Touring through the Czech Republic: by bike, on foot or in your car

28 June, 2021

The Czech Republic is a wonderful country for a camping holiday. Its varied landscapes make the Czech Republic extra attractive for a round trip past all its natural and cultural beauty. In this blog we present a driving route alongside the loveliest nature reserves and campsites in the country. You can explore these parks best during a walk or cycle trip.

Before you lose yourself in all the regions and localities you will pass by, we would like to give you an extra bit of orientation by means of the map below. Follow the route on the map and you’ll know exactly where you are at any moment. Your round trip begins in the north of the Czech Republic and goes via the east and south towards the west. In other words, travel clockwise. Let’s go!

• 1. Bohemian Switzerland
• 2. Prague and surroundings
• 3. Eagle Mountains
• 4. Beskid Mountains
• 5. The Bata Region
• 6. Podyjí National Park
• 7. Třeboň lake district
• 8. The Mariánské Lázně forests

1. Bohemian Switzerland

The impressive Bohemian Switzerland nature reserve is located in the north of the Czech Republic. This stretches right across the German border where it is known as Saxon Switzerland. Comparisons to this Alpine country came from Swiss painters. They found the deep gorges, rugged rocks and the wooded hillsides so reminiscent of their own country that they gave this region its name.

Bohemian Switzerland is a wonderful area for hiking, with the highlight being a rock bridge 21 metres high. But there is much more to do in the area. Admire the cliff town of Tisá, take a via ferrata cliff climb in Děčín, go for a bike ride beside the River Elba and visit the charming town centre of Litoměřice. Something for everyone!

Campsite tips – Bohemian Switzerland:

Kemp Děčín is a small-scale campsite in the town centre of Děčín. From here you are only a twenty minute drive from Hřensko, the gateway to Bohemian Switzerland. Autokemp Osek, a natural campsite near the spa town of Teplice, nestles in the hillsides of the Ore Mountains (Ertsgebergte). The campsite has a swimming pool and is the perfect starting place for cycling and walking trips

2. Prague and surroundings

After all this natural beauty, a dose of culture is called for. We descend in a straight line which takes us to Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic should certainly not be missed out on this round trip. Its historic centre has dozens of churches, museums, monuments, photogenic alleyways and parks (tips: Stromovka and Průhonice). Prague is located in the Moldau (Vltava) Valley and is surrounded by hills. This means there are many viewing points, such as Petřín and Vítkov.

The protected national park of Český Kras is located south of Prague. Walk past ancient trees and the River Berounka here. The Karlštejn fortress is the pride and joy of this area. You should also visit the village of Svatý Jan pod Skalou or take a walk to the flooded limestone quarries of Velká Amerika.

Campsite tips – Prague and surroundings:

There is a campsite in the centre of Prague, the Praguecamp, located on an island in the Moldau. Camping Sokol Praha is located in natural surroundings a bit further from the centre. Camping Valek is a friendly family campsite about half an hour’s drive from the Karlštejn fortress and has a natural swimming pool and a bus connection to Prague. Camping Matyáš is located on the River Moldau and has a landing stage, playing field and restaurant. There is a train connection to Prague, but you can also cycle or take a boat to the capital.

3. Eagle Mountains

The Eagle Mountains are located about two hundred kilometres east of Prague. This area was awarded the ‘Slow Destination’ title in 2020, and is geared towards tourists in search of peace, nature and undiscovered places. The Eagle Mountains are renowned for their long mountain ridges with views, and deep, romantic river valleys.

The area is full of hiking and cycling routes and twentieth century fortifications. Interesting sights include the Neratov church, the 19 metre high lookout tower on the Velká Deštná mountain peak (1115 metres) and the Dolní Morava treetop walk.

Campsite tip – Eagle Mountains:

The best place to explore all these is the Rožnov pod Radhoštěm open air museum, the largest in Central Europe. From here you can go up into the mountains and admire the house of the architect Jurkovič near Pustevny. There is also a treetop walk with a glass skywalk in Pustevny. A walk for real daredevils!

This town is worth a visit if only for its functional architecture and to admire the progressive urban design. It has a museum about shoe manufacturing and you can visit the ‘Building 21’ skyscraper. The region has numerous cycle routes, including the River Morava route. This also takes you past the Bata Canal that was constructed in 1934 in memory of Tomáš Bata.

Znojmo is a romantic, fortified town. It is also the gateway to the Podyjí National Park. This extends between Znojmo and Vranov nad Dyjí, where there is a beautiful castle on a rocky cliff. The meandering River Dyje which flows through the rugged river valley is typical of this wooded region. One of the most spectacular hiking routes through the park is the European long distance route E8.

The countryside east of the town of České Budějovice is full of ponds where the famous carp are farmed. You can go on a lovely cycle trip across this flat water-filled landscape from the town of Třeboň. Třeboň is also a charming town with an elegant castle, a colourful square and an imposing mausoleum.