Self-Guided Prague to Krakow Bike Tour

Welcome to Prague, one of Europe's most enchanting capitals and the perfect starting point for your cycling adventure to Kraków. After arriving and checking into your hotel, spend the day exploring the city's UNESCO-listed Old Town, stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, admire the magnificent Prague Castle, or simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the city's lively squares and cafés.

If you'd like a unique introduction to the city, you can also join an optional guided Prague by Bike tour, led by knowledgeable local guides who reveal hidden corners and fascinating stories beyond the typical tourist trail. We recommend arriving at least a day before your ride begins to relax, complete your bike fitting and route briefing, and fully enjoy everything Prague has to offer before setting off on your journey.

Our team will meet you at your hotel on the evening before the start of your tour for a briefing as well as a bike fit. We suggest that you book a hotel that has adequate space for bike storage. You can get in touch with us for recommendations for booking your pre-tour nights in Prague.

The cycling journey begins with a morning transfer from Prague to the charming town of Nymburk, just an hour away.

Nestled along the Elbe River, Nymburk greets you with its impressively preserved medieval city walls—some of the best in the Czech Republic. A perfect place to start our adventure!

From here, you hop on our bikes and set off along a smooth and scenic trail, following the gentle curves of the Elbe.

The first stop is the spa town of Poděbrady, a peaceful retreat known for its mineral springs and elegant colonnades. A short ride later, you reach the historic royal town of Kolín, where you can admire its striking Renaissance synagogue and soak in the old-world charm.

Leaving the Elbe behind, pedal towards one of the most remarkable UNESCO Heritage sites on the route—Kutná Hora. Once the silver mining capital of Europe, this medieval gem was a thriving center of wealth, trade, and culture, shaping much of European history.

As you arrive, take time to wander the enchanting old town, marveling at its mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture. And the highlight? The breathtaking St. Barbara’s Church, a true masterpiece of Gothic design that stands as a testament to the town’s former glory.

With so much history and beauty surrounding us, Kutná Hora is the perfect place to end our first day—immersed in the echoes of the past, ready for the adventures ahead!

Road surface: 85% paved, 15% unpaved

Cycling Distance: 46km / 28mi

The first stop for today is the extraordinary Sedlec Ossuary, a site unlike any other. This eerie yet captivating chapel is adorned with the bones of over 30,000 people, arranged into intricate chandeliers, pyramids, and decorations—a truly macabre masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression.

Leaving this haunting yet remarkable site behind, you make way toward the banks of the Elbe River. Along the way, you pause at the elegant Kačina Chateau, a grand classical-style estate surrounded by picturesque gardens. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of the past, making it a perfect stop for history and architecture lovers.

Continuing our ride, you arrive at the second UNESCO World Heritage Site of the bike tour — Kladruby National Stud Farm, where the prestigious Kladruber horses have been bred for the imperial Habsburg monarchs since the 16th century. These magnificent white horses are a sight to behold, embodying centuries of tradition and excellence.

In the afternoon, cycle past the Buňkov Lake, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a peaceful moment by the water.

Finally, arrive in Pardubice, a charming medieval town with a beautiful chateau and narrow old lanes.

As you stroll through the town, make sure to sample its most famous treat—traditional Czech gingerbread, a local delicacy that perfectly rounds off day’s adventure.

Road surface: 90% paved, 10% unpaved

Cycling Distance: 53km / 33mi

Leaving the banks of the Elbe River behind, begin today’s ride with a gentle climb, gradually entering the rolling countryside. The first highlight of the journey is the imposing Kunětická Hora Castle, perched on a dramatic hilltop. A short detour takes to this medieval fortress, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The climb may challenge your legs, but the reward is worth every pedal stroke!

After catching our breath, descend towards the Loučná River, following its winding path to the village of Vraclav. Here, you take a pause at a fascinating memorial dedicated to the noble Vršovec family, whose tragic fate is intertwined with the region’s history.

Continuing the ride, you arrive in Vysoké Mýto, a town with a rich past and a vibrant present. Though now known for bus manufacturing, its historical charm is evident in the picturesque town square and well-preserved city gates, remnants of its medieval glory. Taking a break here, you soak in the beauty of the town before setting off for the final destination.

By afternoon, roll into Litomyšl, a UNESCO-listed gem and home to one of the finest Renaissance chateaux in the Czech Republic. With its stunning ornate gardens and elegant design, the chateau is a true masterpiece. The town is also the birthplace of the great composer Bedřich Smetana, and his legacy lives on through an annual classical music festival—a highlight of Czech cultural life.

Road surface: 95% paved/ 5% unpaved

Cycling Distance: 62 km/ 38mi

As we pedal away, we gradually leave Bohemia behind, crossing the historical border into Moravia, a region rich in cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

The ride is peaceful, with rolling countryside stretching before us, framed by the distant silhouettes of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands to the south and the Eagle Mountains to the north.

Our first major stop is the picturesque Renaissance town of Svitavy, where cobbled streets and pastel-hued houses create a postcard-perfect setting. The town square, with its long arcades, invites us to pause and soak in the atmosphere. This town also holds a fascinating connection to history—it is the birthplace of Oskar Schindler, a man whose actions saved over a thousand lives during World War II.

Leaving Svitavy behind, we prepare for a climb over the Hřebeč range. The ascent challenges our legs, but reaching the top feels like a triumph, rewarded by panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile.

From here, it’s a smooth and exhilarating descent to Moravská Třebová, where we are welcomed by one of Moravia’s finest Renaissance chateaus.

Road surface: 75% paved/ 25% unpaved

Cycling Distance:

We begin our day with an easy and scenic ride along the River Třebůvka, following its gentle curves as we continue to trace the ancient border between Bohemia and Moravia. This region is steeped in history, with the remains of medieval castles scattered along our route—some now just lonely stones, whispering stories of the past.

Before long, we arrive at Bouzov Castle, a true fairytale fortress. With its soaring towers and striking red roofs, it is easily one of the most romantic castles in the Czech Republic. We take a moment to explore its majestic courtyards, imagining the legends that have unfolded within these walls.

From here, the landscape begins to shift as we leave the highlands behind, descending towards the River Morava, which becomes our natural guide for the rest of the journey. The peaceful riverbanks offer a relaxing ride, with the option to take a train for those eager to reach our final stop more quickly.

Our destination is the UNESCO-listed city of Olomouc, a true jewel of Moravia. Once the capital of the Great Moravian Empire, this city captivates with its ornate fountains, grand churches, and fascinating blend of architectural styles. One of its most unique sights is the astronomical clock, an unusual relic from the communist era.

Road surface: 99% paved/ 1% unpaved

Cycling Distance: 68km / 42mi

Our journey today takes us along the Bystřice River, winding through picturesque countryside and charming villages. The rolling landscapes of the Tršice region offer breathtaking views of Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill), a serene place with its magnificent pilgrimage church standing proudly above the horizon.

Reaching Přerov, we meet the Bečva River and follow its smooth bike trail upstream, where the ride becomes even more relaxing. The town of Lipník welcomes us with its historic center, Renaissance castle, and beautifully preserved gardens. For those craving a challenge, we can take a short but steep detour to Helfštýn Castle—a formidable medieval fortress, known for its blacksmithing traditions and annual craft festivals.

Continuing along the Bečva River, we arrive in the town of Hranice, where the Renaissance-style square invites us to pause and soak in its charm. Just across the river, the Teplice nad Bečvou spa offers a chance to unwind in its healing mineral waters—a perfect way to recharge after the ride.

From here, our route leads us through rolling hills, offering the first glimpses of the majestic Beskydy Mountains in the distance. Our final stop is Štramberk, a fairy-tale town known for its picturesque wooden houses and towering castle ruins. No visit here is complete without trying Štramberk Ears, a delicious local gingerbread specialty.

Road surface: 99% paved, 1% unpaved

Cycling Distance: 59km / 36mi

This morning, we hop on a train from Hranice to Český Těšín, where we bid farewell to the Czech Republic and cross into Poland, beginning the next chapter of our journey.

A few gentle climbs greet us early on, but the rolling countryside soon settles into peaceful, winding roads with the mountains fading behind us.

Our first stop is the charming town of Skoczów, where we join the Vistula River, Poland’s longest, and follow its serene banks. The ride then takes us through a landscape of lakes, with the impressive Goczałkowice Dam standing as a testament to Polish engineering.

Soon, we arrive in Pszczyna, a town steeped in history. Here, we can visit its elegant château, explore the regional museum, or take a walk in the European Bison (Zubr) nature park.

The day ends in the historic town of Oświęcim, a place with a charming old town but also known for its tragic past—nearby lies Auschwitz, one of the most significant memorials of WWII.

Road surface: 65% paved/ 35% unpaved

Cycling Distance: 79 km/ 49mi

This is one of our longest cycling days, but there’s no need to worry—the smooth, newly built bike trails make for an enjoyable ride, with breathtaking views of the meandering river accompanying us along the way.

Our journey today takes us through some of Poland’s most picturesque landscapes as we follow the Vistula River toward the historic city of Kraków.

For those eager to explore more, a rewarding detour leads to Lipowiec (Babice), where a climb to the ruins of a majestic castle offers stunning panoramas. The town’s open-air museum provides a glimpse into Poland’s rural past, and it’s also a great place to enjoy a traditional Polish lunch.

As we approach Kraków, one last must-see stop awaits—the Dominican monastery at Tyniec.

With over 1,000 years of history, this ancient monastery is Poland’s oldest and an inspiring place to pause before the final stretch of our journey. Soon, the iconic spires of Kraków appear on the horizon, marking the grand finale of our unforgettable adventure.

Krakow is the cultural heart of Poland, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Road surface: 50% paved, 50% unpaved

Cycling Distance: 84km / 52mi

Today, you come to an end of this beautiful journey.

You can depart according to your itinerary, or extend your cycling adventure in Poland by exploring our Krakow to Warsaw bike tour.