The Complete Guide to Cycling the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic (ancient name “Bohemia”) is a relatively small country located in the heart of central Europe, which despite its small size boasts a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, attracting over 7 million international tourists in 2024.

The country was called Czechoslovakia until 1992. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it peacefully split up with Slovakia, and is since known as the Czech Republic.

Cycling in the Czech Republic (or “Czechia” in short) is a journey through the centuries of European history: from the Gothic-Bohemian streets of Prague to the Baroque old Town of Brno or the neo-renaissance buildings of Liberec, it is a cultural experience for the eyes and the soul.

For nature lovers, the Czech Republic offers green hills and vineyards alternating with broadleaved and coniferous forests, impressive limestone formations, and untouched landscapes of its three national parks: Šumava, Saxon Switzerland, and Podyjí National Park.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to plan an epic cycling trip to this beautiful country.

Let’s dive right in!

Topography

The Czech country, often referred to by locals as “Srdce Evropy” (in English “the Heart of Europe”), is situated between latitudes 48° and 51° N and longitudes 12° and 19° E.

It shares its borders with Germany to the west, Austria to the South, Slovakia to the East, and Poland to the north.

With a total area of 78,871 km² (30,452 sq mi), the Czech Republic is a landlocked nation. It's area is about the same size as the American state of South Carolina.

The compact size of the Czech Republic makes it ideal for exploration in a relatively short amount of time, especially by bike. The country’s landscape is variegated and includes a balanced mix of rolling hills, orderly forested highlands, and fertile plains.

The country is dotted with 72 lakes (with Černé Jezero being the largest one), streaked by 25 rivers (with the Vltava being the longest), and crossed by three major middle-sized mountain chains - the Elbe Sandstone Mountain, the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, and the Ore Mountains.

The geographically central location of the Czech Republic made it a historically lively crossroad of cultures, which left layers of architectonical styles visible when crossing its artful cities and quaint villages: Gothic, Romanic, Renaissance, Baroque, Bohemiene… The Czech Republic has it all!

Flora

Forests in the Czech Republic cover slightly more than 33% of the country area, while farmlands cover 54%. The forests are composed of common continental plants such as beeches and oaks in lower elevations, and Norway spruce, silver fir, and dwarf pines at higher altitudes. In spring and early summer (April-June), the Czech hills get covered in flowers such as the bright yellow Arnicas, red poppies, red roses (the national flower!), blue Chicory blossoms, white daisies, and several endemic wildflower species.

Cycling through the Czech countryside is a peaceful experience that excites all senses: bright nature for the eyes, natural smells for the nose, peaceful rural silence for the ears, and of course, as we will see later, also good food for your palate

Fauna

By being part of the EU, the Czech Republic holds high standards for biodiversity preservation and put great effort in recent years to protect its natural ecosystems and the animals habiting them.

Among the most common mammals you might find while cycling Czechia, are deers, wild boars, foxes, and lynxes. In the Milovice natural reserve, European Bisons have been re-introduced during the 50’s, and today they add up to over 100 exemplars: a rare sight to spot anywhere else in Europe!

Other common animals you might witness on your journey are surely birds such as white storks, eagles, and hawks; and minor amphibians such as frogs, salamanders, and grass snakes.

Last but not least, the country is a privileged destination loved by freshwater fishermen for its brown trouts, European carp, and pixies.

Climate

The Czech Republic enjoys a typical continental climate and the seasons are extremely distinct as it is with most landlocked countries.

Czech winters last from December-February, and are frigid, with temperatures well below 0°C (32°F). Most of the country covered in snow during this time.

On the other hand, summers are usually sunny and warm with average temperatures above 20-25°C (68-77°F) and only brief rare thunderstorms, usually not lasting more than an hour or two.

Mid-season temperatures are in-between, with springs usually being more rainy and cooler than autumn.

The country’s climate could be also sub-divided into three main regions: the lowlands (Prague/Brno regions) with milder-warmer temperatures, the mountains (Krkonoše/Šumava) with colder peaks, and the South Moravia (vineyard region) characterized by summer highs even above 30°C (86°F).

Economy

With a GDP of approximately USD 360 billion in 2024, the Czech Republic is the 18th largest economy in the EU and the 45th largest economy in the world, ahead of countries like Ireland and Qatar.

The GDP per capita stands at around $30,000 USD, placing the country in the 39th position globally and ranking 14th among EU member states.

The capital of the city Prague is the pulsating heart of the Czech economy: it hosts around 1,4M people (over 10% of the country’s total population) and welcomes around 6M international tourists every year (around 85% of all travelers coming to Czech Republic!).

Here the cost of living is much higher than in other cities such as +10% compared to the 2nd largest city of Brno and 30-40% higher than in the countryside., as proof of the great economic disparity between urban and rural areas.

Although agriculture remains an important sector of the country’s heritage, as of today it contributes to less than 2% of the national GDP, with industry accounting for 30% and services for a whopping 65%.

The most famous products from the Czech Republic are surely its Pilsner/Lager beers, bohemian glassware, Czech porcelain, cars (Skoda), handmade wooden toys, and musical instruments such violins, pianos, accordions, and guitars.

The footwear manufacturer Bata, often called the "shoemaker to the world" is also a Czech company, though headquartered in Switzerland.

Here following are the three best regions you might want to consider when planning a bike trip through the Czech Republic:

1) South-East Moravska region

Located in the Southern part of the country, this region which spans from Valrice to Mikulov and Brno is characterized by smooth rolling hills, vineyards, medieval castles, and historical buildings.

The EuroVelo 9 cycling route from the Baltic to the Adriatic Sea and the EuroVelo 13 cycling route from NordKapp to Bulgaria, which are considered two of the most scenic biking routes in Europe cross this region.

2) The “Czech” Switzerland

Also called the Bohemian Switzerland, this is a national park located in the northern region of the country along the border with Germany and Poland. It covers the stretch of land that roughly goes from Usti nad Labem to the town of Liberec.

The region has plenty of waterways, with the Elbe being the major river, along with gorges such as the famous Kamenice Gorce, sandstone formations such as the breath-taking Pravcickà Gate, tiny hamlets, and green pastures which resemble those of Switzerland.

Crossing the whole region is possible in about 2-3 days, with extra days if willing to climb the Ore mountain chain.

3) Central Bohemian Region (Prague and the Vltava River)

Prague is one of the most impressive cities in Europe as it is a mesmerizing and well-preserved collage of architectural styles and epochs living together side by side. No trip to the Czech Republic is complete without seeing the iconic Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the imponent St.Vitus Gothic Cathedral.

The city is very bike-friendly with a developed infrastructure of bike lanes and bike-sharing apps.

From Prague, it’s possible to cycle south following the Vltava River until Vrane nad Vltavou or north until Podbaba.

Both routes are relaxing bike-exclusive routes that take you through castles, unspoiled nature, and tiny rural central-European villages.

Following are four of the best routes we recommend for cycling in the Czech Republic:

1) The Elbe Route

Part of the EuroVelo cycling route, the Elbe route is a 370km (229mi) cycling trail for those looking for a multi-day trip (likely 7-10days) which follows the homonymous river (Elbe) and its main Czech tributary river, the Vltava. This route, from Germany, crosses Czech Switzerland, the environs of Děčín and the deepest sandstone canyon in Europe, the imponent Les Království Dam, the Krkonose Mountains before descending toward the central Bohemian region, and Prague. Because the railway follows pretty much the whole bank of the Elbe river, you can start or end your trip at almost any point, the road is mostly paved and asphalted.

2) The National Parks Route

From the Šumava National Park to Podyjí National Park, this 238 km (148 mi) mountain bike route is a challenging rural experience through the grasslands of the Czech Republic and the coniferous forests of Northern Austria.

The path is composed of cycling routes and quiet low-traffic rural roads, partially asphalted and partially graveled. This route is ideal for those who want to reconnect with nature in a peaceful context while learning about the rural rhythm of life of the South-Moravia, mid-Bohemia Region, and Nieder-Osterreich.

3) The Thayarunde Circuit:

This is a 111km-long (65mi) recently-opened route between the Czech Republic and Austria which follows the path of an abandoned railway line from over 70 years ago.

The whole circuit is served by a convenient bicycle bus called “Radtramper”, which makes it ideal for hopping to the parts that most interest you. The road here is mostly flat and the best starting point from the Czech Republic is surely the town of Slavonice, We recommend 3-4 days to enjoy the panoramas, lakes, and castles that this route has to offer, depending on your level of fitness.

4) The East-Moravian Cycling Route:

This is an 80 km (49 mi) route through the rolling hills of Moravia, ideal for a two-day trip. This route follows the Bata Canal between the villages of Hodonìn and Kroměříž.

All in all, it is a fairly flat trail, predominantly paved with asphalt, for the vast majority bike-exclusive, which crosses the White Carpathians and some of the best vineyards in the whole country!

While in winter the Czech Republic attracts many tourists with its typical Christmas markets, cheap (and tasty!) beers, and medieval towns covered in snow, the roads are basically off-limits for cyclists as snow, ice, rain, and frigid temperatures make cycling unpleasant and unsafe.

The other three seasons though, all offer great climatic conditions that might fit your cycling preferences, let’s see them together.

Best Season

The best season to cycle the Czech Republic is surely the summer and its immediate shoulder months, which is to say, from June to September. There isn't much rainfall and the whole country enjoys comfortable average temperatures which range from 17-27°C (62-80°F), depending on altitude.

While this is also the season of greatest touristic inflow, the vast majority of travelers tend to focus on Prague, leaving the countryside pretty exclusive and uncrowded for cyclists and hikers alike.

Peak Season

As said before, the peak season of tourism in the Czech Republic coincides with the best time to cycle the country: from June to September.

Prices in summer tend to increase, although sleeping in the countryside might still be a quite cheaper and more convenient option for bikers compared to sleeping in major (crowded) towns.

Shoulder Seasons

The spring in the Czech Republic starts in late April with average temperatures in the lowlands between 7-16°C / 45-61°F and in highlands between 0-5°C / 32-41°F.

The autumn on the other side stretches from the warm September to late October with temperatures ranging in the lowlands ranging 5-13°C / 41-55°F, and -1/4°C in the highlands.

While shoulder seasons might offer better accommodation prices, we recommend you consider the Czech Republic for cycling only between late April and early October, as the rest of the year the freezing temperatures will likely compromise your experience and enjoyment.

The Czech cuisine is famous in Europe for its highly-filling meat-based meat-dishes, savoury pastries and of course, for its exceptional Pilsner beer quality.

Being a rather cold county for a large chunk of the year, it’s no wonder the food here is so calorie-rich!

Following, are the best dishes you absolutely cannot miss while cycling Czech Republic:

1) Svíčková

One of the most common foods in the country, the Svíčková is a marinated beef sirloin served with a luscious creamy sauce and bread dumplings. The tenderness of the slow-cooked meat is incredible. A ttle tip: accompany it with either fresh citrus fruits or cranberry compote for maximum delight!

2) Goulash

A rich, spicy, and very robust stew, the Goulash is a signature dish of the Czech Republic, shared with nearby countries such as Slovakia and Hungary. The Goulash is a slowly cooked stew with a base of potatoes, onions, paprika, garlic, and tomato sauce with tender chunks of beef meat. Perhaps not the ideal food for cycling afterward (it hits very heavily), but surely a delicacy to try after a long day of pedaling!

3) Trdelnik

Hard to pronounce (locals simply call it “Trdl”), but incredibly traditional, the Trdelnik is the undisputed king of Czech street food! In a few words, it is a huge roll of dough wrapped around a stick which is grilled and coated with the sweetest couverture you can imagine: Nutella, walnuts, sugar, almonds, you name it!

Some kiosks also serve it filled with ice cream, more chocolate, cream, or fruit. The smell of Trdelniks is a constant around Czech towns and they come in all shapes: XXL, wide, short, and long… for any sweet-lovers, they are a must-try!

4) Steak Tartare

After a brief sweet break, we go back to heavy meats with the beef tartare.

As you probably already guessed, Czech people love meat, and that is also true for raw meat! The traditional Czech tartare is made with raw minced beef and commonly served with a raw egg yolk on top and crunchy bread scrabbed with garlic (to eat it like an Italian Bruschetta). It is one of the most beloved snacks in pubs to eat alongside good Czech beers!

5. Poppy seed cones:

Take boiled potatoes, cut them into tiny pieces, sprinkle them with poppy seeds (a typical local ingredient!), add flour dough, and boil everything a second time. Then add powdered sugar, more poppy seeds, and melted butter and you are ready to go! Šišky S Mákem (“Potato cones with Poppy seeds” in Czech) is one of the most traditional and strange Czech specialties which it’s unknown anywhere else in Europe: if you’re looking for novelties, this is gonna surprise you!

Special Note: in addition to food, it is important to underline the incredible Czech culture for beer. With a whopping yearly average consumption of 152 liters of beer per person, the Czech Republic held in 2024 the world’s top spot of per-capita beer consumption for the 32nd consecutive year in a row (since 1993!).

Beer in the Czech Republic is an integral part of the traditional cuisine and almost cheaper than water! Sometimes in restaurants waiters ask “What beer would you like to drink with your food?”, rather than simply “What would you like to drink”.

The largest beer brands in the country are Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, Budweiser Budwar, Gambrinus, and Krusovice.

Overall, there are more than 600 microbreweries spread all across the country.

The Czech Republic is a member state of the EU and part of the Schengen Area.

If you’re not a citizen of a member state, you can apply for a Uniform Schengen Visa which will allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

You can find more information on the EU Page for Schengen application.

Currency

The official currency in the Czech Krone (CZK).

As of 2025, 1 US$ = 24 CZK

In the country, all major credit card circuits are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express), and all merchants are obliged by law to offer the possibility of paying by card.

That said, a few street vendors on the street (such as second-hands and Trdelnik kiosks) might still prefer trade in physical currency but it’s truly a tiny minority.

Because of the widespread use of POS and cards. Carrying liquid cash in Czechia is quite optional, although having a small amount on you is always a clever idea for covering minor expenses or for tipping for superior service.

Transport

Czech public transport is outstanding both within urban regions and in rural areas.

Due to the absence of high mountains, the train network is well-developed and capillary. Trains are mostly on time and connect large cities, medium towns, and also most tiny villages. Overall, the Czech rail network serves close to 200 million passengers a year, making trains the preferred mode of transport within the country.

Folding bikes can be transported on all trains, while standard bike and e-bike transportation are available depending on the train model. To transport a bike on trains you need to purchase a separate ticket for your bike, which will also ensure you’re checked-in on a train with the bike accommodation option.

You can check availability on the national railway company website Ceskè Dràhy.

Where you cannot reach by train, you can almost surely bet you can reach by bus, which is also reliable and usually on time. The main bus companies in the Czech Republic are RegioJet, Flixbus, and Infobus.

Self-driving is also a great option to move around with more freedom, but in that case remember you need to purchase a freeway “vignette” to move around without incurring fees (sometimes renting companies include it already in the rental price, and sometimes you need to make one yourself, be sure to check your contract!).

Language

The official language of in Czech Republic is Czech.

Unless you have some knowledge of Slavic languages (such as Russian, Polish, or Slovakian), probably it will sound completely incomprehensible to you as it has almost nothing to do with Anglo-Saxon or Latin languages.

There are Czech words that do not even contain any vowel, like in the famous local tongue twister – “Strč pst skrt krk“, meaning “put your finger through your throat”. Yes, we know you tried to read it and it left you a smile on your face!

That said, luckily over 50% of the Czech population speaks very good English (90% among 18-30 years old people!) so moving around and asking for information is normally not a big issue.

The only complications you might encounter is with older people, but here again, their friendliness and welcoming culture will make you feel at home even if you don’t speak the language.

To be polite though, think about learning a few important sentences such as “Dobré Ràno” (good morning), “Dobry Vecer” (good evening), “Dee-kee” (thank you), or “Jedno pivo, prosìm” (one beer please).

Last but not least, a fun fact about the Czech language: the word “dollar” actually comes from the German suffix “Thaler” which was used to call a 29g silver coin minted in Joachimsthaler in Bohemia.

Culture and Religion

As of 2021, 48% of the Czech population identified as irreligious (either atheist or agnostic), 30% refused to declare their faith (not interested at all), 9% professed to be catholic and the remaining 13% is scattered among other religions.

In the eyes of recent surveys, the many beautiful churches and cathedrals the country offers to visitors seem, like witnesses of a past, that today is no more, as the country projects itself toward a laic future.

Despite the absence of strong religious values, traditions, and folklore in the Czech Republic are instead very strong and can be felt in the several festivals that breathe life into the country throughout the year.

Among these, the most well-known are the Prague Spring International Music Festival (May-June), the Pilsner Fest (early October in Pilsen), the colorful Masopust Czech Carnival (celebrated in February), the Czech Beer Festival (in May in Prague), and the Christmas markets.

Appliances and Devices

Electricity in the Czech Republic, as in most of the European continent, is supplied at 220-240 volts, and the country uses a frequency of 50 Hz.

The electrical sockets in Czechia are of two types: type-C (2 simple round pins) or type-E (the shako- with two large round pins and one earth pin). Those are the most common types of sockets in Europe which work with most electronics coming from the old continent.

If you’re coming from the UK, USA, or Asia, we suggest you bring or purchase a universal adapter.

Mobile Coverage

4G and 5G coverage is widely available all over the Czech Republic, including the most mountainous regions.

The main Czech phone companies are O2, Vodafone, and T-Mobile, which all sell prepaid sim cards and e-sims with data.

You could also think about getting an e-sim from a third-party provider such as E-travels, Maya mobile, Airalo, or Holafly.

Time Zone

The Czech Republic is typically in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1. However, during daylight saving time, it switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2

Read: Dream of a Great Small Nation (story about first Czech and Slovak combat veterans and their fight for independence), the Twelve Little Cakes (2004 – about the post-soviet life in Prague), the works of Milan Kundera

Listen: Karel Kril (traditional pop), Karel Gott (romantic/traditional), Viktor Sheen, Tereza Krndlova (the Czech Britney Spears), Chinaski (rock), Čechomor (folk-rock)

Watch: Alice (1988 – a Czech revisitation of Alice in Wonderland), Larks on a String (1990 – Czech Life under the communist regime), Czech Dream (a comedy-documentary about a fake supermarket opening in the Czech Republic)

Eat: Svíčková (marinated beef with creamy vegetable sauce), Vepřo knedlo zelo (pork with dumplings and sauerkraut), Guláš (Czech goulash, a meat stew with bread dumplings), Řízek (breaded and fried schnitzel), Tatarák (steak tartare with spices and toast), Trdelník (sweet chimney pastry with sugar coating).

Drink: Pilsner Urquell (classic pale lager, globally renowned), Budweiser Budvar (the true and pure traditional Czech lager), Staropramen (popular balanced lager), Kozel (smooth, dark, or light beer with a malty profile), artisanal beers (everywhere!), Moravian Muscat (golden-yellow light wine)

Learn: cook a Trdelnik, the history of the black pestilence, everything about Beer brewing, the craftmanship of glass-blowing, and the art of puppetry, to distinguish the different European architectural styles.

Experience: join a beer tour or sit in a beer garden, visit Prague, cross Charles’ Bridge, stay in front of the gothic Cathedral of Prague, discover the fairytale town of Český Krumlov, sample Moravian Wines, attend a traditional Czech Festival, Marvel at Adršpach-Teplice Rocks

Our Czech Republic bike tours are specifically designed for discerning travelers who seek more than just simple scenic rides.

All our routes are carefully and thoroughly designed by our specialists for those who wish to pedal into this country’s rich cultural tapestry at their rhythm: they are a blend of experiencing local traditions, traditional cuisine, and exploration of stunning landscapes.

Electric bikes are also available for these tours.

For more information on cycling in Europe, make sure to have a look at our guides to cycling Italy and cycling Spain.