Hiking Regions
In addition to the Bohemian Forest National Park, there are many more hiking areas that are truly impressive. So when travelling to the Czech Republic, you shouldn't just visit the impressive cities, but also take in the unique nature. We would like to give you an overview of the most interesting hiking areas.
Bohemian Switzerland (České Švýcarsko)
Bohemian Switzerland should not be confused with the Bohemian Forest, but it is just as interesting. Bohemian Switzerland is a versatile hiking area located in the northwest of the country, on the border with Germany. Together with Saxon Switzerland, it forms an impressive sandstone massif. Since 2000, Bohemian Switzerland has not only been considered a wonderful place for unique natural phenomena, but also a national park. You can reach this wonderful hiking area within an hour from Dresden or within two hours from Prague.
Natural phenomena of Bohemian Switzerland
If you enjoy hiking and are planning an extensive hike in Bohemian Switzerland, you should definitely not miss the highlights of this place. Characteristic of this area are the sandstone rocks, which are variously shaped and can appear both as bizarrely shaped towers and as walls. So don't miss the Tyssa Walls (Tiské stěny). You should also explore the unique table mountains. Let yourself be inspired by this unique sight and be sure to take a look at the highest mountain of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains: the Hoher Schneeberg (723 m).
A special highlight is Europe's largest natural rock arch, Pravčická brána. This is considered the symbol of Bohemian Switzerland and has a span of 26 m. The various gorges and valleys are equally worth seeing. Pay special attention to the Edmund Gorge and the Wild Gorge. You can also explore both of these in more detail during a guided boat trip. In addition to these, you will also find idyllic forests and rivers in Bohemian Switzerland. You can even discover small waterfalls here.
Hiking trails
You can explore all these highlights on various hiking routes. Bohemian Switzerland offers a variety of hiking trails that you can use for an eventful adventure. You can choose between different lengths and decide for yourself whether you would rather do just a day trip or a multi-day hike.
A beautiful hiking route stretches from Hřensko to the scenic table mountains, the Kaiserkrone and Zirkelstein route. You start in Hřensko by taking the ferry to Schöna or travelling by train from Děčín to Schöna. From there, you can follow the signposts and get to know the village of Schöna better. After a 30-minute walk, you set off towards the Kaiserkrone and the Zirkelstein. In total, this route, including the outward and return journey, takes three hours.
A longer hiking tour is the large circular route, the Hřensko route. On this route, you visit the following places: Hřensko (start and finish), Janov, Wild Gorge and Prebischtor. You start again in Hřensko, a small village in the Elbe Valley that is often seen as the gateway to Bohemian Switzerland. There you will find many other hiking routes in addition to this one. Then you make your way on foot or by bus to Janov, a village located above Hřensko that rewards you with beautiful views of the Elbe Valley. From here you begin the actual hike and follow quiet forest and field paths before reaching the rocky region of Bohemian Switzerland. On this circular route you will encounter various highlights of Bohemian Switzerland, such as the Wild Gorge. On site, you can take part in a boat trip and travel through narrow rock gorges, discovering small waterfalls. This route also passes the Prebischtor (Pravčická brána), the symbol of Bohemian Switzerland. Here you will also find viewing platforms that offer a breathtaking view of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. After this spectacular finale, you make your way back to Hřensko. To do this, you descend from the Prebischtor to Tři prameny and take the bus from there. In total, this day trip takes seven hours, although the length can vary if you want to take part in the boat trip. In addition to these two hiking routes, you can of course also combine your hikes in Bohemian Switzerland with Saxon Switzerland and experience multi-day adventures. Other interesting viewpoints that you can consider when planning your hiking route are the views near Jetřichovice and Belvedér near Labská Stráň (the oldest viewpoint over the Elbe Valley).
Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj)
Bohemian Paradise is one of the most famous protected landscape regions in the Czech Republic. It was declared a protected landscape area as early as 1955 and is located in the northeast of the country. You can reach this hiking paradise in just one hour from Prague. This means you can wonderfully combine your city trip to the country's capital with a day trip to Bohemian Paradise. Characteristic of Bohemian Paradise are the interestingly shaped sandstone rocks and rock cities. There you can discover rock formations such as tall towers, narrow gorges and rock needles.
You should see this!
The rock areas of Prachovské skály (Prachov Rocks), Hruboskalsko and Malá Skála are particularly popular. The Prachov Rocks (Prachovské skály) are very popular and impress visitors with unique sandstone formations, narrow gorges, viewing towers and rock needles. You can explore the Prachov Rocks on various circular trails, ranging from shorter walks to longer hikes. The routes leading to the viewpoints Vyhlídka Českého ráje or Vyhlídka míru are particularly recommended.
The large Hruboskalsko sandstone massif consists of over 400 rock towers reaching heights of up to 60 metres. This makes this corner particularly popular with climbers. But hikers also get their money's worth at the numerous viewpoints. Discover the Trosky castle ruins or Hrubá Skála Castle and enjoy a wonderful view of this unique place from there. Malá Skala lies in the Jizera Valley. This part of Bohemian Paradise is known for its striking rock formations such as Suché skály, which rises from the ground like a jagged wall. That's why they are often referred to as the "Dolomites of Bohemian Paradise". Malá Skála is also a wonderful destination for water sports enthusiasts. Here you can enjoy nature during a canoe trip.
Thanks to the interplay of nature and culture, hikes in Bohemian Paradise are very varied. You definitely won't get bored here! You can also get to know the country's history even better by visiting the small historic towns in the surroundings of Bohemian Paradise. These include, for example, the towns of Jičín and Turnov.
Another special highlight of Bohemian Paradise is the Bozkov Dolomite Caves. These are located on the edge of Bohemian Paradise and have allowed public access to a dreamlike world since 1969. The Bozkov Dolomite Caves were declared a national natural monument as early as 1999. The underground lakes, which create a unique atmosphere, are particularly impressive. Especially in summer, this place offers welcome relief from the heat, as it stays relatively cool inside the cave. So you definitely shouldn't miss the Bozkov Dolomite Caves on your trip!
Ore Mountains (Krušné hory)
The Ore Mountains stretch along the border between the Czech Republic and Germany. The name varies depending on the country: while the mountain range is called Erzgebirge in Germany, it is known as Krušné hory in the Czech Republic. In total, the Ore Mountains run for a length of 150 km and are known for their forested slopes, plateaus, raised bogs and mountain meadows. A special highlight of the Ore Mountains is its highest peak, Klínovec (1,244 m).
However, the Ore Mountains are known not only for their peat bogs, but rather for the region's past. The Ore Mountains are an old mining region, where silver, tin and later also uranium have been mined since the Middle Ages. That's why the "Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region" has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. Interesting places where you can find remnants of this era and learn more about the history of mining are located in Jáchymov (Sankt Joachimsthal), a historic mining town. You should also visit Krupka, another old mining town, which today has a tin mining museum. The Renaissance town of Horní Blatná is also worth seeing. If you are not very interested in the history and culture of the Ore Mountains, the region still has much more to offer. Let yourself be enchanted by its unforgettable nature!
Božídar Peat Bog
One of the largest raised bogs in Central Europe is located in the Ore Mountains. The Božídarské rašeliniště peat bog (Boží Dar Moor) is one of the region's unique natural phenomena. You can explore the peat bog on the Gottesgab nature trail. This leads you through part of the national protected area and covers a total of 3 km. The trail begins at the Ore Mountains Ridge Trail and leads over wooden walkways to the peat bog in order to protect nature and people.
In addition to the peat bog, you should explore the plateau around Boží Dar and Klínovec and be enchanted by the wide meadows, forests and spectacular viewpoints. Keilberg (Klínovec) is the highest mountain in the Ore Mountains at a height of 1,244 metres. It is a popular destination not only in summer, but also offers tourists eventful hours in winter. In addition to the unique view you can enjoy from the viewing tower on Keilberg, the mountain offers wonderful routes for hiking, cycling or Nordic walking in its surroundings. In winter, this area transforms into an outstanding ski resort that delights every skier and snowboarder. You can reach Keilberg by car or via the red-marked hiking trail from Boží Dar. You can also use the cable car near Jáchymov to get to Keilberg.
In addition to the peat bog and Keilberg, the nature of the Ore Mountains has much more to offer. On your exploration tour, you should also visit the deep valleys and rivers, such as the Ohře (Eger) and Bystřice. The flora and fauna of the Ore Mountains are just as diverse as the landscape. Keep an eye out for rare plants on a hike to the peat bog, and discover black storks or red deer on a leisurely walk.
Hiking and cycling adventures
It has already become clear that you can explore the Ore Mountains wonderfully on foot or by mountain bike. The long-distance ridge trail is particularly popular. This stretches over a length of 242 km and can be an unforgettable, multi-day adventure. You can tackle this long-distance trail (Ore Mountains Ridge Trail) both on foot and by bike. However, keep in mind that you need to allow a lot of time for this route, and multi-day hiking and cycling adventures in particular should be undertaken by more experienced people. If you're not so experienced, the route can also be divided into several stages, so you can turn it into a shorter hike as well.
You can also explore the Ore Mountains perfectly during an ascent to Keilberg. These tours start in Jáchymov or Boží Dar and reward you with a unique view of the spectacular mountains. In addition, the Stoneman Ore Mountains is a popular mountain bike route that is a true paradise for adventurous visitors. This route is located in both Germany and the Czech Republic. Regardless of hiking and cycling, you can explore the ski resorts in winter. The best-known ski resorts are Klínovec, Boží Dar and Loučná pod Klínovcem.
Giant Mountains
The Giant Mountains are known as the highest mountains in the Czech Republic and welcome you with diverse nature as well as countless hiking trails in warm temperatures. If you want to visit the Giant Mountains in winter, they are also one of the most popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. You can find more information on the Giant Mountains as a ski resort in our guide. The Giant Mountains are located on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland. It can therefore be reached very easily from Prague (about a 2-hour drive by car) or from Jelenia Góra on the Polish side (20-30 minutes by car). The Elbe rises in the Giant Mountains and later winds through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Glacial cirques, raised bogs, mountain meadows and dense spruce forests also enrich this region. In total, the mountain range stretches over a length of 35 km and a width of 20 km. The highest peak of the Giant Mountains is Snow Peak (Schneekoppe) at a height of 1,603 m, which also makes it the highest mountain in the whole of the Czech Republic. You can reach Snow Peak by climbing up from Pec pod Sněžkou or by cable car.
The Czech part of the Giant Mountains has been a national park (Krkonošský národní park, KRNAP for short) since 1963 and is under protection. On the Polish side, the national park has a different name and is known as Karkonoski Park Narodowy. Together, both national parks form the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here you can be sure to encounter unique flora and fauna. Discover alpine plant species and observe rare birds and lynxes, among other things.
Source of the Elbe
In addition to the flora and fauna, you should visit the source of the Elbe on your trip. This is a symbolic source of the Elbe, artistically designed and decorated with the coats of arms of European rivers. The source of the Elbe is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Giant Mountains and can be reached from Špindlerův Mlýn. The Elbe Valley (Labský důl) is also worth seeing. There is a glacial cirque with breathtaking rock walls and waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the pristine nature of the Giant Mountains and embark on a challenging hike to experience a unique adventure. Don't forget to explore the Mumlava Waterfall (Mumlavský vodopád), which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Giant Mountains and has a height of 10 m. This natural phenomenon is easily accessible and is therefore also suitable as a destination for families. If you want to leave the Czech side, you can also discover the Snow Pits on the Polish side. These are two large glacial cirques with steep walls. Glacial cirques are semicircular rock hollows on a mountainside worn out by glacial movement. They form where snow and ice accumulate over long periods, compact into a small glacier and scour out the rock. From there you can also enjoy a unique view of the main ridge. Oh, and by the way, if you believe in legends: there is a legend that the mountain spirit "Rübezahl" is the symbol of the Giant Mountains. You will encounter him in many places in the Giant Mountains.
Jizera Mountains
The Jizera Mountains are located in the northeast of the Czech Republic and border Poland. The mountains are named after the river Jizera and can easily be reached from Czech towns such as Liberec or Jablonec nad Nisou. The highest mountain in the Jizera Mountains is Smrk (1,124 metres), which in turn borders Poland. Characteristic of the Jizera Mountains are the extensive plateaus, granite rocks, raised bogs and deep valleys. The area has been protected since 1968 and is known as CHKO Jizerské hory (Jizera Mountains Protected Landscape Area). The range is famous for its unique peat landscapes, rare plants and animal species such as the capercaillie or the black stork. You can explore the Jizera Mountains on various nature trails that lead you through moors and nature reserves.
The Jizera Mountains and their surroundings are also shaped by a rich culture and history. In Jablonec nad Nisou, the past of the glass industry is omnipresent. There you can visit glass museums and factories that will bring you closer to the history of the Czechs in this region and allow you to get to know their culture. There are also historic mountain villages with traditional architecture in the surroundings of the Jizera Mountains, which will take you back to a bygone era.
First of all, you should remember the highest mountain (Smrk) of the Jizera Mountains and definitely visit it. From there you can enjoy a unique view of the landscape and also venture up the modern viewing towers. You should also visit Ořešník at around 800 metres, a striking rock near Hejnice. From there you'll catch a spectacular panorama. Just a few metres higher is Tanvaldský Špičák (831 metres). Here too you can enjoy a view from the viewing tower. In winter, this area also transforms into a true ski paradise. Another viewing tower (Královka Tower) is located in Bedřichov. In summer, the granite rocks (Frýdlantské cimbuří) are a well-known destination. The granite rocks are particularly popular with climbers, but they are also admired by hikers.
Of course, exploring the Jizerka plateau should not be missing from your visit to the Jizera Mountains. A lonely moorland with small, charming houses that create an idyllic atmosphere and lead you through the country's nature via wooden walkways and nature trails. Equally worth seeing are the peat storage ponds and raised bogs, which are characteristic of the Jizera Mountains and provide space for rare plants and birds. A real paradise for nature lovers, in other words.
In addition to the diverse flora and fauna as well as the numerous viewpoints, the Jizera Mountains are also known for their waterfalls. Discover the cool waters and be enchanted by the beauty of the shallow water. Discover the following waterfalls during your trip:
Černá Desná Waterfalls (Černý potok)
Jedlový důl Waterfalls
White Jizera Waterfall (Bílá Desná)
Adventures in nature
Use the various hiking and cycling trails for your adventure. The Jizera Mountains are known above all for their extensive network of hiking trails. There you will find numerous marked hiking trails that safely guide you through nature and include various viewpoints as highlights. In addition to the hiking routes, you can also wonderfully explore nature through climbing tours or use mountain bike trails. The Jizera Mountains are also one of the country's ski regions. They are particularly known for cross-country skiing, as the various trails cover a length of over 180 km. It is therefore no coincidence that the famous international cross-country skiing race (Jizerská 50) takes place here every year.
If you decide to visit the Jizera Mountains, you can be sure that you won't get bored there. Explore the viewpoints and hike to the impressive mountains. Use your sharp eyes to observe birds such as the black stork or discover rare plants. Let yourself be drawn into the magic of the Jizera Mountains and marvel at the granite blocks of this landscape. The Midday Stones (Polední kameny) are particularly worth seeing. Even if you decide to travel to the Czech Republic in winter, the Jizera Mountains will welcome you with open arms.
Jeseníky Mountains (Hrubý Jeseník / Jeseníky)
The Jeseníky Mountains are located in the northeast of the Czech Republic and are thus part of Moravian-Silesia as well as Northern Moravia. At the same time, the mountain range also belongs to the Sudetes. The Jeseníky Mountains are known as the second-highest mountain range in the Czech Republic and are thus located directly behind the Giant Mountains, the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic. Within the Jeseníky Mountains, the highest peak is Praděd, at a height of 1,491 metres. This height also makes the mountain the third-highest mountain in the Sudetes. Characteristic of the Jeseníky Mountains are the dense forests, glacial cirques, raised bogs and waterfalls. You will encounter great diversity in this place. The Jeseníky Mountains have been protected since 1969, and there is a strictly protected nature reserve around Praděd mountain, in which rare plants are found. Here too you can find black storks, capercaillies and lynxes. Rare owl species also live in the Jeseníky Mountains.
The Jeseníky Mountains have also been shaped by their past. The place is rich in myths and legends. Praděd (which gives the highest peak its name) plays a central role here, being described as a mystical giant or mountain spirit. There are also historic spa towns in the mountains that have existed since the end of the 18th century. Just as in the Ore Mountains, mining used to be carried out in the Jeseníky Mountains. Silver and iron ore were extracted there.
Praděd is not only the highest mountain in this region, but is also considered the symbol of the mountain range. It impresses with a television tower on its summit and offers you a unique panoramic view over the entire Jeseníky Mountains as far as Poland and the Giant Mountains. Also worth seeing are the mountains Keprník (1,423 metres), Šerák (1,351 m) and Vysoká hole (1,464 m). You can reach Šerák not only on foot, but also by cable car.
In addition to the impressive mountains, the Jeseníky Mountains are enriched by a multitude of waterfalls. Discover the highest waterfall in Moravia at a height of 45 metres (Vysoký vodopád) or follow the hiking trail along cascades, rapids and bridges to the Bílá Opava Valley waterfall. Just as worth seeing as the waterfalls is the Rejvíz Moor. This raised bog is considered the largest raised bog in Moravia and is connected to a nature trail. The spa town of Karlova Studánka is also located in the Jeseníky Mountains. It is home to the cleanest air in Central Europe.
In the Jeseníky Mountains you can plan wonderful hikes and undertake both easy and difficult hikes. Here you will find a dense network of marked trails that ensure you don't lose your way. You can also explore the nature by bike or mountain bike, using various trails over ridges or valleys. In addition, the Jeseníky Mountains are also one of the ski regions in the Czech Republic and are home to various ski resorts as well as cross-country skiing opportunities. The various ski resorts include Praděd/Ovčárna, Červenohorské sedlo and Ramzová.
Adršpach and Teplice Rock Town
The Adršpach and Teplice Rock Town is one of the most popular destinations for nature enthusiasts in the Czech Republic and is considered an absolute highlight for hikers and climbers. The rock town is located in north-east Bohemia and is near the town of Teplice nad Metují. At the same time, Poland is very close by, so you can also easily reach the rock town from the Polish side. The Adršpach and Teplice Rock Town is part of the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Broumovsko), which covers an area of 430 square kilometres and, in addition to the rock town, impresses visitors with sandstone rocks, table mountains and gorges.
The rock town is one of the largest sandstone rock towns in Europe and was formed by erosion that took place over thousands of years. In general, it can be said that the rock town is divided into two main areas: Adršpach and Teplice. Many of the rocks have their own names that reflect their position in this unique spectacle. There you'll find names such as "Lovers" or "Giant Jug". The narrow rock crevices and the imposing rock walls, which can reach a height of up to 100 m, are particularly interesting. You should also not miss the small caves.
Hiking and climbing experiences
In the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area, you can not only go on excellent hiking trips, but also experience climbing adventures. There are countless hiking routes and over 1,700 climbing routes here, promising you a diverse journey. Popular circular trails include the Adršpach Circular Trail, which stretches over a length of 3.5 km and leads you to unique rock formations as well as an idyllic lake. Equally popular is the Teplice Circular Trail, which stretches over 6 km and is often less crowded.
Moravian Karst (Moravský kras)
The Moravian Karst hiking region is known for its breathtaking Macocha Gorge and the country's unique cave chambers. Discover the fascinating flora and fauna and embark on a new hiking adventure. The Moravian Karst is located north of Brno, so you can wonderfully combine a city trip with an excursion to this hiking region. The city of Brno is definitely worth a visit and impresses its visitors with its diverse architecture. At the same time, the hiking region in southern Moravia can be a wonderful counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of the city and enrich your holiday. In total, the Moravian Karst covers an area of 92 square kilometres and is therefore considered the most significant karst area in the country. This hiking area has been regarded as a protected landscape area since 1956.
In particular, the typical karst formations make this hiking region a popular destination. Discover the diverse caves, unique sinkholes, idyllic valleys, interesting stream sinks, breathtaking gorges and underground rivers. The hiking area has over 1,000 caves that are known so far and are considered highlights of the region. Explore the Punkva Caves, Kateřinská Cave and the Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves.
The Punkva Caves impress you with their versatility. Discover underground rivers and explore the cave from a different perspective during a boat trip. Become part of a guided tour and visit this unique place. The Kateřinská Cave is better known as the cave labyrinth. It enchants its visitors with spectacular, colourful stalactite formations and is one of the most beautiful underground chambers in the Czech Republic. Enjoy your walk through this unforgettable area and let yourself be inspired by the atmosphere. If you want to learn more about the cave, you can also take part in guided tours. The Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves form an extensive complex of passages and steep chasms on two levels. There you can catch deep glimpses into the abysses beneath the earth and once again admire beautiful stalactite formations. This complex also includes the impressive Kůlna Cave, where the remains of a Neanderthal have already been discovered. This cave was inhabited early on, as it is thought to have been settled in prehistoric times. Embark on this adventure and explore the various caves of the Moravian Karst.
In addition to these three caves, the Rudice Sinkhole (Propadání) is one of the highlights of the region. Together with the Býčí skála Cave (Bull Rock), it forms the second-longest cave system in the Czech Republic, with a total length of over 13 km. But what exactly is a sinkhole? It is formed here by the Jedovnický stream, which sinks underground and, after a 12 km course, breaks through to the surface at Bull Rock in Josefov. The water of the stream drops to a depth of 90 metres, forming one of the highest underground waterfalls in the country. This makes the Rudice Sinkhole the largest sinkhole (the deepest Czech dry chasm) in the Moravian Karst.
Equally unique is the impressive Macocha Gorge. This offers you a view down to a depth of around 138 metres. It is considered the largest gorge of its kind in the Czech Republic and the whole of Central Europe. Due to its impressive depth, legend has it that it is considered bottomless, even though you will see the bottom during your visit. Thanks to the green surroundings, the gorge seems almost mystical and transports you to another world. That's why the gorge is described as a unique natural phenomenon that you should visit. Take a look into the breathtaking depths from two viewing platforms and follow the picturesque hiking trail to the Punkva Caves.
Hiking and mountain biking adventures
You can explore the Moravian Karst via a wide selection of hiking and cycling trails. Discover further castle ruins, viewing towers and churches located in southern Moravia on your adventure. Use family-friendly routes that promise you a pleasant hiking experience. You can also take on more challenging trails and get to know the nature of the hiking region even better. Circular hikes through the Punkva Valley are particularly popular. As you follow this path, you can visit the caves and enjoy an unforgettable view of the Macocha Gorge. If you don't like hiking so much, you can also explore the region with your mountain bike or experience a climbing adventure.
Please note that it can be busier here in summer than in other months of the year. It is therefore advisable to buy tickets in advance or make a reservation for the highlights along your route. After all, it would be quite a shame if the Punkva Cave were already fully booked and you couldn't visit it after a long hike.
Beskids (Beskydy)
The Beskids represent an extensive range of low mountains and run along the borders between the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. They belong to the Carpathians, and the highest mountain of the Beskids on the Czech side is Lysá hora (1,323 m). The best-known parts of the Beskids are located in Northern Moravia and Silesia. Characteristic of the Beskids are the forested mountain ridges, wide valleys and numerous viewpoints. Parts of the Beskids also belong to the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area. The region is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Beskids on their own and get to know the dense forests better. Discover lynxes and wolves among the spruces and firs of the green nature of the Beskids and let yourself be enchanted by this idyllic atmosphere.
You can explore nature in various ways here. One thing is certain, however: you will be impressed by the diversity. The Beskids promise you a wonderful mix of culture, tradition and unforgettable natural phenomena. The mountains of this landscape in particular are a highlight of the range of low mountains. Set off on a hike to the highest mountain of the Beskids (Lysá hora). There you will catch an incredible view into the distance. A trip to Lysá hora is particularly worthwhile early in the morning or at sunset. You should also visit Radhošť, which owes its name to the pagan deity Radegast. That's why you'll also find a statue of Radegast as well as a small chapel on the mountain's summit. If you already know these two mountains, you shouldn't miss Pustevny. This mountain saddle impresses its visitors with a journey into the past. Discover the traditional wooden buildings in Art Nouveau style, designed by the architect Dušan Jurkovič. This allows you to get to know folk architecture better and immerse yourself in the country's traditions.
Experiences in summer and winter
The Beskids are not only known for their countless hiking and cycling routes, which allow you to explore nature, but also as a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In this range of low mountains, you can wonderfully ski or snowboard. Well-known ski resorts include Bílá, Velké Karlovice and Pustevny. The Beskids are also a place for relaxation. You can find various wellness offerings nearby and relax in the thermal baths of Rožnov. There are also other places worth visiting in the immediate vicinity. These include the picturesque town of Štramberk, where you can explore the "Štramberská Trúba" castle ruins and try traditional dishes. You can also visit the Wallachian Open Air Museum near the Beskids and learn about the traditional life of the Czechs there.
White Carpathians (Bílé Karpaty)
The White Carpathians are located in the southeast of the Czech Republic and border Slovakia. As the name suggests, they are part of the Carpathians and are among the most beautiful hiking regions in the Czech Republic. The highest mountain in the White Carpathians has a height of 970 metres and offers you a unique view. So don't miss the mountain Velká Javořina. The White Carpathians have been protected since 1980, and in 1996 they were recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Characteristic of the White Carpathians are species-rich flower meadows, traditional orchards, as well as gentle hills, forests and pastures. This creates an impressive idyll in the White Carpathians that radiates harmony and invites you to relax. Enjoy gentle hikes and observe the calming nature along your way.
You must see this!
If you decide to take a trip to the White Carpathians, you should definitely explore the flower and orchid meadows. Let your eyes wander over the sea of colours and enjoy the spring air in the months of May and June. That's when the meadows shine in their full beauty. It's not without reason that the orchid meadows here are considered one of the most species-rich meadows in Central Europe. In addition to the meadows, you should not overlook the traditional villages either. There you can discover painted houses and get closer to the traditions of the Czechs.
If you are a wine lover, the wine region at the foot of the White Carpathians might interest you. This is where the South Moravian wine-growing region begins. A wonderful place to round off your hiking adventure. Many old traditions are also still culturally present in the White Carpathians. Accordingly, many folk festivals still take place. The Ride of the Kings of Vlčnov (Jízda králů) is regarded as a cultural highlight, a famous folklore festival that is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Another highlight is the Velký Lopeník viewing tower, which stands at a height of 911 metres and offers you a wonderful view. You should definitely include this on a hike. Of course, you can explore nature in the White Carpathians not only on a hike, but also by bike. In winter, the Carpathians also transform into smaller ski slopes. So you can explore the White Carpathians all year round!
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip
We wish you a safe journey to the Czech Republic and are happy to help with any questions about toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and see the suitable toll products displayed. Contact us with any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette via our email.
