Road Trip Ideas

The Czech Republic is particularly well suited for a road trip: historic cities, romantic castles, striking rock formations, and gentle mountain ranges are often only one to two hours’ drive apart. In this guide, we present three varied road trip routes (5–10 days) through the Czech Republic including specific route recommendations, tips on hiking and ski areas, as well as a concise overview of tolls. Please make sure to purchase the appropriate digital vignette for the Czech Republic before you set off, so you can use motorways and expressways comfortably.

Before You Go: Careful Planning Is Key

The ideal route for your road trip through the Czech Republic depends primarily on the time you have available and your personal interests. Options include 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 the Podyjí National Park, plus various ski resorts. As a guideline:

• 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 major 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 Hrubý Jeseník (Altvatergebirge).

Our Recommendations

The sample routes below provide a structured foundation that you can adapt flexibly. A proven rule of thumb for a relaxed road trip is: plan no more than 1–3 hours of driving per day and no more than two activities. This leaves enough time to enjoy the trip at a comfortable pace. Also consider the season and weather conditions:

• 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 resorts in the Giant Mountains, Ore Mountains, Bohemian Forest, or Hrubý Jeseník. Please observe 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 Landscapes & the Giant Mountains (7–10 Days)

This route is especially recommended for first-time visitors looking for a combination of city sightseeing, sandstone rock formations, and mountain scenery.

• Prague: Culture and history (2 nights)
• Bohemian Switzerland: National park (2 nights)
• Bohemian Paradise: Castles and rock formations (1–2 nights)
• Adršpach-Teplice: Rock city (1 night)
• Giant Mountains or Jizera Mountains: Hiking or ski region (1–2 nights)

Prague

The capital Prague is an ideal starting point. The Old Town, Charles Bridge, and the Castle complex offer a wide-ranging cultural program. Further information can be found in our article on Prague.

Bohemian Switzerland

This national park impresses with distinctive rock formations and diverse hiking trails. Detailed information is available 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 the Jizera Mountains is recommended. In summer, hiking trails dominate; in winter, the region offers ski resorts. Further details can be found at ski resorts in the Czech Republic.

Toll Guide: Czech Republic

In most cases, a vignette is required to use Czech motorways and expressways. In particular, the following points are relevant:

• Vignette requirement: Mandatory for vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW.
• Motorcycles: Exempt from the vignette requirement.
• Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW: Distance-based toll using an on-board unit.
• No special toll roads: There are no additional section fees.

You can find a comprehensive overview in our guide to tolls in the Czech Republic.

Practical Tips for the Road

• Timing: Avoid peak traffic periods whenever possible.
• Traffic rules: Observe speed limits and blood alcohol limits. Details can be found at traffic rules in the Czech Republic.
• Nature conservation: Stay on marked paths and respect protected areas.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip

We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive landscapes. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you. You can contact us at any time by email.