Bohemian Forest by road bike | Prague - Passau

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has a lot to offer: music and the middle Ages, Kafka and Kisch, beer and dumplings with roast pork. Since 1992, the historical heart of Prague belongs to UNESCO world heritage sites.

The well-preserved city centre, the historic architecture, the winded alleys of the old town, the splendid view that opens up from Charles’s Bridge and the Prague Fortress watching over everything. Strolling for hours in the alleys of Prague, looking at architecture, discovering new cafés and pubs – all belongs to a visit to Prague. Bike distribution (if booked) in the afternoon.

A slightly hilly and differentiated stage is waiting for you. You cycle past many small idyllically situated Bohemian villages. Small houses with wood-covered gables attract the admiration of by-passers. Cosy pubs invite for a refreshing Bohemian beer on the way. Only “recently” did the waves of the Vltava reservoir begin to ripple.

Before, the Rocky River valley was wild and untamed. In the early 60s they began to build four valley blocks south of Prague. They dam up the Vltava into a few lakes.

The tamed Vltava spreads up to 5.000 ha, depending on the water level in the reservoirs. The water plant covers energy peaks and extras. Accommodation in the surroundings of Sedlcary.

You cycle through small Bohemian villages until you reach the Vltava reservoir near Milesov. You continue through the deeply green Bohemian Forest with the Vltava as your guideline to Orlik. The splendid Gothic fortress is situated here high above the Vltava on a steep rock. Furnished by the Schwarzenbergers, the fortress perfectly exemplifies the lifestyle of the aristocracy in the nineteenth century.

Only a few kilometres away the next place of interest tempts the visitor: Fortress Zvikov. The beautiful promontory, where the Vltava and the Otava flow into one another, invited people to settle already in prehistoric times. In the Middle Ages the fortress was one of the most important ones in Bohemia. It was regarded as very difficult to capture.

All on your own with the unspoilt Vltava landscape you will have no difficulties conquering the few remaining kilometres to Pisek. The picturesque town rest closely to the right bank of the river Otava. In prehistoric times people washed the “pisek” (sand) of the river Otava searching for gold; that is where the town’s name came from.

Magnificent and unspoilt landscapes lead you to Hluboká Castle, set high on a hill overlooking the Vltava. Windsor castle served as a model for renovation work, as can be seen from the many turrets, the battlements and many other decorative elements.

Continuing along the Vltava, you approach today’s destination, Budweis. This town is not only famous for its beer. The royal town, founded in the 13th century, has a population of 100,000 and is today the centre of southern Bohemia. The extensive main square with its Samson fountain is surrounded by pretty Gothic and Renaissance arcade houses. And to round off the day - a beer from one of the local taverns!

Today’s short stage gives you plenty of time for a morning walk around Budweis before you set off. You will be impressed today on your journey by the remoteness and the prettiness of the villages. The Vltava, with its many canoeists, guides you towards the medieval town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site since 1992 and the high point of your journey.

For centuries this town has been known as the "Pearl of the Bohemian Forest", not only because of its position, nestling in a meander of the Vltava, but also due to its over 300 historical buildings and impressive, large castle complex. The narrow alleys, the wooden balconies, the colourful houses give the town Mediterranean flair in the summer months and the street cafes and beer gardens ensure a lively atmosphere.

Today is the opportunity to show off your sporting prowess with a few tough climbs in the Bohemian Forest, the ´Green Roof of Europe´, but the stunning beauty of the scenery will reward you for your efforts! Enjoy the wonderful views, the clear air, the seemingly endless pine forests and above all the silence, so silent you can clearly hear the whispering of the streams and the rustling of the leaves. With the Vltava on your left, you come to the charming, small town of Rosenberg with its majestic fortress.

For a while you cycle along the Vltava, and a little later you reach the Lipno reservoir, one of the largest fishing areas in the Czech Republic. The route leads you through the delightful countryside of the Bohemian Forest to the Schwarzenberg canal.

In the 19th century, the 52 km long canal (known as the 8^th wonder of the world) was used to transport enormous quantities of wood to the Danube, to be then transported to Vienna and used for fuel. A short distance later you leave the Czech Republic and pass into Austria, to spend the night in the romantic Mühlviertel.

Today’s final stage takes you through the picturesque Mühlviertel to the Danube. Your journey combines silence, wooded countryside and rolling hills, panoramic views - on a clear day it seems as if you can reach out and touch the Alps - a multiplicity of impressions!

An adventurous winding journey through the Mühltal takes you down to the Danube cycle path. The path meanders along the river valley, gentle ridges rising up on either side. Your journey continues along through the Schlögener Schlinge (loop in the Danube) towards the final destination for today’s stage, the "Three-River City" Passau.

This imposing city, located between the three rivers, Inn, Danube and Ilz, is also the final highlight of your cycle trip. Take the opportunity to wander round the old town and visit one of the traditional coffee houses. The final 20 km can also be done by boat from Kasten to Passau (approx. 19 € per person including bike).

Unfortunately, today is the last day of your Vltava cycle tour. Your journey ends after breakfast.