Explore Czechia by Bike: The Ultimate Mind Reset with Nearly 40,000 km of Scenic Routes!

Cycling in Czechia is a popular leisure activity that seamlessly fits into the lifestyle of many. In fact, nearly a quarter of the population cycles regularly. Most people ride mainly for recreation (57%), while some use their bikes for urban commuting (28%) and around 18% actively participate in cycling. The primary motivation is often relaxation, enjoying the outdoors, and escaping daily stresses. Consequently, cyclists tend to favor shorter routes—76% opt for trips of up to 50 kilometers, with more than half (54%) staying close to home. Longer cycling trips, lasting over a week, are relatively rare (just 8.5%). Thus, cycling offers an accessible way to enjoy active leisure time without extensive planning.

“In Czechia, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re an adventurous rider tackling hills, or families with children seeking a calming trip with stops for a swim or a nice meal. We boast a dense and clearly marked network of almost 40,000 kilometers of cycle paths and lanes. Our platform, Kudy z nudy, along with the website aimed at foreign tourists, VisitCzechia, showcase visible and inspiring trips,” says František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism. “Active holidays are increasingly popular, so our campaigns aim to show potential visitors how they can easily blend exercise, nature, and cultural experiences in a sustainable way.”

From spontaneous idea to mobile navigation
Many people decide to go cycling spontaneously; almost half (48%) plan their rides one to seven days in advance, often depending on the weather. Day or weekend trips are the norm, while longer excursions require more careful planning and remain less common. Cycling trips mostly involve family or partners, with many riders going out with a partner (37%). At the same time, a third prefer to ride solo, and around 25% cycle with friends.

The planning and execution of the cycling trip can vary greatly. Recommendations from family and friends are crucial in selecting routes (59%), while digital resources are less significant. Approximately 38% use specialized websites, just 10% rely on TripAdvisor-like platforms, and 5% consult travel agents. However, once on the move, mobile apps become essential, with 45% of cyclists using them during their rides—Maps.cz being the most popular.

Bike as part of the experience
For 70% of cyclists, the journey is just one part of a broader experience. It’s frequently combined with swimming (52%), exploring cities or nature (50%), as well as visits to monuments and museums (40%), landscape photography (39%), or culinary adventures (38%). When selecting a destination, attractive landscapes play a crucial role (55%), followed by a desire to discover new locations (34%) and recommendations from friends (31%). The trend of combining cycling with other activities is growing; 63% of individuals are interested in trying new cycling experiences, such as themed routes (31%), gastronomic cycles (24%), or wellness combinations. Electric bikes are also becoming increasingly popular, broadening the range of cycling opportunities.

Research indicates that inspiration is vital for increasing trips—many people express interest in discovering more new and interesting routes (28%) and accessing better information (21%). Personal recommendations remain the most influential factor in trip planning, overshadowing formal sources significantly.

Local experience on a budget
Most cycling tours in Czechia are local. About three-quarters of cyclists stick to routes in the country, typically on shorter rides that fit into their active weekend routines.

This aligns with spending patterns: 73% spend up to CZK 5,000 per person on cycling holidays, with a daily budget of up to CZK 1,000 (61%) being the most common. When it comes to accommodations, cyclists often favor smaller establishments. Guesthouses (47%), apartments, or private rentals are preferred over hotels, which appeal to about 23% of cyclists. The preference isn’t just about cost but also stems from a desire for a more personal experience, flexibility, and authenticity. Nevertheless, cyclists still expect basic services and comfort, with only a small number opting for minimalist options like bikepacking. A secure spot for bicycles remains crucial; 67% consider lockable bike storage essential, with other services being of far less priority.

Safety as a decisive factor
Safety is another vital consideration. An extensive route network and quality signage are important, yet safety issues persist. While 55% of survey participants are satisfied with the accessibility of information and signage, 24% feel negatively about the lack of separation from car traffic. Only 11% of cyclists in urban areas feel very safe, and around one-third see risks in larger cities. More than half of respondents desire safer infrastructures, particularly separated lanes and cycle tracks. Issues like abrupt connections of cycle lanes to busy roads can deter cycling, especially for families with children.

“Safety has become one of the key criteria for selecting routes and destinations. Comparisons with other countries show that Czechia excels in the quantity and quality of cycling routes, but there’s room for improvement in accompanying services and overall comfort. Cyclists’ experiences indicate that details—like secure route connections, surface quality, and available amenities—greatly influence their overall satisfaction. Smooth connections inspire a desire to explore new areas,” concludes Petr Janeček, head of the CzechTourism Institute.

Methodology: The “Cycling” research was conducted by InsightLab for CzechTourism, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods; quantitative sample N = 3000, with sections on cycling tours and holidays typically N = 1406; date 25.12.2025.