5 Reasons to Cycle the Czech Republic

What Czech is Worth a Visit?

When it comes to world travel, the Czech Republic may not be the first destination that comes to mind. But with its picturesque castles, deep routed culture, scenic parks and medieval villages the Czech Republic actually has a lot more to offer than you might think. Located right at the heart of Europe, this historical gem is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and produces some of the world’s most popular beers. And the landscape, with its rolling hills and peaceful valleys makes it the perfect location to cycle.

There are plenty of reasons to bike through the Czech Republic, but here are 5 that top the list.

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague offers visitors a little bit of everything, from quaint, historic towns to architectural masterpieces to relaxing spas. At the very center of the city stands the impressive Prague castle, which holds the record for the largest castle area in the world. Another incredible site is the Charles Bridge, a Gothic structure made from stone which connects the Old Town with Malá Strana. New Town is Prague’s main commercial district; however, belying its name, the area was actually constructed over 600 years ago. It contains a multitude of museums, theatres and plenty of shops to browse through. Another lovely place to cycle through is the beautiful residential area known as Vinohrady. With incredible architecture, brightly colored homes and glorious landscapes filled with gardens and orchards, there is certainly plenty to see and enjoy there.

Karlovy Vary Colonnades

These extraordinary structures, which consist of long sequences of columns, are an incredible testament of true classical architecture. There are five such structures throughout the area of Karlovy Vary: the Park Colonnade, the Market Colonnade, the Chateau Colonnade, the Mill Colonnade and the Hot Spring Colonnade. The last two are probably the most noteworthy for both their impressive construction and for the natural hot spring fountains they house. While you’re there, take a drink from the waters of the Vřídlo, which have long been believed to have curative powers.

Cesky Krumlov

This ancient town has roots that date back as far as the Older Stone Age (70,000 - 50,000 B.C.) and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Vltava River winds its way right through the meadows of this lovely town and was once a primary means of both transportation and trade in the region. Cesky Krumlov is also home to one of the most important historical sites in Eastern Europe – the State Castle. Constructed between the 14^th and 19^th centuries, this incredible piece of architecture is very well preserved and in recent years was named both a National Monument and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument. It is one of the largest castles in Europe and quite impressive to visit.

Chateaux of Lednice and Valtice

Built in the 16^th century, this Renaissance chateau named Lednice is filled with rich history and ancient Romanticism. The interior is breathtaking, with its intricate wood carvings, balconies, parlors and baroque walls. The Valtice Chateau is similarly beautiful. Together they make up what’s known as the Lednice-Valtice complex. Located on the banks of the Dyje River, they are incredible and unique pieces of history.

Towns (great to bike through)

In addition to the amazing landmarks and architectural masterpieces already mentioned, the Czech Republic is also home to several charming towns that are perfect for biking through. The town of Třeboň is a lovely historical town that welcomes tourists. After a leisurely ride, be sure to take advantage of Třeboň’s relaxing spa services. Mikulov is a small town that borders Austria. There is a lot to do and see in this small town, including the historical churches, castles and chateaux. The hilly landscape of this region also makes it ideal for cycling. Another beautiful town worth visiting is Telč. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this town is home to popular annual music festivals and is said to have inspired many a poet and painter over the years with its allure.

The Czech Republic, with its rich culture and history, relaxing spas and beautiful countryside, provides visitors with amazing experiences and unforgettable encounters. It’s a particularly enchanting place for cycling enthusiasts, who can enjoy the adventure of the ride while also experiencing all the beauty and charm that the Czech Republic has to offer. For these reasons and countless others, a bike through the Czech Republic should be on any cyclist’s wish list.