Czech Republic & Austria Biking
From Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov & the Danube
Prague. It's captivating. It's a trove of sumptuous architecture. But it's only the start of your trip. Trace the gentle contours of the Bohemian landscape on two wheels. Absorb first-hand accounts of the Communist era. And delve into magical places like Český Krumlov, a fairy-tale town with a medieval castle looming overhead and a warren of cobblestone streets. Roam through Austria's Wachau valley wine region and stop in at a heuriger. Even find the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. There's so much to discover in the Czech Republic and Austria. Explore with us.
- Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in one trip
- Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards
- Český Krumlov, a 13th-century Bohemian town with cobbled lanes and red-tiled roofs
- Trace intriguing Czech history with Helena, our friend and local historian
- Austria's picture-perfect villages with onion-shaped church steeples
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Dive into Czech history with Helena, our local friend and historian 
Pedal across the hills of Bohemia, through tranquil farmland and Holasovice, an impeccably preserved village Repeatedly rebuilt, Hluboká's impressive 13th-century castle has tried on Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Tudor and Windsor styles.
Day 3 Český Krumlov, a charming medieval town with labyrinthine lanes and red-tile roofs, where most of the buildings are designated cultural monuments Ride a wide tree-lined road into the pastoral landscape, passing lush meadows and homesteads seemingly untouched by time.
Day 4 Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in one trip Czech treasures make way for Austria's beautiful Waldviertel, draped in forests and rolling fields of barley and wheat - a great place to pedal.
Day 5 Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards Visit Melk, whose magnificent Baroque abbey is perched high on a rocky promontory A local oenologist invites us over for a private estate tour and tasting of famous reislings and grüner veltliners.
Day 6 Austria's picture-perfect villages with onion-shaped church steeples Soak in the view from Dürnstein's castle ruins, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Alsace & Black Forest Biking Dordogne Biking Provence BikingOther Europe Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was another excellent Backroads trip and measured up to what we have come to expect based on our prior trips. The leaders continue to have no peer when it comes to client care - not only are they fun to be with, but they are well organized and dedicated to making it fun for the guests. The exposure to local cultural and historial resources and cities provides a learning enrichment that we appreciate.- Golden, CO More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Czech Republic & Austria Biking
Premiere Inns
Hotel Stekl
Hluboká (1 night) Built to house the servants of nearby Hluboká Castle, this Gothic château is now a welcoming hotel. (pool)
Hotel Ruze
Český Krumlov (2 nights) A former Jesuit monastery from the 16th century, with a perfect location in the town's center. (pool)
Hotel Schloss Durnstein
Dürnstein (2 nights) A "stately castle-hotel on a fortified promontory at a scenic bend of the Danube River," according to Andrew Harper. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool)
Czech Republic & Austria Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 18, 26 miles
- 1250 - 1650 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 40, 44 miles
- 950 - 2690 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 13, 28, 51 miles
- 310 - 2070 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 3 2 Route Options Available
- 37, 40 miles
- 1260 - 2670 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 4 3 Route Options Available
- 41, 47, 52 miles
- 360 - 3040 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Optional 14 miles
- 180 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain