The Vltava is 430 kilometres long and drains most of Bohemia. Its cycling trail is one of the most popular in the country, particularly the section south of Prague where the river cuts through a narrow valley between steep wooded slopes. This is not a wilderness experience – there are villages, weekend cottages and occasional road crossings – but the scenery is genuinely good and the path is well-maintained.
The Southern Prague Section (Routes A2 and 8100)
The most accessible starting point for most visitors is the Prague district of Zbraslav, reachable by bus from central Prague. From here, routes A2 and 8100 follow the Vltava southward through a valley that narrows progressively as you leave the city behind.
The path between Zbraslav and Vrané nad Vltavou is paved and flat. The river is visible for most of this section, and the opposite bank is largely forested. At Vrané, the Zvolský stream joins the Vltava, and the path continues south through increasingly quiet countryside.
This section is popular with Prague cyclists on weekends, particularly in spring and early summer. The path is wide enough that passing is not usually a problem, but if you want a quieter ride, weekday mornings are significantly less busy.
Continuing South: Vrané to Štěchovice
South of Vrané, the valley becomes more dramatic. The river bends frequently, and the path follows it closely, sometimes running directly alongside the water and sometimes climbing slightly to avoid rocky sections. The surface remains good throughout – this is one of the better-maintained cycling corridors in Central Bohemia.
Štěchovice is a small town with a dam that creates a reservoir popular with kayakers. There is a good café near the dam that is worth stopping at. The town also has a small museum about the Vltava river system, which is more interesting than it sounds if you are curious about the engineering behind Czech hydroelectric power.
The distance from Zbraslav to Štěchovice is approximately 22 kilometres. With stops, allow three to four hours for a relaxed ride.
Continuing to Písek and Beyond
For cyclists with more time, the Vltava trail continues south through Písek and eventually connects with the Lipno Reservoir area. The full trail from Prague to Lipno is approximately 150 kilometres, typically done as a multi-day tour with overnight stops in towns along the route.
The section between Písek and Týn nad Vltavou passes through some of the least-visited countryside in South Bohemia. The path here is less consistently paved – expect some gravel sections – and the villages are smaller and quieter. This is the part of the route I find most rewarding, precisely because it sees fewer cyclists.
Accommodation options along the full trail are good. Most towns have at least one pension or hotel that caters to cyclists, and camping is available at several points along the river. The Kudy z nudy website has a useful accommodation search filtered by cycling-friendly properties.
Practical Information
The Vltava trail is suitable for hybrid bikes throughout. Road bikes can manage the paved sections but will struggle on the gravel stretches south of Písek. Mountain bikes are unnecessary unless you plan to explore side trails into the surrounding hills.
The trail is well-signed using the KČT system. Route A2 signs are blue, route 8100 signs are blue with a different number. Where the routes diverge, follow whichever suits your destination. The Mapy.cz app is the most reliable navigation tool for this trail.
Water and food are available in all towns along the route. Between towns, the gaps can be 10 to 15 kilometres, so carry enough water for the sections between settlements.