25 epic outdoor travel adventures in Czechia for 2025: Hiking, cycling, rafting, and more

Once a restricted military zone, Brdy, a vast, untouched landscape offers scenic trails, dense forests, and wildlife encounters—including headline-making beavers is now accessible to cyclists via the Cyklo Brdy train from Prague’s main station. The train departs in the morning with stops near Příbram and the castles of Březnice and Blatná, returning around 5 p.m. A new circular cycle bus line marked 505 will also take tourists and cyclists from Příbram to Kozičín or Orlov to experience the beauty and tranquility of Brdy. The bus runs until Sept. 15. Read more here.

Launched earlier this year, the video-game sequel Kingdom Come: Deliverance has given life to a cottage industry of tours, allowing fans to visit the locations featured in the hit role-playing game, set against the backdrop of 15th-century Bohemia. A self-guided Central Bohemian KCD trail starts in Rataje nad Sázavou, where the story begins, wending through Pirkštejn Castle and the Church of St. Matthew. Continue along riverside paths to Ledečko, checking out the ruins of Talmberk Castle, before ending your journey at a historic monastery in Sázava. For fans of the sequel, the city of Kutná Hora also offers specially designed tours exploring the medieval landmarks.

Celebrate 150 years of Smetana’s Vltava with VLTAVA Famous & Navigable, a year-long tribute to Czechia’s iconic river. Events span the Vltava’s course, from chamber concerts at riverside castles to themed tours at landmarks like Hluboká Castle and Zlatá Koruna Monastery. A symbolic relay will carry water from its Šumava source to Prague, culminating in a major exhibition at Prague Castle from Sept. 1. You can also find tips for going with the flow on one of our nice-and-easy rafting adventures or hit the rapids of Český Krumlov.

Go the distance this hiking season with an epic pilgrimage across the Czech Republic. For fans of the Pacific Coast Trail and Canada’s Great Divide, the Czech Trail is a 1,200-kilometer route that takes you through stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic landmarks, offering an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re tackling the full route or just a section, this trail, which promises gorgeous scenery and a deep dive into Czechia’s history, recently released kid-friendly routes.

Czech castle season opens on April 5. If you’re looking for recommendations for ramparts and bastions to a handful of newly restored castles and chateaux are ready for spring visitors. See Lysice’s renovated gardens, Litomyšl’s Baroque theater, and Telč’s stunning Renaissance interiors. Lednice, Český Krumlov, and Karlštejn remain top destinations, but hidden gems like Uherčice and Stekník are drawing more visitors. Read more tips for trips here.

Spend the night in an authentic castle or château to take your experience to the next level. On the outskirts of Prague, Chateau St. Havel is a renovated neogothic castle set in a landscaped park. Further afoot, Chateau Herálec and Spa, in the Czech highlands, is included on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of nine “incredible castle hotels around the world.” For those who want the medieval castle experience, Křivoklát Castle’s gendarmerie station houses an apartment that’s open to the public.

Experience the magic of Mikulov and the surrounding Moravian vineyards with a wine-and-canvas session at Art Wine Mikulov. A one-of-a-kind experience in the Czech Republic, visitors can enjoy local wines while painting the scenic landscapes of rolling vineyards and charming historic towns. Set against golden sunsets, this unique en plein air activity offers a perfect blend of art, nature, and the rich cultural heritage of Moravia’s wine country.

From rustic barns repurposed into luxury accommodations to agritourism retreats complete with horseback riding and fishing, Czech farm stays offer authentic experiences paired with farm-to-table cuisine and fresh country air. One particularly tranquil experience in Česká Kanada lets you meet (and feed) alpacas or experience traditional ranch life in South Bohemia.

Czech glass is world-famous, but venture beyond Prague on the Glass Trail in the Liberec region to see where it truly comes to life. Through the heart of Crystal Valley, this scenic route takes you inside historic glassworks, artisan studios, and museums where master craftsmen have honed their skills for centuries. Watch molten glass transform into dazzling chandeliers and delicate hand-blown pieces, showcasing the artistry that defines Czechia’s glassmaking heritage.

Czechia’s fairytale landscape has earned it a reputation as a Hollywood favorite. Explore the real-life backdrops that brought some of your favorite movies to life, including this year’s Nosferatu. The film’s eerie atmosphere is set against the Gothic-Renaissance Pernštejn Castle, the Rožmitál pod Třemšínem chateau, Kublov village, the Tušť sand quarry, and Velká Amerika quarry. The filmmakers captured the wild beauty of the Prachovské Rocks. 

Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, a surreal landscape in northeastern Czechia, is famous for its towering sandstone formations and lush greenery. It was also a filming location for the Chronicles of Narnia. The area encompasses stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a picturesque lake. A reservation system that spreads the number of visitors throughout the day allows for peaceful visits.

Delve into the depths of Czechia with a visit to its stunning underground caves. Explore the awe-inspiring formations of the Moravian Karst, home to the famous Punkva Caves and the impressive Macocha Abyss, or the eerie chambers of Balcarka Cave. Beyond their natural beauty, these caves also hold fascinating historical stories, from ancient artifacts to wartime secrets.

Good news for historic train enthusiasts: the Pražský motoráček (Prague Motorcar) will continue operating until 2029, offering scenic views along the Prague Semmering route. Board the vintage 1950s motorcars at Hlavní Nádraží with a standard public transport ticket. The journey includes stops at landmarks like Vyšehrad and Prokop Valley, showcasing Prague’s stunning cityscapes and natural beauty. The motorcar runs on weekends and public holidays, with timetables available on the PID website.

In Chodoun, a village near Beroun, you can enjoy lavender-scented experiences at Lavandula Bohemia. Indulge in aromatherapy, explore farm-to-table dining, or opt for a glamping stay among organic lavender fields. Nearby, Farm Stehlík offers locally-grown products and hiking trails. Take a direct regional train from Prague to Chodoun in just over an hour. For agrotourism lovers, head to Vraňany, 30 km north of Prague, and explore Hanč Farm, known for its farm shop, fresh jams, cider, and self-pick strawberry fields. Visit nearby castles like Mělník and Veltrusy for more sightseeing.

Established in 2009 and located in an almost uninhabited part of the Jizera Mountains, the Jizera Dark Sky Park (in Czech “Jizerská oblast tmavé oblohy” and in Polish “Izerski park ciemnego nieba”) is the first international dark sky park which occupies the territory of more than one state. It takes up an area of just under 75 km². In the Czech Republic, it stretches from the Jizerka settlement and over Mount Smrk. The Dark Sky Park in the Beskydy Mountains of Northern Moravia also offers exceptionally good visibility of the stars and the Milky Way.

In for a thrill? Cross Czechia’s Sky Bridge 721, the world’s longest suspension footbridge, stretching 721 meters and soaring 95 meters above the ground. Set between two mountain ridges, it offers breathtaking views of the Krkonoš Mountains, making it a must-do adventure for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike. And if one skywalk isn’t enough for you, head to Lipno, where you can enjoy more panoramic views of lakes and landscapes atop it’s treetop walkway.

Prague has built a bike-friendly reputation, offering over 800 km of urban and scenic biking routes. But if you’re craving more, venture just outside the city to explore a network of picturesque trails through lush forests, charming villages, and rolling countryside. With new biking and hiking trains rolling out, it’s easier than ever to reach hidden gems like Český ráj, Kokořínsko, and the Bike Buky trail center in the Orlické Mountains, which is expanding to offer even more cycling and hiking options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Czechia’s rivers, including the Vltava, Lužnice, and Otava, offer a range of waterway experiences for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful, scenic route for a relaxing paddle or the rush of thrilling rapids, you’ll find it here. For a unique experience, try night rafting by moonlight at the Orlík Reservoir. Here you’ll find guided tours for every skill level, so you won’t have to worry about anything except enjoying the ride.

Lake Lipno, known for beaches and water sports, offers biking trails, a treetop walk, and family-friendly activities. Máchovo jezero, closer Prague, is perfect for beach lovers and campers with options for windsurfing, biking, and visiting nearby castles. Lake Slapy, a short trip from Prague, offers water sports and camping. For a quiet retreat, visit Černé Jezero in Šumava, a peaceful natural lake accessed by hiking, and enjoy surrounding forests. Read our complete list here.

For a literary adventure near Prague, visit Kersko, the inspiration for Bohumil Hrabal’s works. Explore his former cottage-turned-museum and dine at Hrabal’s Hájenka, featured in The Snowdrop Festival film. Enjoy venison dishes paired with Hrabal-inspired beer. Nearby, Nymburk offers a beer named after Hrabal’s Postřižiny and a scenic river cruise to Kersko. Alternatively, head to Frýdlant in the Jizera Mountains, where Kafka found inspiration for The Castle, and explore its historic streets and the impressive Frýdlant Château.

Put a spin on your road trip by exploring destinations within the Czech Republic that have names evoking far-off places. Head to “North America” at stunning quarries, Velká Amerika and Mexiko, and take in the peaceful beauty of Czech Canada, located along the Austrian border. Further north, you’ll discover the breathtaking landscapes of Czech Switzerland, complete with towering rock formations and lush forests.

This seven-day road trip through South Bohemia and South Moravia offers a blend of history, nature, and culture. Highlights include exploring Konopište Castle, rafting in Český Krumlov, and visiting the UNESCO-listed town of Telč. Discover the stunning Vranov nad Dyji Castle, experience Czech wine regions in Znojmo and Mikulov, and unwind at Aqualand Moravia. The trip also features a boat ride through the Punkva Caves and a visit to Brno’s Špilberk Fortress. End with a tour of Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO architectural gem. Our suggested itinerary offer a perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxation.

Czech locals know their country best. The Amazing Czech Places group voted Czech Switzerland and Bohemian Paradise as top destinations for camping buffs, with other highlights including Prague, Český Krumlov, and Lednice-Valtice. The Sleeping in a Car group, focused on campervan enthusiasts, favored Šumava and the Krkonoše Mountains. Campiri, an RV rental platform, shared tips on peaceful retreats like Malevil in the Lusatian Mountains, wine-tasting in Velké Bílovice, and family-friendly stays at Safari Park Dvůr Králové.

Explore some of Czechia’s most beautiful chateau parks near Prague. Visit Průhonice Park, a UNESCO site, with its stunning views and charming castle. Enjoy a picnic in Kačina Chateau’s English-style park or get lost in the mazes at Loučeň Chateau. Experience Konopiště’s magical greenhouse at night or relax in Vlašim’s picturesque park. Discover the historic trails at Lány Chateau, stroll through Jemniště’s rose garden, or feed white deer at Žleby. For a unique experience, visit Dobříš for its mini-zoo or Veltrusy, where you can bike or take a carriage ride through its expansive grounds.

South Bohemia is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, with breathtaking viewpoints like Kleť, the Blanský Forest’s highest peak, offering views as far as the Alps. Kraví hora in the Novohrad region also provides picturesque vistas. For history buffs, towers like Jakobínka in Rožmberk and the Český Krumlov castle tower await.

The annual Almond and Wine Festival in Hustopeče attracted thousands of visitors this weekend. Organizers expected 8,000 ticketed guests, but report that many more explored the blooming almond orchards for free. The event not only heralds spring, but celebrates the region’s almond-growing tradition, which dates back to the 17th century. ICYMI: You can still visit the orchards, which have been transformed into a tourist attraction with a look-out tower and almond trail, for the ultimate spring selfie.

The Czech Republic is home to stunning ruined castles perfect for spring visits. Explore Ronov in Kokořinsko, a secluded 14th-century ruin surrounded by scenic trails. Rabí, Bohemia’s largest castle ruin, offers impressive views and historic structures. Okoř, near Prague, reveals charming details amidst its crumbling walls. For a fortress experience, visit Svojšice, and Trosky Castle in Český ráj presents iconic gothic ruins. Lastly, Zbořený Kostelec offers a haunting glimpse of history from its riverside perch.