Czech Republic & Austria Biking
From Prague to Vienna Along the Danube
From southern Bohemia - a verdant swatch of land with quiet forests, peaceful lakes and gently cultivated hillsides - to Austria's legendary Danube River, this dual-country trip brings together two fascinating regions rich in history and tradition. In the Baroque city of Ceský Krumlov, wander cobblestone streets and relax over pints of locally brewed beer. In the heartland of Austria, pedal rolling hills past vineyards and storybook farms. Set your sights on Vienna and follow the path of the romantic Danube, riding in the shadow of the imposing Melk Abbey. And along the way, enjoy the cozy surroundings of welcoming inns and hotels.
- Český Krumlov, charming 13th-century town with twisting lanes and red-tile roofs
- Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in one trip
- A rousing performance of 19th-century folk dance
- Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards
- Austria's picture-perfect villages with onion-shaped church steeples
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Český Krumlov, charming 13th-century town with twisting lanes and red-tile roofs 
From the shores of beautiful Lake Lipno, bike to the World Heritage site of Ceský Krumlov, the best-preserved town in Bohemia, where the majority of buildings are designated cultural monuments.
Day 2 Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in one trip Take a spin into the countryside for a panoramic view of rolling hills and traditional farmsteads Delve into intriguing Czech history with Helena, our friend and local historian.
Day 3 A rousing performance of 19th-century folk dance Welcome to Austria’s famed Danube Valley, where you'll ride past lush orchards, terraced vineyards, forests and pretty pastel-colored villages Pedal along the rolling green hills of the famous Mostviertel (cider district) and drop into a resident’s farmhouse for a tasting of distinctive most (hard apple cider) After a dinner of regional specialties, enjoy a traditional dance performance.
Day 4 Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards Visit Melk, whose magnificent Baroque abbey is perched high on a rocky promontory above the Danube River.
Days 5-6 Austria's picture-perfect villages with onion-shaped church steeples A bucolic biking route takes you through the Wachau wine region past vineyards and apricot orchards Enjoy a pleasant riverside ride through historic hamlets Soak up the views 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.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I really can't say enough positive things about the trip and the two leaders. Simply put, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I don't know one person who can claim to have experienced a new culture on such a wide and intimate scale. Add the great people on the trip, the food, my birthday gift and the 800 some odd pictures I took...well, I'm already looking at my next adventure with Backroads. Outstanding!- Annapolis, MD More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Czech Republic & Austria Biking
Casual Inns
Hotel Zlaty Andel
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (2 nights) Three buildings in the Gothic style compose this unique and central hotel, set on the town's main historic square.
Hotel Kothmuhle
Neuhofen an der Ybbs, Austria (1 night) A charming family-owned country inn, set amid rolling green hills in the "cradle of Austria." (tennis, sauna)
Zum Kirchenwirt
Weissenkirchen, Austria (2 nights) Austrian hospitality and Danube views abound at this comfortable guest house.
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
- 12, 26 miles
- 600 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 28, 51 miles
- 300 - 2170 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Ceský Krumlov 45 minutes
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 27, 35 miles
- 300 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 32, 50, 67 miles
- 100 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 25, 38, 44, 55 miles
- 250 - 2100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- or Biking 11 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain