The Czech Republic boasts more than 2,000 castles and chateaus, the largest concentration per square mile in Europe. Beyond its impressive history and architecture, you’ll find that the Czech Republic is known for its peaceful scenery and lively cities.

With such diversity—from medieval architecture to modern cities—this country may be small, but it encompasses it all. Pedal through the picturesque streets of Prague, cycle to the astounding fairytale town of Český Krumlov, or soak in the soothing thermal springs in Karlovy Vary. Wherever your ride takes you, the Czech Republic is guaranteed to charm.

• What makes the Czech Republic a great destination for a bike tour?

  The Czech Republic offers cyclists a well-marked, extensive network of cycling greenways – many converted from highways after the fall of Communism. These have minimal to no traffic, allowing cyclists a peaceful way to explore the country's scenery by bike. They are also among the best-maintained cycling trails in Europe.

  As the Czech Republic is a compact country, exploring it by bike is efficient, exciting, and a surefire way of sampling what multiple cities and regions have to offer.

  The Czech Republic's most popular cycle routes – the Greenways Prague-Vienna route and the Elbe River Cycle Path – connect cyclists from castle to castle along mostly flat, well-marked routes populated with many cultural stops.

   

• When is the best time to take a bike tour in the Czech Republic?

  The best time to take a bike tour in the Czech Republic is May through to September, when the weather is warm and the countryside is vibrant.

  Spring (May-June) is the ideal time to cycle the Elbe River Cycle Path, as well as countryside routes through South Bohemia and Moravia. 

  July and August are ideal for cyclists seeking a taste of Czech festivities, as many festivals take place in towns during the summer. 

  For those traveling to the Czech Republic for its wine culture, the autumn (September-early October) offers great opportunities for wine tastings in Moravia.

• Are Czech Republic bike tours suitable for beginners?

  The Czech Republic is an ideal cycling destination for beginners. As well as being compact in size, the Czech Republic is criss-crossed by an oustanding network of bicycle trails, most of which are flat, paved, and traffic-free. Cycling here is peaceful, allowing you to explore the country's rural beauty and make several cultural stops a day, since towns are close by and rest opportunities plentiful.