Cycling in Czechia
Including Elbe Cycle Path (Labská stezka), Jeseníky Mountains, and Krkonoše Mountains. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling through the rolling hills and river valleys feels like a leisurely exploration of a living museum, with paved paths often connecting quiet villages and historic landmarks. Summer is the prime time to ride, as the landscape is lush and the days are long enough to linger at roadside stops. The culture is incredibly bike-forward, making it easy for visitors to blend in with locals on long-distance routes without feeling like an outsider on the road.
Elbe Cycle Path (Labská stezka)
Ústí nad Labem Region
Stefan Melzig / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Part of the famous European river routes, the Czech section of the Elbe Cycle Path offers a flat, scenic journey from the mountains to the sandstone formations of Bohemian Switzerland. It is highly popular for multi-day touring.
Access. Děčín and Ústí nad Labem provide excellent rail-to-trail connectivity, allowing cyclists to easily hop on and off the route.
Notes. Extremely bike-friendly with consistent signage and infrastructure. Suitable for all skill levels and e-bikes.
Jeseníky Mountains
Olomouc Region
Radim Holiš / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 cz)
This rugged range offers some of the most challenging road climbs and technical MTB terrain in the country. It is a favorite for cyclists seeking solitude and steep, rewarding ascents.
Access. Kouty nad Desnou is a major hub with a bike park and access to high-altitude road routes.
Notes. Road surfaces are generally good, but the climbs are demanding. The mountain biking is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders.
Krkonoše Mountains
Krkonoše
Novotný M. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The highest mountain range in Czechia offers a mix of challenging paved climbs and rugged mountain bike trails. Riders can explore the scenic ridges bordering Poland, featuring steep ascents and rewarding alpine vistas.
Access. Spindleruv Mlyn is the primary hub for bike rentals and trail access. Many routes are reachable via mountain cable cars that allow bike transport.
Notes. Best from June to September. Trails range from moderate to expert difficulty; e-bikes are widely available for rent to tackle the steep terrain.
South Moravia Wine Trails
South Moravian Region
Czech Wikipedia user Packa / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A unique cycling region where paved paths weave through rolling vineyards, historic wine cellars, and UNESCO-listed landscapes. The routes are flat to rolling, emphasizing cultural discovery and local gastronomy.
Access. Mikulov and Znojmo are the best bases for travelers, offering extensive bike rental networks and luggage transfer services between vineyard estates.
Notes. Perfect for casual road cycling and touring. The region is best visited in spring or during the autumn harvest season.
Šumava National Park
South Bohemian Region
Bayerische Vermessungsverwaltung (Landesamt für Digitalisierung, Breitband und Vermessung) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Known as the 'Green Roof of Europe', this vast forested region offers extensive gravel paths and gentle touring routes through pristine nature. It is a haven for long-distance cyclists looking to traverse deep valleys and glacial lakes.
Access. Železná Ruda and Lipno nad Vltavou serve as main entry points with numerous bike rental shops and cycle-friendly accommodation.
Notes. Ideal for gravel and touring bikes. The terrain is generally rolling, making it accessible for intermediate riders.