Outdoor activities in Czechia
The Czech Republic offers a wide variety 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 widespread activities in the Czech countryside. In addition, golf and climbing are also possible in this impressive country. In this article, we give you an overview of the outdoor activities in the Czech Republic.
Hiking
The hiking trails in the Czech Republic are not only extensive and widespread, but also lead through the most varied landscapes. The more than 40,000 km of hiking trails run through imposing gorges, forests, mystical caves, peat bogs, and high cliffs. In addition, tourism remains limited in many regions, allowing you to enjoy the nature and landscape in peace. The selection of hiking trails is correspondingly large and extremely diverse.
Inspiration for your hikes
The Ore Mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking. The various hiking trails cover a wide range – both in terms of difficulty level and the nature of the terrain. It is therefore advisable to find out in advance which trails best suit your preferences. Consider, for example, which animals you would like to observe, whether you prefer rocky landscapes or dense forests, and what level you feel confident tackling.
The Giant Mountains (Krkonoše National Park) are also a very popular region for hiking. The hike to Sněžka (the highest mountain in the Czech Republic) is particularly well known. On this tour, spectacular views and impressive nature await you. In the Giant Mountains huts, you can sample Czech specialties and take a well-deserved break.
The Bohemian Switzerland is known for its impressive rock formations and the largest natural rock arch in Europe.
If you prefer hiking through untouched nature and dense forests, we recommend the Bohemian Forest. Rivers and lakes further enhance the natural experience and provide fascinating insights into the diverse landscape of the Czech Republic.
There is truly something for everyone when hiking in the Czech Republic. However, be sure to pack sturdy footwear, sufficient supplies, and weatherproof clothing to be well prepared. It is also important to respect the flora and fauna and to take your rubbish with you.
Cycling
The Czech Republic is a popular destination for cycling – whether you are a beginner or already advanced. Whether you prefer a relaxed, gently rolling route or a challenging, mountainous tour: there are numerous options. Particularly popular regions include:
Elbe Cycle Path (classic route with picturesque scenery around Prague)
South Moravia (gentle hills, vineyards, and historic towns)
Bohemian Forest (challenging mountain bike trails and picturesque landscapes)
Vltava Cycle Path (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 the Czech Republic. In addition, there are also numerous mountain bike trails where you can experience athletically demanding descents.
Water sports
There are numerous water sports and activities in the Czech Republic. Below, we introduce you to the various options and give you an overview.
Swimming
Even though the Czech Republic has no sea, you can, in theory, still enjoy a beach holiday there. This is because the country offers numerous lakes, rivers, and ponds, in many of which you can safely swim. Among the most popular bodies of water are Lipno Reservoir (especially for water sports), Lake Máchovo (known for its beautiful beaches), and the glacial lakes in the Bohemian Forest (ideal for nature lovers, less touristy). These include, for example, Čertovo jezero (Devil's Lake) and Černé jezero (Black Lake). As with all bathing waters, please check in advance the water quality, water temperature, and possible currents. Popular rivers for swimming include the Vltava, the Berounka, and the Sázava.
Kayaking
In the Czech Republic, there is not just one but several rivers and routes that are excellent for kayaking. For beginners, guided tours are even offered on the Vltava, allowing you to experience the city from a completely new perspective. The Sázava river is also popular. However, there are rapids and a whitewater section there, which is why this route is recommended more for those with some experience. The Otava river flows through Šumava National Park and thus offers a particularly natural and relaxing atmosphere.
For safety reasons, you should never paddle alone and should choose a tour that matches your abilities as closely as possible. During the peak season, it can get very crowded, so it makes sense to reserve a kayak in advance. Since some tours only take place with a minimum number of participants, it is also advisable to have a backup plan. Kayaking can be strenuous, so you should remember to bring sufficient food and drink, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your valuables.
Canoeing
On a tour on the water, you can discover hidden places in nature that can only be reached from the water. Canoeing is very popular in the Czech Republic. As a result, it can get quite crowded in some places during the summer and holiday periods. There are numerous routes with varying levels of difficulty and different group sizes. Weirs (dams) and rapids can be a challenge for many people. We recommend choosing more demanding tours only if you are aware of the requirements involved.
Whitewater rafting
If you want to plunge into the currents of Czech rivers at high speed, we recommend whitewater rafting. Here, you sit with other people in an inflatable boat and travel through channels with rapids and obstacles. These are often artificially created routes with impressive rapids and waves. In addition to the adrenaline, teamwork, skill, and shared enjoyment of the water are also central. There is often a minimum number of participants required for a tour to take place. For many providers, this minimum is six people. Here too, different levels of difficulty are available, depending on the respective route.
SUP board
You can experience Prague from the water not only by kayak. On the Vltava, you can paddle a SUP board beneath the famous Prague bridges. On some tours, the guides also take photos that you can keep as a memento. Corresponding tours are also offered on other lakes and rivers. We recommend checking the length of the tour in advance to assess whether your stamina is sufficient for a relaxed ride or whether the outing will be more athletic. Depending on the tour, you can therefore choose a calm or more demanding route.
Flyboard
This water activity offers an extraordinary experience in which you can fly up to 10 metres above the water. A flyboard is a hydroflight device that lifts you above the water's surface using a high-pressure water propulsion system. You are connected to a watercraft via a hose, which ensures safety. Controlled flying may require a bit of practice, but it is worth it. This activity is often permitted from age 10.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding involves athletes being pulled behind a boat and attempting slaloms, jumps, or even tricks on a surf-like board. Especially at the beginning, falls into the water are not uncommon – but in summer, this is often a welcome way to cool off. Wakeboarding is also frequently used in summer as an alternative to snowboarding, while in winter it can be the other way around.
Golf
If golf is one of your passions, you certainly do not need to miss out during your trip to the Czech Republic. There are numerous golf clubs and golf courses in the country. In total, over 90 different facilities are available, so you are sure to find a course that meets your expectations. Both beginners and advanced players and professionals will find suitable options. You can also plan a dedicated golf trip and stay at a golf hotel to combine golf with wellness offerings. Popular regions for a golf holiday include Prague, West Bohemia, and North Moravia.
Climbing
There are many climbing opportunities in the Czech Republic, for example in the central area of Skalák. This belongs to the Hruboskalsko climbing area. There are more than 400 rock towers there, with heights of over 55 metres. A special highlight is that you can climb between the individual rock towers using a rope. For this, you need solid knowledge of various belay knots. It is also important to observe the climbing ban during wet conditions and for up to 48 hours after rainfall, as the sandstone in this area is soft and can break 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 does not crumble as easily. Rock formations such as the two rock arches Trojnožka or the round elephant rocks Sloní hřbety are particularly well known there.
The Prachov Rocks are also extremely popular and versatile. Steep rock staircases and narrow paths wind through the sandstone rocks and the forest. It almost feels like a rock city. Since this climbing area is located on private property, you should check the current opening hours and rules in advance.
In addition to natural climbing routes, there are also climbing gyms and climbing parks. There is something for every level. Each climbing area offers its own special features and views. Please remember to bring enough water and food, and wear sturdy footwear.
Winter sports
The Czech Republic also offers numerous outdoor activities in winter. Skiing is particularly popular and, thanks to the many mountains and mountain ranges, is easily possible. Harrachov, Špindlerův Mlýn, and Pec pod Sněžkou are among the best-known ski resorts. In many ski resorts, in addition to the sport itself, you can also make use of wellness offerings and try the culinary specialities of the Czech Republic in restaurants. In some regions, the ski lifts are not up to the latest standards, and the slopes could also be better developed in places. Depending on your requirements and skill level, it is therefore advisable to find out about the different ski resorts in advance. The size of the ski resort also affects the number of visitors as well as the choice of restaurants and shops. If you prefer to ski in a quieter environment, smaller ski resorts are often better suited – provided you feel up to the conditions. Another major advantage of a ski trip to the Czech Republic is the price. A six-day ski pass is significantly cheaper in the Czech Republic than, for example, in the Alps. Nevertheless, you don't have to do without anything – whether it's après-ski, ski school, wellness offerings, nature experiences, or gastronomy.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
We wish you a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment exploring the nature and the diverse activities. Please don't forget to find out about the country's toll regulations in advance. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Please contact us by email.
