European cycle paths are improving so quickly that there are so many possible trips you can do and because these are regions built before long distance travel became big there are plenty of towns and cities along the routes so you don’t have to forego any of the creature comforts you’d be used to on a normal sightseeing holiday. The Greenways trail network between Vienna and Prague are now about 400k long; some of these tracks have been here for centuries. The trip from Vienna to Prague takes you to two of the world’s most architecturally appreciated cities and through some of the nicest parts of the Czech Republic, with the White Carpathian Mountains for a backdrop and plenty of old fortified towns, gothic castles and chateaux to stop in on your way. The most popular route goes through Valtice, Telc, with it’s famous Renaissance layout and along the Vltava River, but there are many opportunities for detours into the forests and less travelled places. One of the places not to miss is Velehrad, one of the main places of pilgrimage in the Czech Republic (you won’t have too much trouble finding it, it’s a bit like “All roads lead to…“), with it’s ancient cathedral. Another is Cesky Crumlov a beautifully preserved town with a nice castle and several important local Jewish relics. Expect to see alpine meadow views petering out to farm land and vineyards. This is a good trip for foodies looking to try something new, and the beers here have been brewed the same way for generations and you don’t have a car to worry about so definitely try the local produce, though watch the beer, the alcohol content is pretty high. Obviously the option to explore both Vienna and Prague at either end of the journey makes this a great trip for a first cycle tour or for people looking to see a bit more of Europe than they would through their windscreen.

Written by  Jake Marsden.

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Two countries in 17 days

Me and a friend walked the Greenwaytrail from Prague to Vienna, 450 km in 17 days last year.

It´s a fantastic trip with a lot of nice places to visit.

The whole trail is well marked with yellow "Greenway signs". No problems finding hotels or pensions for the night. Our website, www.greenways.harnosand.org has many nice photos and tips.

 

Review posted 17th March 2009 by Roger Högström.

Prague Vienna Greenways

Cycling from Prague to Vienna might sound a bit daunting, but the Greenways web of trails of 250-350 miles that link these two capital cities are a great way for cyclists of any proficiency to meander around the Austrian and Czech Republic countryside, discovering little towns and heritage sites at your own pace. The Greenways wind down old salt, silver and amber trade routes, past castles and historic villages, which are all small, safe and sheltered roads, so there are no worries about oncoming traffic. There are opportunities to stop off and take part in activities such as canoeing, bird watching or for the adults; sampling local Moravian wines or the many varieties of Czech beer. You can plan your trip around whatever landmarks you like, and in the summer you’ll often come across local concerts and festivals after which you can just hop back on your bikes and get going.

 

Review posted 9th May 2008 by Alessia Horwich.

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