The Vltava Cycle Route

From Prague to Passau in 8 days / 7 nights from 548,- €
The Vltava Cycle Route
Box mit rotem Balken (mit Bild ZENTRIERT)
The Vltava cycle route

The Vltava river is the most significant river in Bohemia and is one of the country's national symbols. Smetana was inspired by the river to write a symphony. It originates in the hills of the Bohemian forests, flows through well-known towns such as Budweis and Prague and finally merges with the River Elbe. The Vltava cycle route is more challenging than most cycle routes. Inclines and downhill sections alternate frequently, while some sections involve longer stretches where you might have to push. The reward is the fascinating countryside and cultural landscape the route has to offer. An insight into the Czech soul. You need to have a good basic level of fitness for the Vltava cycle route.

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 1
Prague

Individual arrival in Prague

Drink in the international flair of the Golden City and enjoy the delicious Bohemian cuisine. Follow the traces of Kafka throughout the city or simply wander through the streets and be delighted by the Art Nouveau style of the architecture. The "Hradschin" castle in Prague and Wenceslas Square give you a glimpse of styles from older and more modern eras of history. And a large number of museums are waiting to be explored. Reserved rental bicycles are parked at the hotel ready for you.
Overnight stay in Prague

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 2
Orlik castle

Prag - region Selčan/Sedlčany, approx. 60 km

Today, you cycle through varied and slightly hilly countryside. Idyllic villages are home to the typical Czech houses, the wood-panelled gables and flower gardens. Inviting pubs tempt you to come in for a refreshing pint. Since the 1960s, a number of reservoirs have been built, which not only supply energy, but are also important places for rest and relaxation.
Overnight stay in the region Sedlčany

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 3
Reservoir of the Vltava

Region Selčan/Sedlčany - Pisek, approx. 75 km

You start today`s section by cycling past another reservoir and then into thick forest. You soon arrive at the castles of Orlik and Zvikov, which have been settlements for thousands of years already. Today`s destination is the town of Pisek, which means "sand" and where people have been panning for gold for many, many years.
Overnight stay in Pisek

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 4
Budweis

Pisek - Budweis/České Budějovice, approx. 70 km

The first part of the section follows long stretches through isolated river landscapes and forests. Castle Hluboka is actually a copy of Windsor castle! The route livens up a little as you approach Budweis, for the town is not only home to pretty Gothic and Renaissance style houses but is also the main hub in South Bohemia. Quench your thirst best in the old Meat Market pub.
Overnight stay in Budweis

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 5
Krumau

Budweis/České Budějovice - Krumau/Český Krumlov, approx. 35 km

Today`s section is short to give you enough time to wander around Budweis in the morning and enjoy the seclusion of the area. You might otherwise like to go and visit Krumau. This pearl of the Bohemian forest was declared to be a Unesco World Heritage site in 1992. Over 300 historic houses including castle and fort grounds are huddled together in one of the bends of the Vltava river. Every visitor is amazed!
Overnight stay in Krumau

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 6
Mühlviertel

Krumau/Český Krumlov - Aigen, approx. 70 km

After yesterday`s relaxing section you will be raring to go today. The section takes you through the Bohemian forest. Longer inclines cannot be avoided, however the peace of the forest lets you hear the babble of the streams and the rushing of the wind through the trees. Simple moments of calm and relaxation. Following the Schwarzenberg canal, which enabled firewood for Vienna to be conveyed to the River Danube, you cycle into the Austrian`s Mühlviertel (Mill District).
Overnight stay in Aigen

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 7
Passau

Aigen - Passau, approx. 75 km

Cycling in a leisurely manner you enjoy the downhill stretch from the heights of the Mühlviertel along the Danube, and past the Schlögener Loop, where a huge chunk of granite interferes with the course of the river. In Engelhartszell, you can shorten the route by climbing aboard boat (not included), which takes you the last few kilometres to the Baroque town of Passau. In the afternoon, you should make sure you go and have a coffee in one of the traditional town coffee houses and enjoy remembering special moments of your holiday.
Overnight stay in Passau

Box mit rotem Balken (mit 2 Bildern links)
Day 8
Passau

Individual journey home or extension of stay

Your cycling holiday along the Vltava cycle route ends after breakfast. We can happily extend your stay in Passau if you wish.

Box mit rotem Balken (kein Bild)
Brief Information for the Vltava cycle route
  • Start / Destination
    Prague / Passau
  • Duration
    8 days, 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 360 km
  • Daily routes
    between 35 and 75 kilometres by bike
  • Profile of the route
    The route largely follows quiet country roads and forest and farm trails. It is often hilly, with some inclines steeper and longer than others. The tour is challenging and therefore you need to be quite fit to enjoy it.
  • Return journey to Prague
    Optional by mini-van on Sundays, incl. bike. Departs 9.00 am. The journey takes about 4 hours and has to be reserved when you make your booking. Tickets are paid for on the bus. The transfer can also be booked at the start of your holiday.
    Alternatively, individual return journey by train. Trains leave several times a day and connections involve 3-4 changes. The journey takes about 8.5 hours and the standard price is approx. EUR 60 excl. bike.
Route | Services and prices | Booking form