Czech Republic offers an extraordinary variety of motorcycle routes that rival any destination in Europe. From the dramatic sandstone landscapes of Bohemian Switzerland to the rolling vineyards of South Moravia, this compact country packs remarkable diversity into manageable riding distances.
Our team has spent years exploring every corner of Czech Republic, testing routes in all seasons and conditions. This guide presents our favorite routes, complete with practical information to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure.
1. Bohemian Switzerland Loop - Northern Gems
The Bohemian Switzerland National Park represents one of Europe's most visually striking landscapes. This route takes you through towering sandstone formations, deep river valleys, and charming villages that seem frozen in time. The roads wind through dense forests before opening to reveal spectacular viewpoints.
Starting from Decin, the route follows the Elbe River before climbing into the sandstone plateau. The road to Hrensko offers tight turns and variable surfaces that demand attention but reward with constantly changing scenery. From here, secondary roads lead to Jetrichovice and eventually to the famous Pravcicka Gate.
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 185 km (full loop) |
| Duration | 4-5 hours riding |
| Difficulty | Medium - some tight turns |
| Best Season | May through October |
| Fuel Stops | Decin, Rumburk, Usti nad Labem |
Key Stops
- Hrensko - Gateway village with restaurants and boat tours through the gorges
- Pravcicka Gate - Short hike to Europe's largest natural stone arch
- Jetrichovice - Traditional village with panoramic viewpoints
- Tisai Walls - Impressive rock formations and hiking trails
2. Moravian Wine Trail - Rolling Vineyards
South Moravia's wine region presents a completely different character - gentle rolling hills covered with vineyards, historic towns with baroque architecture, and some of the friendliest locals you'll encounter anywhere. The riding here is relaxed and contemplative, perfect for those who prefer savoring the journey over chasing corners.
The route connects several wine towns, each with its own character. Mikulov serves as an ideal base, with its castle overlooking the town and numerous wine cellars offering tastings. From here, roads lead through Valtice, part of the UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, before continuing to Znojmo and the Austrian border.
The Moravian wine region isn't about aggressive riding - it's about experiencing Czech culture, sampling local wines (responsibly, of course), and enjoying the peaceful countryside at a gentle pace.
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 120 km |
| Duration | 3-4 hours riding |
| Difficulty | Easy - gentle roads |
| Best Season | Late August through October (harvest) |
| Fuel Stops | Mikulov, Breclav, Znojmo |
3. Sumava Mountain Circuit - Wild Borderlands
The Sumava Mountains along the German and Austrian borders offer Czech Republic's most challenging and rewarding motorcycle terrain. Dense forests, pristine lakes, and mountain passes create an atmosphere of genuine wilderness rarely found in Central Europe. The roads here demand respect but deliver an unforgettable riding experience.
This circuit begins in Cesky Krumlov, the fairy-tale town that deserves a stop before heading into the mountains. From there, the route climbs through Volary toward Kvilda, one of the highest settlements in Czech Republic. The descent to Lipno Lake provides spectacular views before the road continues along the Austrian border back to the starting point.
Technical Considerations
Sumava roads can be narrow with tight switchbacks. Early morning fog is common in valleys, and sudden weather changes occur frequently. Carry rain gear regardless of the forecast, and consider starting later in the morning to allow fog to clear. Some sections near the German border may have rough surfaces from logging activity.
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 210 km |
| Duration | 5-6 hours riding |
| Difficulty | Challenging - mountain roads |
| Best Season | June through September |
| Fuel Stops | Cesky Krumlov, Volary, Frymburk |
4. Bohemian Paradise Route - Rock Cities
Bohemian Paradise (Cesky Raj) presents a landscape unlike anywhere else - sandstone rock cities, medieval castles perched on impossible positions, and quiet roads winding through this UNESCO Geopark. The riding combines technical interest with constant visual stimulation as new rock formations appear around every corner.
The route works well as a loop from Jicin, passing through Prachovske Rocks, the famous Trosky Castle ruins, and numerous smaller rock formations. Side roads lead to hidden viewpoints and quiet villages where time seems to have stopped. Plan for frequent photo stops - the scenery demands it.
Historical Context
This region has been a favored destination for Czech artists and writers for centuries. The unique landscape inspired numerous legends and folk tales. Many of the castles visible from the road date to medieval times when the rock formations provided natural defensive positions.
5. Krkonose Mountain Run - Alpine Challenge
The Krkonose (Giant Mountains) along the Polish border offer the most alpine riding experience in Czech Republic. While the highest peaks reach only about 1,600 meters, the roads feel distinctly mountainous with hairpin turns, significant elevation changes, and dramatic weather variations.
The route from Trutnov through Pec pod Snezkou to Spindleruv Mlyn showcases the best mountain roads. The climb to Spindlerova Bouda reveals views into Poland, while the descent to Harrachov tests your braking and corner judgment. In summer, these roads attract many riders, so early starts help avoid traffic.
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 150 km |
| Duration | 4-5 hours riding |
| Difficulty | Medium-Challenging |
| Best Season | June through September |
| Fuel Stops | Trutnov, Vrchlabi, Harrachov |
Planning Your Czech Motorcycle Tour
Czech Republic's compact size makes it possible to combine multiple routes into a comprehensive tour. A week allows comfortable exploration of three or four regions, while two weeks permits a thorough circuit of the entire country with time for spontaneous detours.
Accommodation
Hotels and pensions throughout Czech Republic generally welcome motorcyclists. Many rural establishments offer secure parking for bikes. Booking ahead is recommended during summer months, particularly in popular areas like Cesky Krumlov or the Krkonose region.
Weather Considerations
The best touring season extends from late April through October, with June through September offering the most reliable weather. Spring can bring sudden showers, while autumn delivers cooler temperatures but stunning foliage colors. Mountain routes typically open fully by late May and may close after early snowfall in October.
Essential Resources
- Kudy z nudy - Official Czech tourism portal with detailed regional information
- Mapy.cz - Excellent Czech mapping service with offline capability
- Motorkari.cz - Czech motorcycle community with route suggestions
For information about which motorcycles work best on Czech roads, see our touring motorcycle reviews comparing popular adventure and touring models.
Conclusion
Czech Republic rewards motorcycle travelers with diverse landscapes, well-maintained roads, and a welcoming culture. Whether you seek challenging mountain passes or relaxed countryside touring, this small country delivers experiences that rival much larger destinations. The compact geography means that no matter where you start, adventure waits just around the next corner.
We encourage you to use these routes as starting points for your own exploration. Some of the best moments come from spontaneous detours down unmarked roads or unexpected stops in villages that don't appear in any guidebook. That's the true magic of motorcycle touring in Czech Republic.