25 epic outdoor travel adventures in Czechia for 2025

Don’t just see Czechia – do Czechia: Go beyond the usual sights and step onto unbeaten paths with our ultimate adventure bucket list.

Lauren Flatley

Written by Lauren Flatley Published on 27.03.2025 16:22:00 (updated on 28.03.2025) Reading time: 10 minutes

#1 Explore a former no-go zone's untouched beauty

Brdy

Once a restricted military zone, Brdy, a vast, untouched landscape offers scenic trails, dense forests, and wildlife encounters—including headline-making beavers—is now accessible to cyclists via the Cyklo Brdy train from Prague's main station. The train departs in the morning with stops near Příbram and the castles of Březnice and Blatná, returning around 5 p.m. A new circular cycle bus line marked 505 takes visitors from Příbram to Kozičín or Orlov to experience the beauty of the area. Read more here.

#2 Design a day around a bestselling video game

Sazava Monastery
Sazava Monastery

Launched earlier this year, the video-game sequel Kingdom Come: Deliverance has given life to a cottage industry of tours, allowing fans to visit the medieval locations featured in the hit role-playing game, set in 15th-century Bohemia. A self-guided Central Bohemian KCD trail starts in Rataje nad Sázavou, where the story begins, wending through Pirkštejn Castle and the Church of St. Matthew. Continue along riverside paths to Ledečko, checking out the ruins of Talmberk Castle, before ending your journey at a historic monastery in Sázava. For fans of the sequel, the city of Kutná Hora, featured heavily in KCD, also offers specially designed companion tours.

#3 Go with the flow along Czechia's legendary river

Malecek rafting rents canoes and rafts for trips on the Vltava river for over 30 years.

Celebrate 150 years of Smetana’s Vltava with VLTAVA Famous & Navigable, a year-long tribute to Czechia’s iconic river. Events span the Vltava’s course, from chamber concerts at riverside castles to themed tours at landmarks like Hluboká Castle and Zlatá Koruna Monastery. Later this year a symbolic relay will carry water from its Šumava source to Prague, culminating in a major exhibition at Prague Castle from Sept. 1. See more tips for nice-and-easy rafting adventures or how to hit the rapids of Český Krumlov.

#4 Complete Czechia’s answer to the Camino de Santiago

A way-mark on the Cesta Čestem hiking trail
A way-mark on the Cesta Čestem hiking trail

Go the distance this hiking season with an epic cross-country pilgrimage. Like the Pacific Coast Trail or Canada’s Great Divide, the Czech Trail is a 1,200-kilometer route that takes you through stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic landmarks, offering an unforgettable adventure. Tackle the full route or just a section or take the whole family on one of the recently released kid-friendly trails.

#5 See a newly restored castle or palace...

Telc's Golden Hall
Telc's Golden Hall

Czech castle season opens on April 5. If you're looking for recommendations for ramparts and bastions, a handful of newly restored castles and chateaux are ready for spring visitors. See Lysice’s renovated gardens, Litomyšl’s Baroque theater, and Telč’s stunning Renaissance interiors. Lednice, Český Krumlov, and Karlštejn remain top destinations, but hidden gems like Uherčice and Stekník are drawing more visitors. Read more tips for trips here.

#6...or spend the night in one!

Photo via www.chateauherelec.cz
Photo via www.chateauherelec.cz

Spend the night in an authentic castle or château to take your experience to the next level. On the outskirts of Prague, Chateau St. Havel is a renovated neogothic castle set in a landscaped park. Further afoot, Chateau Herálec and Spa, in the Czech highlands, wad recently included on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of nine "incredible castle hotels around the world.” For those who want the medieval castle experience, Křivoklát Castle’s gendarmerie station houses an apartment that’s open to the public.

#7 Paint, sip, and unwind in Moravia’s wine country

Wine from Moravian vineyards is gaining international recognition / photo iStock @phbcz
Wine from Moravian vineyards is gaining international recognition / photo iStock @phbcz

Experience the magic of Mikulov and the surrounding Moravian vineyards with an open air wine-and-canvas session at Art Wine Mikulov. A one-of-a-kind experience in the Czech Republic, visitors can enjoy local wines while painting the scenic landscapes of rolling vineyards and charming historic towns. Set against golden sunsets, this unique en plein air activity lets you drink in the cultural heritage of Moravian wine country.

#8 Escape to a Czech farm stay

Photo via Silverstone Living / Facebook
Photo via Silverstone Living / Facebook

From rustic barns repurposed into luxury accommodations to agritourism retreats complete with horseback riding and fishing, Czech farm stays offer authentic experiences paired with farm-to-table cuisine and fresh country air. One particularly hands on stay in Česká Kanada lets you meet (and feed) alpacas while experiencing traditional ranch life in South Bohemia.

#9 Step into the sparkling history of Crystal Valley

Photo: Facebook / Visit Crystal Valley
Photo: Facebook / Visit Crystal Valley

Czech glass is world-famous, but venture beyond Prague on the Glass Trail in the Liberec region to see where it truly comes to life. Through the heart of Crystal Valley, this scenic route takes you inside historic glassworks, artisan studios, and museums where master craftsmen have honed their skills for centuries. Watch molten glass transform into dazzling chandeliers and delicate hand-blown pieces, showcasing the artistry that defines Czechia’s glassmaking heritage.

#10 Wander Czechia’s cinematic legacy

Ardspach Rocks
Ardspach Rocks

Czechia's fairytale landscape has earned it a reputation as a Hollywood favorite. Explore the real-life backdrops that brought some of your favorite movies to life, including this year's Nosferatu. The film’s eerie atmosphere is set against the Gothic-Renaissance Pernštejn Castle, the Rožmitál pod Třemšínem chateau, Kublov village, the Tušť sand quarry, and Velká Amerika quarry. The filmmakers also captured the wild beauty of the Prachovské Rocks. 

Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, a surreal landscape in northeastern Czechia, is famous for its towering sandstone formations and lush greenery. It was also a filming location for the Chronicles of Narnia. The area encompasses stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a picturesque lake. A reservation system that spreads the number of visitors throughout the day allows for peaceful visits.

#11 See Czechia from below

Konrepusy Caves
Konrepusy Caves

Explore the depths of Czechia's natural underground with a visit to its spectacular caves. Venture into the awe-inspiring formations of the Moravian Karst, home to the famous Punkva Caves and the impressive Macocha Abyss, or the eerie chambers of Balcarka Cave. Beyond their natural beauty, these caves also hold fascinating historical stories, from ancient artifacts to wartime secrets.

#12 Hop on an iconic Semmering motorcar

Flickr by KŽC DOPRAVA
Flickr by KŽC DOPRAVA

Good news for historic train enthusiasts: the Pražský motoráček (Prague Motorcar) will continue operating until 2029, offering scenic views along the Prague Semmering route. Board the vintage 1950s motorcars at Hlavní Nádraží with a standard public transport ticket. The journey includes stops at landmarks like Vyšehrad and Prokop Valley, showcasing Prague's stunning cityscapes and natural beauty. The motorcar runs on weekends and public holidays, with timetables available on the PID website.

#13 Go on a heavenly-scented adventure

Lavendar Valley in Choudon
Lavendar Valley in Choudon

In Chodoun, a village near Beroun, you indulge in aromatherapy, explore farm-to-table dining, or opt for a glamping stay among organic lavender fields. Nearby, Farm Stehlík offers locally-grown products and hiking trails. Take a direct regional train from Prague to Chodoun in just over an hour. For agrotourism lovers, head to Vraňany, 30 km north of Prague, and explore Hanč Farm, known for its farm shop, fresh jams, cider, and self-pick strawberry fields. Visit nearby castles like Mělník and Veltrusy for more sightseeing.

#14 Go on a cosmic adventure at a dark-sky park

Bezerov
Bezerov

Established in 2009 and located in an almost uninhabited part of the Jizera Mountains, the Jizera Dark Sky Park (in Czech “Jizerská oblast tmavé oblohy” and in Polish “Izerski park ciemnego nieba”) is the first international dark sky park which occupies the territory of more than one state. It takes up an area of just under 75 km². In the Czech Republic, it stretches from the Jizerka settlement and over Mount Smrk. The Dark Sky Park in the Beskydy Mountains of Northern Moravia also offers exceptionally good visibility of the stars and the Milky Way.

#15 Walk the world’s longest suspension footbridge

Sky Bridge 721. Photo: Facebook / Horský resort Dolní Morava
Sky Bridge 721. Photo: Facebook / Horský resort Dolní Morava

In for a thrill? Cross Czechia’s Sky Bridge 721, the world’s longest suspension footbridge, stretching 721 meters and soaring 95 meters above the ground. Set between two mountain ridges, it offers breathtaking views of the Krkonoš Mountains, making it a must-do adventure for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike. And if one skywalk isn’t enough for you, head to Lipno, where you can enjoy more panoramic views of lakes and landscapes atop it's treetop walkway.

#16 Discover scenic cycling routes just outside Prague

The Kafka bike. Photo credit: Ondřej Szollosz and Tom Hnida.

Prague has built a bike-friendly reputation, offering over 800 km of urban and scenic biking routes. But if you’re craving more, venture just outside the city to explore a network of picturesque trails through lush forests, charming villages, and rolling countryside. With new biking and hiking trains rolling out, it's easier than ever to reach hidden gems like Český ráj, Kokořínsko, and the Bike Buky trail center in the Orlické Mountains, which is expanding to offer even more cycling and hiking options for outdoor enthusiasts.

#17 Get your feet wet at a lake or reservoir

Orlík nad Vltavou. Photo: CzechTourism.
Orlík nad Vltavou. Photo: CzechTourism.

Czechia’s rivers, including the Vltava, Lužnice, and Otava, offer a range of waterway experiences for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful, scenic route for a relaxing paddle or the rush of thrilling rapids, you’ll find it here. For a unique experience, try night rafting by moonlight at the Orlík Reservoir.

Lake Lipno, known for beaches and water sports, offers biking trails, a treetop walk, and family-friendly activities. Máchovo jezero, closer Prague, is perfect for beach lovers and campers with options for windsurfing, biking, and visiting nearby castles. Lake Slapy, a short trip from Prague, offers water sports and camping. For a quiet retreat, visit Černé Jezero in Šumava, a peaceful natural lake accessed by hiking, and enjoy surrounding forests. Read our complete list here.

#18 Follow in the footsteps of literary giants

Photo: Facebook/Středočeský kraj - oficiální stránka
Photo: Facebook/Středočeský kraj - oficiální stránka

For a literary adventure near Prague, visit Kersko, the inspiration for Bohumil Hrabal’s works. Explore his former cottage-turned-museum and dine at Hrabal’s Hájenka, featured in The Snowdrop Festival film. Enjoy venison dishes paired with Hrabal-inspired beer. Nearby, Nymburk offers a beer named after Hrabal’s Postřižiny and a scenic river cruise to Kersko. Alternatively, head to Frýdlant in the Jizera Mountains, where Kafka found inspiration for The Castle, and explore its historic streets and the impressive Frýdlant Château.

#19 Travel the world without leaving the country

Velká Amerika
Velká Amerika

Put a spin on your road trip by exploring destinations within the Czech Republic that have names evoking far-off places. Head to "North America" at stunning quarries, Velká Amerika and Mexiko, and take in the peaceful beauty of Czech Canada, located along the Austrian border. Further north, you’ll discover the breathtaking landscapes of Czech Switzerland, complete with towering rock formations and lush forests.

#20 Take an epic road trip across Czechia in seven days

Participant at a previous festival in Znojmo. (Photo: VOC Znojmo)
Participant at a previous festival in Znojmo. (Photo: VOC Znojmo)

A seven-day road trip through South Bohemia and South Moravia offers a blend of history, nature, and culture. Highlights include exploring Konopište Castle, rafting in Český Krumlov, and visiting the UNESCO-listed town of Telč. Discover the stunning Vranov nad Dyji Castle, experience Czech wine regions in Znojmo and Mikulov, and unwind at Aqualand Moravia. The trip also features a boat ride through the Punkva Caves and a visit to Brno’s Špilberk Fortress. End with a tour of Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO architectural gem. Read our suggested itinerary.

#21 Embrace Czech camping culture

Campiri_08 night crop

Czech locals know their country best. The Amazing Czech Places group voted Czech Switzerland and Bohemian Paradise as top destinations for camping buffs, with other highlights including areas around Český Krumlov, and Lednice-Valtice. The Sleeping in a Car group, focused on campervan enthusiasts, favored Šumava and the Krkonoše Mountains. Campiri, an RV rental platform, also shared tips for peaceful retreats like Malevil in the Lusatian Mountains, wine-tasting in Velké Bílovice, and family-friendly stays at Safari Park Dvůr Králové.

#22 Get to a great garden

Photo via Obec Lany
Photo via Obec Lany

Explore some of Czechia's most beautiful chateau parks near Prague. Visit Průhonice Park, a UNESCO site, with its stunning views and charming castle. Enjoy a picnic in Kačina Chateau's English-style park or get lost in the mazes at Loučeň Chateau. Experience Konopiště's magical greenhouse at night or relax in Vlašim’s picturesque park. Discover the historic trails at Lány Chateau, stroll through Jemniště’s rose garden, or feed white deer at Žleby. For a unique experience, visit Dobříš for its mini-zoo or Veltrusy, where you can bike or take a carriage ride through its expansive grounds.

#23 Explore the lookout towers of South Bohemia

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (iStock /
Česky Krumlov, Czech Republic (iStock / Rudolf Ernst)

South Bohemia is a hidden gem for breathtaking viewpoints like Kleť, the Blanský Forest’s highest peak, offering views as far as the Alps. Kraví hora in the Novohrad region also provides picturesque vistas. For history buffs, towers like Jakobínka in Rožmberk and the Český Krumlov castle tower await.

#24 Explore a lesser-known natural marvel

The annual Almond and Wine Festival in Hustopeče attracts thousands of visitors and heralds the arrival of spring. It also celebrates the region’s almond-growing tradition, which dates back to the 17th century. ICYMI: You can still visit the orchards, which have been transformed into a tourist attraction with a look-out tower and almond trail, for the ultimate spring selfie.

#25 Revel in the ruins

In a year that saw traditional tourism restricted by Covid this castle ruin was one of the most visited places of 2020 (photo: www.divcikamen.cz)

The Czech Republic is home to stunning ruined castles perfect for spring visits. Explore Ronov in Kokořinsko, a secluded 14th-century ruin surrounded by scenic trails. Rabí, Bohemia's largest castle ruin, offers impressive views and historic structures. Okoř, near Prague, reveals charming details amidst its crumbling walls. For a fortress experience, visit Svojšice, and Trosky Castle in Český ráj presents iconic gothic ruins. Lastly, Zbořený Kostelec provides a haunting glimpse of history from its riverside perch.

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