Czech Republic & Austria Walking
Prague to Salzburg: Baroque Treasures & Austrian Peaks
Starting with Prague, a true gem of Eastern Europe, a bustling culture and dramatic architecture that inspires at every turn. Head south and the Czech Republic reveals itself one quiet village at a time. Hearty meals. Earnest people eager to share stories. Stretches of quiet road. Simple farmland. Raw beauty. Cross the Danube and speed through time. You'll encounter Austria's stark, jagged peaks. And a joy in the countryside, the people, and in the culture. It's amazing the contrast of these neighboring European countries.
- Discover two intriguing countries and cultures
- Gentle pastoral strolls in the Czech Republic and dramatic alpine treks in Austria
- A guided visit in Český Krumlov, an incredible World Heritage site
- Hike glorious glacier-carved valleys to castles and picture-perfect villages
- Trace Czech history with Helena, our friend and historian
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Gentle pastoral strolls to picture-perfect villages in the Czech Republic 
Walk from a 13th-century monastery through rolling pastureland, evergreen forests and roads lined by fruit trees in southern Bohemia.
Day 2 Historian-led visit of enchanting Cesky Krumlov, an incredible World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, Baroque and Renaissance houses, vaulted passageways and hidden squares Hike into the hills for sweeping city views.
Days 3-4 Discover two intriguing countries and cultures Ascend by cable car from Traunsee (one of Austria's deepest lakes) to Feuerkogel peak, where a glorious hike with stunning vistas await When better to taste apfelstrudel, the delicious high-land signature dish, than mid hike at a cozy alpine hut A walking tour of tiny Hallstatt reveals ancient salt-mining roots Trek among cascading waterfalls.
Days 5-6 Dramatic alpine treks to castles and glacier-carved valleys in Austria Ride a cog train from the storybook village of St. Wolfgang up Schafberg Mountain - you won't want to miss this photo op! Schuhplattler dancers treat us to a lively performance Hike to St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother Stretch your legs on a leisurely walk around Fuschlsee, a beautiful lake sheltered by pine-clad hills.
- 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 loved this trip! This was a whole new part of the world for me, and to see the country side in both places rather than just the big cities (which I also loved) was fantastic. I definitely felt that I got the flavor of each country more so because of the places we hiked and stayed. I know you can't control the weather, but you certainly made that perfect as well! The hikes were again varied from one day to the next - small villages, forests, lakes, mountains, - you name it, we hiked there. It was really a magical experience, made even better by our leaders.- Greenwich, CT More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Czech Republic & Austria Walking
Premiere Inns
Hotel Ruze
Český Krumlov (2 nights) A former Jesuit monastery from the 16th century, with a perfect location in the town's center. (pool)
EurothermenResort Bad Ischl
Bad Ischl (1 night) Nestled amid the mountains of the Salzkammergut region, a health and wellness resort with thermal pools and saunas. (pool)
Hotel Schloss Fuschl
Fuschl (2 nights) Set on a wooded promontory on Lake Fuschl, this castle was built as the country residence of the archbishops of Salzburg in 1450. (pool, spa, golf)
Czech Republic & Austria Walking
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
- Level 2
1 Route Option Available
- 5.7 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3.5, 8.6 miles
- 700 - 750 feet elevation gain
- Česky Krumlov Walking Tour 45 minutes
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 4.1, 4.7 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3.2 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
- City Walk 1.5 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1.1 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- 4.9 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.8 miles
- 65 feet elevation gain