Bohemia offers some of the most varied cycling terrain in Central Europe. Within a single day's drive you can find everything from exposed highland ridges to flat riverside paths through medieval towns. The challenge is knowing which routes are worth the effort and which are better skipped.
Route 33 – Šumavská Magistrála
Route 33 is the backbone of cycling in South Bohemia. It runs along the northern shore of the Lipno Reservoir, connecting Frymburk with Lipno nad Vltavou through a mostly paved path that follows the water's edge for much of its length.
The surface is good throughout – predominantly asphalt with some compacted gravel sections near Frymburk. The route is largely flat with occasional short climbs where the path moves inland to avoid private land. Total distance from Frymburk to Lipno nad Vltavou is approximately 14 kilometres one way.
What makes this route genuinely pleasant is the scenery. The Lipno Reservoir is the largest body of water in the Czech Republic, and the views across it from the cycling path are consistently good. On clear days you can see the Šumava hills on the opposite shore.
The path is busiest in July and August, particularly on weekends. If you want a quieter experience, a Tuesday morning in late September is a different world – cool air, turning leaves and almost no other cyclists.
The Prague Ring Routes
Prague has an outer cycling ring known as route 8100, the Pražské kolo. It circles the city at a radius of roughly 20 kilometres, passing through suburban forests, riverside paths and agricultural land.
The southern section along the Vltava near Vrané nad Vltavou is the most scenic part of the ring. The path here follows the river closely through a narrow valley, with steep wooded slopes on both sides. This section overlaps with route A2 and is well-maintained throughout.
The full ring is approximately 120 kilometres. Most cyclists tackle it in sections rather than as a single day ride. The terrain varies considerably – some sections are flat riverside paths, others involve significant climbing through the hills south and west of the city.
For route planning, the Mapy.cz cycling layer is the most accurate resource for Czech routes. It shows surface types and elevation profiles for all marked routes.
Elbe Cycle Trail in Central Bohemia
The Elbe (Labe in Czech) cycle trail follows the river from its source in the Krkonoše mountains down through the Central Bohemian lowlands. The section between Hradec Králové and Mělník is the most accessible for day trips from Prague.
Route 2A runs along the Elbe through flat agricultural land with occasional riverside sections. The surface is mostly paved, making it suitable for road bikes. The landscape is less dramatic than the Šumava routes but the riding is easier and the distances between towns are short.
The towns along this section – Nymburk, Poděbrady, Kolín – all have good facilities for cyclists including bike-friendly accommodation and repair shops. Poděbrady in particular has invested in cycling infrastructure and makes a good base for exploring the surrounding area.
Practical Notes for Bohemia
Surface conditions vary significantly by region. The Šumava routes are generally well-maintained because they receive tourism funding. Routes in the Central Bohemian highlands can be rougher, particularly after winter.
Czech cycling route signs use a consistent colour coding: red signs indicate national long-distance routes, blue signs are regional routes, and green signs are local. The number on the sign corresponds to the route number in the KČT system.
Bike rental is available in most larger towns. In Prague, Rekola operates a city bike-sharing scheme. For longer tours, dedicated rental shops in towns like Český Krumlov and Lipno nad Vltavou offer better-quality bikes suited to the terrain.