Discover the Top Pilgrimage Paths, Historic Gems, and Landmarks of Czechia!

Exploring Traditional Pilgrimage Routes in Czechia

Some of the most significant pilgrimage paths include the Cyril and Methodius Trail⬈ and the St James’s Trail. These routes meander through the beautiful regions of South Moravia and South Bohemia. Additionally, you can immerse yourself in spiritual journeys like the Via Sacra, Saint Gunther’s Trail⬈, the Via Nova, or the Cistercian European Routes⬈.
Another appealing pilgrimage path begins in the enchanting city of Prague, famously depicted in American author Dan Brown’s novel, *The Secret of Secrets*, and concludes at Stará Boleslav, renowned for its picturesque historical center.

 
PILGRIM’S MAP: For better navigation, pilgrims can access a digital map highlighting pilgrimage sites across the V4 countries – Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary – available on the Europe Pilgrime website.
 

One of the most notable paths is the Cyril and Methodius Trail, recently recertified in October 2025 as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. This extensive pilgrimage and cultural route links significant places that are part of the spread of Christianity in Great Moravia. In Czechia, it spans nearly 929 km, connecting multiple routes from various regions to its ultimate destination at Velehrad, which stands as one of the foremost pilgrimage sites within Czechia. The trail meanders through lush forests, rolling hills, and rivers, while also showcasing pilgrimage chapels, statues, and other historic landmarks. It’s well-maintained, making it suitable for both hikers and devoted pilgrims alike.

Main Routes of the Cyril and Methodius Trail:

• Beskydy Route: This route kicks off in Wisła, Poland, winding through the hilly landscapes of Pustevny and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, ultimately reaching Mount Radhošť, where you can find its chapel and the statue of the pagan deity Radegast.

• Pálava Route: This connects Velehrad with Mikulov, traversing vineyards, nature reserves, and historical landmarks. Notably, it includes the romantic Lednice–Valtice Complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Archbishop’s Route: This path guides you from Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc through Kroměříž, a town rich in history featuring the famous Flower Garden, all the way to Velehrad.

• White Carpathians Route: This links the oldest pilgrimage sites along the Moravian–Slovak border, taking you back to the time of medieval monasteries. You will experience the breathtaking scenery of the White Carpathians, visit the spa town of Luhačovice, the royal town of Uherské Hradiště, and discover the archaeological significance of Staré Město and Modrá.

• Great Moravian Route: This path connects Hodonín with Velehrad, encompassing historical sites linked to the Great Moravian Empire alongside significant archaeological locations.

• Bohemian–Moravian Trail: This scenic route leads from Levý Hradec near Prague through the Sázava Monastery—known for its ties to the Czech video game *Kingdom Come*—culminating at Velehrad and blending natural beauty with historical significance.

Equally, the Via Nova and the Cistercian Routes link Czech pilgrimage sites with other remarkable monastic trails across Europe.

Following in the Footsteps of Saint Ludmila

Another captivating path is the Saint Ludmila Trail. This route passes through Mělník, where you can appreciate a stunning château enveloped by vineyards while enjoying breathtaking views at the confluence of two mighty rivers. It continues towards the fortified settlement featuring the Rotunda of Saints Peter and Paul, leading into the historical Prague Castle and through various districts of Prague 1, 2, 5, and 6, all rich in numerous historic churches and chapels. The trail concludes at Karlštejn and Svatý Jan pod Skalou—a remarkably picturesque pilgrimage site hosting a monastery and a Baroque church nestled amidst a dramatic rocky landscape.

From Prague to Constance

The Hussite Trail and Saint Gunther’s Trail weave together history, spiritual heritage, and stunning natural beauty. The Hussite Trail charts a course from Prague to Constance, allowing for visits to several historic towns along the journey. In parallel, the Saint Gunther’s Trail connects idyllic forest and river routes across South Bohemia and Bavaria, guiding you through monasteries, churches, natural splendor, and cultural landmarks stretching from Niederaltaich in Germany to Blatná.

Traditional Trails That Will Captivate You

Classic routes such as Svatý Hostýn–Velehrad, Blaník–Říp, and the St James’s Trail provide both pilgrims and visitors with a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and spiritual meditation. The Svatý Hostýn–Velehrad pathway leads you to an impressive Baroque basilica amid stunning Moravian landscapes, while the Blaník–Říp Trail weaves through legendary hills steeped in Czech folklore—where the knights are said to sleep under Mount Blaník, and Mount Říp is where the mythical Forefather Čech is believed to have first arrived.

The inaugural marked St James’s Trail in Moravia meanders from Brno to Mikulov, linking with the Austrian St James’s Trail in Lower Austria. Its principal starting point is the Church of St James in Brno. In the South Moravian region, small “pilgrim points” have been instituted—these are shelters adorned with an engraved scallop shell, a symbol of the St James’s pilgrimage, offering stamps for pilgrim passports and other amenities.