Hiking

There are thousands of miles of well-marked, color-coded trails throughout the country, and many long-distance European footpaths pass through the Czech Republic. Trails are particularly well linked to neighboring Slovakia, and are used by hikers and bikers alike. The most popular long-distance itinerary links Prague with Vienna, although the Prague-Krakow route is becoming ever more popular. You can choose to travel along these trails on escorted and independent walking tours. Specialized hiking and biking maps are available for every region of the country.

Specialized tour operators offer hiking tours that link two or more neighboring countries; they provide sightseeing and regional hiking, as well as travel by van transport from point to point.

The Czech Greenways program highlights sustainable and cultural tourism, connecting travelers with regional arts and community life.

Biking

Dozens of clearly marked cycle paths cross the length and breath of the Czech Republic.

Scenic Southern Bohemia and the winemaking region of Southern Moravia are the two most popular biking regions.

A special Central European route, developed by the Greenways organization, connects Prague and Vienna, following the former Iron Curtain all the way to the winemaking region of South Moravia, near the Austrian and Slovak borders.

Another popular itinerary connects Prague with Krakow, and yet another one follows the Elbe through the dramatic landscape of North Bohemia.

Many cycling routes link up with the European trail network of EuroVelo, in the north through Prague to Berlin, in the east via Olomouc and Brno to either Vienna or Poland.

Skiing

Most of the winter resorts of the Czech Republic are located in national parks of protected landscape areas. Ski centers are well equipped with lifts, and both adults and children can take advantage of a wide choice of slopes and trains, as well as ski school instruction.

The Krkonose Mountains are the highest and their resorts most popular. Among many centers, Spindleruv Mlyn and Pec pod Snezkou have some of the best skiing in the Czech Republic, plus an enviable location beneath the country's highest peak.

There are mountain and highland ranges along near-entire length of the national border, and cross-country skiing is extremely popular in all of these areas. Well-marked, well-maintained trails are the norm.