A cycling route which begins in Germany will lead you past attractive sights in West Bohemia all the way to Prague. It could alternatively be called the castle trail because of the abundance of memorable castles along the way, such as Cheb, Loket, Křivoklát and Karlštejn – a world-known treasure. Get on your bike! You can reach all these wonderful places along the Eurovelo 4 cycling route.
You can expect an easy trail 99km long with no major rises and with the vast majority of the trail free of motor traffic and the rest of it on roads. It is suitable for cyclists of all abilities, and the section Kynšperk–Karlovy Vary is even appropriate for families with young children.
Set off on an international cycling trail to see the beauty of West Bohemia
The route begins gently in Waldsassen, Germany. Here you can admire the Slapany railway track, which was established in 1865 and ran between Cheb and the German towns of Waldsassen and Wiesau. The Ohře trail meets up with the Wallenstein cycle path in Bavaria, which is labelled as Wallenstein–Radweg. On the Czech side, follow signs with the number 204; it links the regions of Chebsko, Sokolovsko, Karlovarsko and Ostrovsko.
From the youngest volcano to mineral springs
You will pass through the most active volcanic area of northwest Bohemia. The first historical city on the route, Cheb, will enchant you with the remains of its fortification walls, a town square with the world-famous Cheb Špalíček, and the very well-preserved Cheb Castle. You continue to the youngest volcano in the country, Komorní hůrka. The ride continues comfortably through the towns of Kynšperk and Sokolov and then to Svatoš Rocks – a place with beautiful natural scenery with deep canyons. The trip next goes to the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary. Leave yourself enough time to stroll through the colonnades and taste the healing spring waters! You will then continue to the city of Rakovník, boasting medieval fortifications with two Gothic gates, and then on to Křivoklát Castle.
Bike to the jewel of the Bohemian Kingdom
Ancient castles are inseparable part of this cycling route. On the way from Sokolov to Karlovy Vary you will soon encounter the majestic Gothic-Romanesque Loket Castle from the 13th century, which towers above the Ohře River in the protected landscape area of Slavkovský les (Slavkov Forest). Another gem on the Eurovelo 4 route from Cheb to Prague is Křivoklát Castle, one of the oldest and most important medieval castles of Czech princes and kings. Be sure to visit the chapel with a preserved late Gothic altar painting. Set aside sufficient time to see the medieval Karlštejn Castle in the middle of the Bohemian Karst, which was founded by Bohemian King and Roman Emperor Charles IV. The most visited castle in the Czech Republic, Karlštejn offers several sightseeing circuits. You will be awestruck by the Chapel of the Holy Cross, covered with paintings of saints by Master Theodoric.
Here you can conclude your journey past castles, chateaux and cities along Eurovelo 4 – or you can decide to keep riding along local cycling paths all the way to Prague.