10 Essential Tips for Fun and Safe Family Bike Adventures

Journey to the Château Along the Vltava River

The cycling path along the left bank of the Vltava River, stretching from České Budějovice to Karlův hrádek and continuing to Hluboká, is among the most frequented routes in South Bohemia. Covering more than 20 kilometers, this track is paved and primarily off-road.

The journey begins at the swimming stadium in the heart of České Budějovice and meanders past the breathtaking Hluboká nad Vltavou Château. Here, you can take a guided tour, explore an art exhibition, or simply enjoy a meal. The route integrates with a newly established cycling path that goes past the ruins of Karlův hrádek, leading to Purkarka, from where you can return to your starting point via boat.

This path on the left bank is also ideal for families with children and rollerbladers, given its flat terrain. At Bavorovice, feel free to treat yourself to a refreshing drink and a bite to eat at the local pub, all while admiring the exquisite folk Baroque architecture. Plus, it’s worth noting that there’s another trail on the right bank—this one is paved, providing more space for skaters on the asphalted left bank.

The Třeboň Region – A Family-Friendly Biking Paradise

South Bohemia, particularly the Třeboň Region, is a veritable haven for cyclists. The bike trail around Třeboň is not just a ride; it’s an educational experience, featuring numerous scenic viewpoints and stops equipped with informational boards in both Czech and English. These boards detail the region’s most iconic features—the pond systems, peat bogs, lush forests, and wet meadows. The journey commences at Pond Svět and concludes at the town gates, covering a total distance of 39 kilometers.

Cycling Around the Moravian “Sea”

Set in the scenic countryside surrounding the Nové Mlýny water reservoir in Moravia, often referred to as the “Moravian Sea,” this area is exceptional for cycling outings. The terrain features only gentle inclines, making it perfect for bike rides with young children. You can begin your adventure in Dolní Věstonice, where the oldest ceramic statuette globally, known as the Venus of Věstonice, was discovered. Don’t miss the small archaeological exhibition in the area. The cycling route continues alongside the reservoir towards Brod nad Dyjí and leads to Pasohlávky, a popular recreational spot near the Nové Mlýny reservoir.

Exploring the Largest Czech Water Reservoir

For an enjoyable ride, the cycling trail around the Lipno water reservoir in South Bohemia awaits. Experience a delightful bike excursion along the banks of the largest water body in the Czech Republic, starting in Lipno nad Vltavou. Here, children can enjoy the rope park, a forest playground, or the thrilling Treetop Walkway. The path from the dam to the Frymburk dock stretches for 10 kilometers, featuring a superb surface suitable for rollerblading as well.

Uncovering the Royal Treasures of Central Bohemia

While many travelers journey from Prague to Karlštejn by car or train, why not consider cycling instead? There are several routes offering a range of difficulty levels, but families with children typically prefer the flat path starting from central Prague, running alongside the River Vltava to Lahovice, and meandering through the picturesque valley around the River Berounka. Your destination is the grand Karlštejn Castle. When you need a break, hopping on a train back to Prague is always an option!

Discover UNESCO Sites on Two Wheels, in Style

In South Moravia, not far from the border with Austria, lies the world’s largest designed landscape—the stunning chateau park known as the Lednice Valtice Landscape Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lovely trails through this flat terrain are ideal for cycling outings with young children. While cycling isn’t allowed inside the chateau park, there’s a well-crafted cycling trail, called Knížecí, that connects both châteaux. This 12-kilometer route runs through level ground, providing plenty of intriguing attractions along the way.

You can admire the Classicist Temple of the Three Graces or the Empire Rendez-Vous Chateau. The trail along the dam that separates the Lednice ponds boasts stunning views, and you can wrap up your journey with a visit to the Lednice chateau and its magnificent gardens. Are you ready to climb the Minaret?

Seeking Flat Trails for Easy Riding?

Head over to the Baťa Canal in Moravia. Running from Kroměříž to Hodonín, this path features an 80-kilometer bike trail entirely devoid of hills. Even the youngest cyclists can ride comfortably without any complaints. The trail is fully paved, with no intersections with other traffic types, making it a leisurely experience. You may begin your adventure at any point; don’t skip Kroměříž and its renowned gardens or Uherské Hradiště with the nearby Velehrad and the Modrá archaeological open-air museum.

Cycling Along the Elbe, the Longest River in the Czech Republic

A captivating and comfortable cycling route follows the banks of the Elbe River, passing through Nymburk and Poděbrady, located in Central Bohemia. Each town boasts fascinating landmarks worth exploring. Be sure to visit the delightful park complete with a flower clock in Poděbrady’s spa, or the remnants of the medieval fortifications in Nymburk. The trail extends approximately 8 kilometers in one direction.

Another family-friendly route along the Elbe runs from Roudnice nad Labem to Litoměřice, measuring just under 19 kilometers. It is primarily flat and safe, taking you through a picturesque wine-producing region. Along the way, you can pause at a playground, treat yourself to ice cream, or unwind by the river. In Roudnice, explore the Lobkowicz Castle, famous for its wine cellars. Litoměřice, meanwhile, invites you to visit the castle and the ancient town walls with an observation tower.

Another excellent route is the 26-kilometer stretch between Ústí nad Labem and Děčín, which traverses the Central Bohemian Uplands. Children will not only relish the gentle ride through the flat landscapes but will also have the chance to visit the zoo in Děčín or explore Střekov Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop near Ústí nad Labem. Enjoy stunning views of the Elbe canyon and the Krušné Mountains from the Větruše chateau, which features a restaurant as well as a lookout tower. Along the way, keep an eye out for numerous bunkers, known colloquially as “řopíky.” A particularly exciting option is merging the trip with scheduled boat services—take a boat one way and cycle back!

Breathtaking Views Await in Šumava

The cycling trail in Šumava, running from Nová Pec to Nové Údolí, is justifiably regarded as one of the most stunning routes in the Czech Republic. This trail winds through the picturesque landscape of Šumava, featuring smooth paved forest paths bordered by charming streams. Interestingly, the route closely follows the railway line for almost its entire length. Spanning about 30 kilometers, you’ll have opportunities to stop at various points and catch a train back to Nová Pec. This path is suitable for families with small children or individuals using bike trailers.

Jeseníky Bike Tour Along Historic Merchant Routes

The paved biking trail connecting Rejvíz and Vrbno pod Pradědem in the Jeseníky Mountains in Moravia offers a scenic ride through the enchanting valley of the River Černá Opava, following a historic merchant path. As you pedal along, you’ll pass by the ruins of the Gothic Koberštejn Castle, and you can explore the remains of a unique engineering marvel—the Lorenz-Vavřinec steel mill, which once served as a charcoal blast furnace.

A Scenic Vista at the Heart of a National Park

South Moravia is home to the smallest national park in the Czech Republic—the Podyjí National Park. Take your little ones on a simple biking adventure from Lukov or Čížov to the Hardegg Scenic Vista—a wooden gazebo that provides breathtaking views of the River Dyje Valley and the Austrian town of Hardegg, adorned with its castle. Be sure to check out the border barriers topped with barbed wire and a guard tower located near the southern end of Čížov, offering a glimpse into the Iron Curtain’s history from over three decades ago.