Czech Republic & Austria Walking
Experience a taste of old-world Europe on our Walking Trip in the heart of the Czech Republic and Austria. Venture from Prague and through southern Bohemia, one of the Czech Republic’s most scenic regions, to the Austrian Alps, and finally to Salzburg, the city of Mozart. Between visits to colorful towns and sojourns through the countryside, you’ll get an insider’s view of local life with a native Czech historian. Arriving in Austria, you’ll find yourself in a fairy-tale landscape, where sparkling lakes reflect lofty pine-studded mountains and emerald green hills cradle tidy hamlets. Along the way, the hospitality offered at elegant inns and hotels brimming with European tradition provides the perfect complement to this magical journey.
Days 1-2 Cesky Krumlov
Meet in Prague 
Journey to the 13th-century monastery Zlata Koruna for a picnic lunch Walk through the quintessential southern Bohemia landscape of rolling pastureland, evergreen forests, roads lined by fruit trees and quiet villages Continue to Český Krumlov, a World Heritage site Hike into the surrounding hills for sweeping city views Stroll with native Czech historian Helena Nechlebová through the town’s medieval historic center, an enchanting labyrinth of cobblestone streets, Baroque and Renaissance houses, vaulted passageways, shops, cafés and hidden squares Tour the 13th-century Gothic castle Krumlov Hrad.
Day 3 Bad Ischl
Leave the Czech Republic and cross into picture-perfect Austria Ascend by cable car from the blue waters of Traunsee (one of Austria’s deepest lakes) to our hike on Feuerkogel peak for stunning mountain views Sample the highland signature dish of apfelstrudel (apple strudel) in one of Austria’s famed alpine huts.
Days 4-6 fuschl
A cultural walking tour of the tiny village of Hallstatt reveals its ancient salt-mining roots, dating from the Bronze Age Hike a glacier valley among cascading waterfalls Shuttle to the storybook village of St. Wolfgang, a popular summer resort Ascend by cog train to the top of Schafberg Mountain and savor your lunch amid breathtaking views of mountain lakes A lively performance by the Schuhplattler dancers adds a cultural flourish to the journey Hike from Wolfgangsee 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 Shuttle to Salzburg.
A HISTORIC NIGHT: Premiere Inns
Hotel Ruze (2 nights): Italian Renaissance style and Czech hospitality, accented by an indoor pool and sauna, surround us at this hotel on the Vltava River.
EurothermenResort (1 night): A mountain retreat in the Salzkammergut region with saltwater pools, several saunas, a whirlpool and a Turkish steam bath.
Hotel Schloss Fuschl (2 nights): Originally a 15th-century hunting lodge and summer residence, this luxurious lakeside hotel features an indoor pool and superb views of the Alps.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 5.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3.5, 8.6 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Česky Krumlov Walking Tour 1 hour
Day 3
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- 1.2, 4.1, 4.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3.2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Walking Tour 1.5 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- 1.1, 3.5, 4.9 miles
- 0 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.8 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/27-7/2Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1150 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/1-6Price: $3798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1150 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/29-9/3Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1150 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
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
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with Backroads through the Czech Republic and Austria. The local guide in Cesky Krumlov was outstanding, drawing on her wealth of experience and her total command of the English language. All in all a great adventure!- Camarillo, CA
This was our first Backroads trip, but it will certainly not be our last. It was a fascinating trip. The Czech Republic and Austria have gorgeous terrain and incredible history.- Cape Girardeau, MO