Outdoor Activities

Czechia offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Especially in the mountains and national parks, you can take part in numerous activities. Hiking, cycling, water sports, and winter sports are among the most popular and widely available activities in Czechia’s natural landscapes. In addition, golf and climbing are also possible in this impressive country. In this article, we provide you with an overview of outdoor activities in Czechia.

Hiking

The hiking trails in Czechia are not only extensive and widely distributed, but they also lead through a wide variety of landscapes. The more than 40,000 km of marked hiking routes pass through impressive gorges, forests, mysterious caves, peat bogs, and towering rock formations. In many regions, tourism remains moderate, allowing you to enjoy nature and the landscape at a relaxed pace. Accordingly, the selection of hiking trails is large and extremely diverse.

Inspiration for your hikes

The Ore Mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking. The different routes cover a broad range—both in terms of difficulty and the natural surroundings. Therefore, it is advisable to inform yourself in advance about which trails best match your preferences. For example, consider which animals you would like to see, whether you prefer rocky landscapes or dense forests, and what level of difficulty you feel comfortable with.

The Giant Mountains (Krkonoše National Park) are also a very popular region for hiking. One particularly well-known hike leads to Sněžka (the highest mountain in Czechia). This tour offers spectacular views and impressive natural scenery. In the mountain huts of the Giant Mountains, you can try Czech specialities and take a well-deserved break.

The Bohemian Switzerland region is known for its impressive rock formations and the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe.

If you prefer hiking through untouched nature and dense forests, we recommend visiting the Bohemian Forest. Rivers and lakes further enhance the experience and offer fascinating insights into Czechia’s diverse landscapes.

When it comes to hiking in Czechia, there is truly something for everyone. However, make sure to pack sturdy footwear, sufficient provisions, and weatherproof clothing to be well prepared. It is also important to respect the local flora and fauna and take your litter with you.

Cycling

Czechia is a popular destination for cycling, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider. Whether you prefer a relaxed route with gentle hills or a challenging mountainous tour, there are plenty of options. Particularly popular regions include:

• Elbe Cycle Route (a classic route with scenic landscapes around Prague)
• South Moravia (gentle hills, vineyards, and historic towns)
• Bohemian Forest (challenging mountain bike trails and picturesque landscapes)
• Vltava Cycle Route (along the Vltava River with numerous sights)
• Prague (city tours)

If you would like to explore cities and nature by bike, you will find many suitable routes in Czechia. In addition, there are numerous mountain bike trails where you can enjoy sporty and challenging downhill rides.

Water sports

Czechia offers a wide variety of water sports and activities. Below, we introduce the different options and provide an overview.

Swimming

Although Czechia does not have access to the sea, you could still enjoy a swimming-focused holiday. The country offers numerous lakes, rivers, and ponds, and in many cases swimming is possible without concerns. Some of the most popular waters include the Lipno Reservoir (especially for water sports), Lake Mácha (known for its beautiful beaches), and the glacial lakes in the Bohemian Forest (ideal for nature lovers and less touristy). These include, for example, Čertovo jezero (Devil’s Lake) and Černé jezero (Black Lake). As with any natural swimming spot, please check water quality, water temperature, and possible currents in advance. Popular rivers for swimming include the Vltava, the Berounka, and the Sázava.

Kayaking

Czechia offers not just one, but several rivers and routes that are ideal for kayaking. Beginners can even join guided tours on the Vltava, allowing you to experience the city from a completely different perspective. The Sázava River is also popular. However, it includes rapids and a white-water section, which is why this route is generally recommended for those with some prior experience. The Otava River flows through the Šumava National Park, creating a particularly natural and relaxing atmosphere.

For safety reasons, you should never paddle alone and should choose a tour that matches your abilities. During peak season, it can become very crowded, so it is advisable to reserve a kayak in advance. Since some tours only take place with a minimum number of participants, it may also be helpful to have a backup plan. Kayaking can be physically demanding, so remember to bring enough food and water, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for valuables.

Canoeing

A trip on the water allows you to discover hidden places in nature that can only be reached from the water. Canoeing is very popular in Czechia. In summer and during school holidays, some areas can get quite busy. There are many routes with different difficulty levels and various group sizes. Weirs and rapids can be challenging for many people. We recommend choosing more demanding routes only if you are fully aware of the requirements.

White-water rafting

If you want to plunge into Czechia’s rivers at high speed, we recommend white-water rafting. You sit with other participants in an inflatable raft and travel through channels with rapids and obstacles. Often, these are artificially created courses with impressive rapids and waves. In addition to adrenaline, rafting also focuses on teamwork, skill, and shared fun on the water. There is often a minimum number of participants required for a tour to take place. With many providers, six people is the minimum group size. Different difficulty levels are available depending on the chosen route.

SUP board

You can experience Prague from the water not only by kayak. On the Vltava River, you can paddle on a SUP board beneath Prague’s famous bridges. On some tours, guides also take photos for you to take home as a souvenir. Similar tours are offered on other lakes and rivers as well. We recommend checking the length of the tour in advance so you can assess whether your endurance is sufficient for a relaxed outing or whether the trip will be more athletic. Depending on the tour, you can choose a calm route or a more challenging one.

Flyboard

This water activity offers an extraordinary experience, allowing you to fly up to 10 metres above the water. A flyboard is a hydroflight device that uses high-pressure water propulsion to lift you above the surface. You are connected to a watercraft via a hose, which helps ensure safety. Controlled flying may require some practice, but it is well worth it. This activity is often available from the age of 10.

Wakeboarding

In wakeboarding, riders are pulled behind a boat and attempt slaloms, jumps, or even tricks on a surf-style board. Especially at the beginning, falls into the water are not uncommon though in summer, the cool-down is often welcome. Wakeboarding is also frequently used as an alternative to snowboarding in summer, while it can work the other way around in winter.

Golf

If golf is one of your passions, you certainly do not have to miss out during your trip to Czechia. There are many golf clubs and courses across the country. With more than 90 different facilities available, you are likely to find a course that meets your expectations. Suitable options exist for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals alike. You can also plan a dedicated golf trip and stay in a golf hotel, combining golf with wellness offers. Popular regions for a golf holiday include Prague, West Bohemia, and North Moravia.

Climbing

Czechia offers many opportunities for climbing, for example in the central area of Skalák, which belongs to the Hruboskalsko climbing region. More than 400 sandstone towers, some over 55 metres high, can be found there. A particular highlight is that you can climb between the different rock towers using a rope. To climb in this area, you need a solid understanding of various safety knots. It is also essential to follow the climbing ban in wet conditions and for up to 48 hours after rainfall, as the sandstone in this area is soft and may crumble when wet.

In the Suché skály and Vranovský hřeben climbing area, you can climb more independently of the weather, as the sandstone there has a firmer structure and is less likely to crumble. Particularly well known are rock formations such as the two rock gates Trojnožka and the rounded “elephant stones” Sloní hřbety.

The Prachov Rocks are also extremely popular and diverse. Steep rock staircases and narrow paths wind through the sandstone formations and the forest, creating an atmosphere almost like a rock city. Since this climbing area is located on private property, you should check current opening hours and rules in advance.

In addition to natural climbing routes, there are also indoor climbing halls and climbing parks. There is something suitable for every level. Each climbing area offers its own features and viewpoints. Please remember to bring enough water and food, and wear sturdy footwear.

Winter sports

Czechia also offers many outdoor activities in winter. Skiing is particularly popular and well suited thanks to the country’s many mountains and ranges. Harrachov, Špindlerův Mlýn, and Pec pod Sněžkou are among the best-known ski resorts. In many resorts, you can enjoy wellness offers in addition to sports activities and discover Czech cuisine in restaurants, including the culinary specialities of Czechia. In some regions, ski lifts may not be fully modern and some slopes may be less developed. Depending on your expectations and skill level, it is therefore advisable to compare ski areas in advance. The size of the resort also affects visitor numbers and the selection of restaurants and shops nearby. If you prefer skiing in quieter surroundings, smaller resorts are often a better choice provided you feel comfortable with the conditions. Another major advantage of a ski trip to Czechia is the price. A six-day ski pass is significantly cheaper than in the Alps, for example. Nevertheless, you do not have to compromise on anything—whether it is après-ski, ski schools, wellness, nature experiences, or restaurants.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Czechia and hope you enjoy exploring its nature and the wide range of activities. Please do not forget to inform yourself in advance about the country’s toll regulations. If you have any questions, we will be happy to assist you. Please contact us via email.