are also easier trails, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the charm of the area. However, those who are brave (and in good shape) do not have to look for a place for madness, because it is right here.

These are not all the bicycle routes that cross the Czech Republic, but they will certainly not disappoint lovers of this form of activity. We encourage you to find out why they are considered the best. Have a great trip!