Road trip ideas Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is particularly well-suited for a road trip: historic cities, romantic castles, impressive rock landscapes and gentle low mountain ranges are often only one to two hours' drive apart. In this guide, we present three varied road trip routes (6–10 days) through the Czech Republic – including specific route recommendations, tips on hiking and ski areas, and a compact overview of tolls. Please make sure to purchase the appropriate digital vignette for the Czech Republic before you set off, so you can use motorways and expressways comfortably.

Before you set off: Careful planning is essential

The ideal route for your road trip through the Czech Republic depends primarily on the time available and your personal interests. You can choose from cities such as Prague, Brno and Karlovy Vary, impressive hiking regions such as Bohemian Switzerland, the Bohemian Paradise, the Ore Mountains or the Giant Mountains, as well as national parks such as the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) and the Podyjí National Park, and various ski resorts. For orientation:

• 5–6 days: Focus on one region (e.g. North or West Bohemia with spa towns and forest landscapes).

• 7–10 days: Ideal for combining at least one major city (e.g. Prague or Brno) with hiking areas such as Bohemian Switzerland, the Giant Mountains or the Ore Mountains.

• 10–14 days: Recommended if you want to link several regions such as North Bohemia, West Bohemia and South Moravia with the Beskids or the Jeseníky Mountains.

Our recommendations

The sample routes below offer you a structured foundation that you can adapt flexibly. A tried-and-tested rule of thumb for a relaxed road trip is: plan for a maximum of 1–3 hours of driving time per day and no more than two activities. This leaves enough time to consciously enjoy the trip. Also take the season and weather conditions into account:

• May to October: Particularly suitable for road trips. Hiking regions such as Bohemian Switzerland, Bohemian Paradise, the Jizera and Giant Mountains, the Beskids or the White Carpathians are easily accessible.

• July and August: Peak season with increased visitor numbers. Early reservations are recommended.

• Winter (December to March): Ideal for combining a road trip with ski resorts in the Giant Mountains, Ore Mountains, Bohemian Forest or Jeseníky Mountains. Be aware of winter equipment requirements.

During school holidays or on long weekends, expect increased traffic on motorways as well as around Prague, Brno and popular hiking regions.

Road trip 1: Prague, Rock Landscapes & the Giant Mountains (7–10 days)

This route is particularly recommended for first-time visitors looking for a combination of city travel, sandstone rocks and mountain landscapes.

• Prague: Culture and history (2 nights)

• Bohemian Switzerland: National park (2 nights)

• Bohemian Paradise: Castles and rocks (1–2 nights)

• Adršpach-Teplice: Rock city (1 night)

• Giant Mountains or Jizera Mountains: Hiking or ski region (1–2 nights)

Prague

The capital Prague makes an ideal starting point. The Old Town, Charles Bridge and castle complex offer a diverse cultural programme. You can find more information in our article on Prague.

Bohemian Switzerland

The national park impresses with striking rock formations and varied hiking trails. Detailed information can be found in our overview of the hiking areas in the Czech Republic.

Bohemian Paradise

Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) impresses with bizarre sandstone rocks, castle ruins and dense forests – ideal for short hikes between two stages. You can find more information in our overview of the hiking areas in the Czech Republic.

Adršpach-Teplice

The Adršpach-Teplice Rock Town is one of the most impressive sandstone rock cities in Europe, with narrow rock alleys, viewpoints and a clear mountain lake. You can find more information in our overview of the hiking areas in the Czech Republic.

Giant Mountains or Jizera Mountains

To finish off, a stay in the Giant Mountains or Jizera Mountains is recommended. In summer, hiking trails dominate; in winter, ski resorts take over. More details can be found under ski resorts in the Czech Republic.

Road trip 2: West Bohemia, Spa Towns & the Bohemian Forest National Park (6–9 days)

This route is particularly suitable for anyone who wants to combine historic towns, classic spa towns and extensive forest landscapes – ideal if you want to take things a bit slower while still staying active.

• Pilsen: Old town and brewing tradition (1 night, optional)

• Karlovy Vary: Spa architecture and hot springs (2 nights)

• Ore Mountains: Ridges and hiking trails (1–2 nights)

• Bohemian Forest National Park (Šumava): Lakes, moors and forests (2–3 nights)

Pilsen (optional)

The city of Pilsen (Plzeň) makes a compact starting point for West Bohemia: the old town, brewery tours and viewing towers can easily be combined in a single day before the route continues towards Karlovy Vary.

Karlovy Vary

The spa town of Karlovy Vary is characterised by impressive colonnade architecture and numerous hot springs. Use one day for strolling around town and soaking up the spa atmosphere, and the second for a trip into the surrounding hilly landscape. You can find more information in our article on Karlovy Vary.

Ore Mountains

From the spa town, the route continues into the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory) with ridge trails, viewing towers and, in winter, ski resorts – well suited to relaxed day hikes and trips to smaller mountain towns. You can find more inspiration in our articles on the hiking areas and ski resorts in the Czech Republic.

Bohemian Forest National Park (Šumava)

This route concludes with the Bohemian Forest National Park (Šumava), with vast forests, mountain lakes and raised bogs. Easy to moderate hikes and well-signposted trails make the region accessible for families too.

Road trip 3: Brno, the Moravian Karst & Eastern Czech Republic (8–10 days)

The third road trip is aimed at nature lovers who want to get to know South Moravia and the eastern Czech Republic in more depth. Wine regions, karst landscapes and mountain ranges such as the Beskids, the White Carpathians and the Jeseníky Mountains provide plenty of variety.

• Brno: City, cuisine & culture (2 nights)

• Moravian Karst: Stalactite caves & gorges (1 night)

• White Carpathians: Hills, meadows and villages (1–2 nights)

• Beskids: Hiking and ski area (1–2 nights)

• Jeseníky Mountains (Hrubý Jeseník): Mountain scenery & skiing options (1–2 nights)

Brno

Brno combines a historic old town with a lively food scene. Stroll between Špilberk Castle and the old town lanes before planning a trip on the second day into the surrounding countryside and the South Moravian wine region. More information can be found in our article on Brno.

Moravian Karst

The Moravian Karst is one of the best-known natural highlights of the Czech Republic: deep gorges, stalactite caves and viewpoints invite you to explore the caves with short hikes. More information can be found in our article on the hiking areas in the Czech Republic.

White Carpathians

The White Carpathians are known for gentle hills, flower meadows and traditional villages – ideal if you want to slow down a little, with easy hikes, viewpoints and regional cuisine. You can find inspiration for tours in our guide to the hiking areas in the Czech Republic.

Beskids

The Beskids offer a mix of dense forests, scenic peaks and, in winter, ski resorts. Depending on the season, you can hike, cycle or ski here. In our overview of the hiking areas, you'll find suitable regions.

Jeseníky Mountains

The Jeseníky Mountains (Hrubý Jeseník) make a fitting end to the route, with panoramic hikes, high-altitude trails and, in winter, additional ski resorts. One to two nights are enough for one big tour or several smaller excursions. More information can be found in our article on the hiking areas in the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic toll guide

A vignette is required in most cases to use Czech motorways and expressways. The following points are particularly relevant:

• Vignette requirement: Mandatory for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight.

• Motorcycles: Exempt from the vignette requirement.

• Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight: Distance-based toll via an on-board unit.

• No special toll sections: There are no additional section fees.

You can find a comprehensive overview in our guide to tolls in the Czech Republic.

Practical tips for on the road

• Timing: Avoid peak times.

• Traffic rules: Observe speed limits and blood alcohol limits. Details can be found under traffic rules in the Czech Republic.

• Nature conservation: Stay on marked trails and respect protected areas.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive natural scenery. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the appropriate toll products. If you have any questions, we would of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.