Road trip ideas Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is particularly well suited for a road trip: historic cities, romantic castles, impressive rock landscapes and gentle low mountain ranges are often just one to two hours' drive apart. In this guide, we present three varied road trip routes (6–10 days) through the Czech Republic – including concrete route recommendations, tips on hiking and ski areas, as well as a compact overview of tolls. Please make sure to purchase the appropriate digital vignette for the Czech Republic before starting your journey, so you can comfortably use motorways and expressways.
Before you set off: careful planning is essential
The ideal route for your road trip through the Czech Republic primarily depends on the time available and your personal interests. You can choose from cities such as Prague, Brno and Karlovy Vary, impressive hiking regions such as Bohemian Switzerland, Bohemian Paradise, the Ore Mountains or the Giant Mountains, as well as national parks such as the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) and Podyjí National Park, plus various ski areas. For orientation:
5–6 days: Focus on one region (e.g. northern or western Bohemia with spa towns and forest landscapes).
7–10 days: Ideal for combining at least one larger city (e.g. Prague or Brno) with hiking areas such as Bohemian Switzerland, the Giant Mountains or the Ore Mountains.
10–14 days: Recommended if you want to connect several regions, such as northern Bohemia, western Bohemia and southern Moravia with the Beskids or the Jeseníky Mountains.
Our recommendations
The example routes below provide a structured basis that you can adapt flexibly. A tried-and-tested rule of thumb for a relaxed road trip is: plan for a maximum of 1–3 hours of driving per day and no more than two activities. This leaves enough time to consciously enjoy the trip. Also take the season and weather conditions into account:
May to October: Particularly suitable for road trips. Hiking regions such as Bohemian Switzerland, Bohemian Paradise, the Jizera and Giant Mountains, the Beskids or the White Carpathians are easily accessible.
July and August: Peak season with higher visitor numbers. Early reservations are recommended.
Winter (December to March): Ideal for combining a road trip with ski areas in the Giant Mountains, Ore Mountains, Bohemian Forest or Jeseníky Mountains. Be aware of winter equipment requirements.
During school holidays or long weekends, expect increased traffic on motorways as well as around Prague, Brno and popular hiking regions.
Road trip 1: Prague, rock formations & the Giant Mountains (7–10 days)
This route is especially recommended for first-time visitors looking for a combination of city travel, sandstone rock formations and mountain landscapes.
Prague: Culture and history (2 nights)
Bohemian Switzerland: National park (2 nights)
Bohemian Paradise: Castles and rocks (1–2 nights)
Adršpach-Teplice: Rock town (1 night)
Giant Mountains or Jizera Mountains: Hiking or ski region (1–2 nights)
Prague
The capital Prague makes an ideal starting point. The Old Town, Charles Bridge and castle grounds offer a varied cultural programme. You can find more information in our article on Prague.
Bohemian Switzerland
The national park impresses with striking rock formations and varied hiking trails. Detailed information can be found in our overview of hiking areas in the Czech Republic.
Giant Mountains or Jizera Mountains
To round off the trip, a stay in the Giant Mountains or Jizera Mountains is recommended. In summer, hiking trails dominate; in winter, ski areas take over. More details can be found under ski areas in the Czech Republic.
Road trip 2: Western Bohemia, spa towns & Bohemian Forest National Park (6–9 days)
This route is particularly suitable for anyone wanting to combine historic cities, classic spa towns and extensive forest landscapes – ideal if you'd like to take things a bit slower while still staying active.
Pilsen: Old town and brewing tradition (1 night, optional)
Karlovy Vary: Spa architecture and thermal springs (2 nights)
Ore Mountains: Ridges and hiking trails (1–2 nights)
Bohemian Forest National Park (Šumava): Lakes, moors and forests (2–3 nights)
Pilsen (optional)
The city of Pilsen (Plzeň) is a compact entry point into western Bohemia: the old town, brewery tours and viewing towers can easily be combined in a single day before the route continues towards Karlovy Vary.
Karlovy Vary
The spa town of Karlovy Vary is characterised by impressive colonnade architecture and numerous thermal springs. Spend one day exploring the town and its spa atmosphere, and the second on a trip into the surrounding hills. You can find more information in our article on Karlovy Vary.
Ore Mountains
From the spa town, the route continues into the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory) with ridge trails, viewing towers and, in winter, ski areas – well suited to relaxed day hikes and trips to smaller mountain towns. More inspiration can be found in our articles on hiking areas and ski areas in the Czech Republic.
Bohemian Forest National Park (Šumava)
This route concludes with Bohemian Forest National Park (Šumava), with vast forests, mountain lakes and raised bogs. Easy to moderate hikes and well-signposted trails make the region accessible for families too.
Road trip 3: Brno, Moravian Karst & eastern Czech Republic (8–10 days)
The third road trip is aimed at nature lovers who want to get to know southern Moravia and the eastern Czech Republic in more depth. Wine regions, karst landscapes and mountain ranges such as the Beskids, the White Carpathians and the Jeseníky Mountains provide plenty of variety.
Brno: City, cuisine & culture (2 nights)
Moravian Karst: Stalactite caves & gorges (1 night)
White Carpathians: Hills, meadows and villages (1–2 nights)
Beskids: Hiking and ski area (1–2 nights)
Jeseníky Mountains (Hrubý Jeseník): Mountain scenery & skiing options (1–2 nights)
Brno
Brno combines a historic old town with a lively food and drink scene. Wander between Špilberk Castle and the old town's alleyways before planning a trip on the second day into the surrounding area and the wine-growing region of southern Moravia. More information can be found in our article on Brno.
Moravian Karst
The Moravian Karst is one of the most famous natural highlights in the Czech Republic: deep gorges, stalactite caves and viewpoints invite you to explore the caves along with short hikes. More information can be found in our article on hiking areas in the Czech Republic.
White Carpathians
The White Carpathians are known for gentle hills, flower meadows and traditional villages – ideal if you want to take things a bit slower, with easy hikes, viewpoints and regional cuisine. You'll find inspiration for tours in our guide to hiking areas in the Czech Republic.
Beskids
The Beskids offer a mix of dense forests, scenic peaks and, in winter, ski areas. Depending on the season, you can hike, cycle or ski here. Our overview of hiking areas will help you find the right region.
Jeseníky Mountains
The Jeseníky Mountains (Hrubý Jeseník) make a fitting conclusion to the route, with panoramic hikes, high-altitude trails and, in winter, additional ski areas. One to two nights are enough for a big tour or several smaller excursions. More information can be found in our article on hiking areas in the Czech Republic.
Czech Republic toll guide
A vignette is required in most cases to use Czech motorways and expressways. The key points are as follows:
Vignette requirement: Mandatory for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight.
Motorcycles: Exempt from the vignette requirement.
Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight: Distance-based toll via an on-board unit.
No special toll routes: No additional section fees apply.
You can find a comprehensive overview in our guide to tolls in the Czech Republic.
Practical tips for on the road
Timing: Avoid peak times.
Traffic rules: Observe speed limits and blood alcohol limits. Details can be found under traffic rules in the Czech Republic.
Nature conservation: Stay on marked trails and respect protected areas.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration of the country's impressive natural scenery. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and to display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we would of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
FAQ Czech Republic road trip: frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette for a road trip through the Czech Republic?
Generally, yes. Vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight need a vignette for motorways and expressways. The digital vignette, which is registered by licence plate, is particularly convenient.
Are motorcycles subject to the vignette requirement?
No. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.
Are there any special toll routes?
No. There are no additional special toll routes.
