Discover the Hidden Gems of Czechia: Top Pilgrimage Routes, Historic Landmarks, and Iconic Sites

Traditional Pilgrimage Routes in Czechia

Some of the key pilgrimage paths include the Cyril and Methodius Trail⬈ and the esteemed St James’s Trail, which weave through the scenic regions of South Moravia and South Bohemia. Adventurers can also embark on rich historical pilgrimages like the Via Sacra, the Saint Gunther’s Trail⬈, the enchanting Via Nova, or the Cistercian European Routes⬈.
Another captivating pilgrimage can transport you from the enchanting city of Prague—so vividly captured in Dan Brown’s novel *The Secret of Secrets*—to the historical town of Stará Boleslav, renowned for its stunning historic architecture.

MAP FOR PILGRIMS: For enhanced navigation, pilgrims can also access a digital map showcasing pilgrimage sites across the V4 nations – Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary – available on the Europe Pilgrime website.

One of the most notable paths is the Cyril and Methodius Trail, which received recertification in October 2025 as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. This long-distance cultural and pilgrimage route interlinks key locations tied to the introduction of Christianity in Great Moravia. In Czechia, this expansive trail stretches nearly 929 km, connecting various routes that lead from diverse regions of the country to the ultimate destination at Velehrad, a principal pilgrimage site not only in Czechia but across Europe. The trail navigates through lush forests, rolling hills, flowing rivers, and alongside numerous pilgrimage chapels, statues, and other historical significant sites, making it an excellent choice for hikers and pilgrims alike, and it is well-marked and well-maintained.

Main Routes of the Cyril and Methodius Trail:

• Beskydy Route: This route commences in Wisła in Poland, navigating through the hilly landscape of Pustevny and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, leading to Mount Radhošť where you can find its chapel and the statue of the pagan deity Radegast.

• Pálava Route: Connecting Velehrad with Mikulov, this path traverses through vineyards, nature reserves, and historical landmarks, including the romantic Lednice–Valtice Complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Archbishop’s Route: This pathway guides you from Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc through the historically significant town of Kroměříž, featuring its renowned Flower Garden, all the way to Velehrad.

• White Carpathians Route: This path links the oldest pilgrimage sites along the Moravian–Slovak border, transporting you back to the days of medieval monasteries. You’ll journey through the delightful landscapes of the White Carpathians, visit the spa town of Luhačovice, explore the royal town of Uherské Hradiště, and discover the archaeologically significant areas of Staré Město and Modrá.

• Great Moravian Route: This pathway connects Hodonín with Velehrad, weaving through historical sites representative of the Great Moravian Empire and significant archaeological locales.

• Bohemian–Moravian Trail: This trail leads from Levý Hradec near Prague through the Sázava Monastery—famous for its association with the Czech video game Kingdom Come—right to Velehrad, combining stunning natural vistas with historic landmarks.

Equally, the Via Nova and the Cistercian Routes interconnect Czech pilgrimage spots with various other European monastic and pilgrimage paths.

Tracing the Steps of Saint Ludmila

A captivating route worth exploring is the Saint Ludmila Trail. This path winds through Mělník, where you can enjoy stunning vistas of a beautiful château nestled among vineyards, along with breathtaking views of the rivers’ confluence. The trail continues through a historic fortified site featuring the Rotunda of Saints Peter and Paul and leading towards Prague Castle, traversing through the districts of Prague 1, 2, 5, and 6, each adorned with numerous historic churches and chapels. It concludes at Karlštejn and the enchanting Svatý Jan pod Skalou—a charming pilgrimage destination with its monastery and Baroque church integrated into a dramatic rocky landscape.

Journeying from Prague to Constance

The Hussite Trail and the Saint Gunther’s Trail both celebrate rich history, spiritual heritage, and natural landscapes. The Hussite Trail stretches from Prague to Constance, providing opportunities to explore delightful historic towns along its route. Meanwhile, Saint Gunther’s Trail weaves together picturesque forest and water pathways throughout South Bohemia and Bavaria, inviting you to discover monasteries, churches, stunning nature, and vibrant cultural landmarks from Niederaltaich in Germany all the way to Blatná.

Traditional Trails That Will Captivate You

Classic routes like Svatý Hostýn–Velehrad, Blaník–Říp, and the St James’s Trail offer both pilgrims and adventurers a delightful blend of natural beauty, history, and spiritual encounters. The Svatý Hostýn–Velehrad route guides you to a magnificent Baroque basilica while traversing the picturesque Moravian countryside, while the Blaník–Říp Trail navigates through legendary hills steeped in Czech folklore—from the tales of the knights sleeping beneath Mount Blaník to Mount Říp, where tradition tells of the mythical Forefather Čech’s first arrival.

The inaugural marked St James’s Trail in Moravia commences from Brno to Mikulov, establishing a connection with the Austrian St James’s Trail in Lower Austria. Its main point of origin is the Church of St James situated in Brno. In South Moravia, several “pilgrim points” have been introduced—small pilgrim shelters featuring an engraved scallop shell, the emblem of the St James’s pilgrimage, equipped with stamps for pilgrim passports and other essential amenities.