Cycling is a great alternative to traditional hiking – not only do you get more sport, but you can also travel longer distances on a bike, so you can see and experience more. In one day you can admire medieval castles or picturesque chateaus, taste mineral springs in spa towns, see the surrounding nature from lookout towers or visit one of the local mines. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced hiker, you’ll find a route in this article. Take a look at our recommended bike tours, including tips for interesting places along the way.
Ohře cycle path
Among the most popular routes in the Karlovy Vary Region is the Ohře Cycle Route, thanks to its pleasant terrain and the many attractions you will see along the way. It follows the picturesque valley of the Ohře River through four West Bohemian regions – Karlovy Vary, Sokolov, Cheb, Ostrov – and beautiful views of unspoilt nature are guaranteed!
The most interesting section for families with children leads from Karlovy Vary through Loket to Královské Poříčí and continues to Cheb. From the spa town, the trail heads past the Svatošské Rocks, a magical place above the river that has been favoured by many famous personalities in the past. The granite rock formations resemble a petrified wedding procession led by a bride and groom. Children will have a blast on the giant air trampoline or ride Indian horses in the family area of the Svatoška Children’s Paradise.
Another interesting stop is the historical Loket with its castle. Cyclists can visit the castle itself, the Museum of Bookbinding or stretch their bodies in the small rope centre in the amphitheatre in the castle grounds, which is a venue for interesting cultural events. In Královské Poříčí you will certainly be attracted by the farmhouse. The local centre of traditional crafts prepares year-round courses in various branches of Czech craftsmanship, so whether you are interested in carpentry, ceramics, beekeeping or anything else, you will not miss out. The farm also has a petting zoo and regularly hosts fairs, markets and other events.
If you continue on to Cheb, visit Cheb Castle or the 13th century merchants’ house complex Špalíček in the very centre of the town. Do not miss the excursion “Historical roof trusses“, which leads under the roofs of the houses on Cheb Square. There are a number of gazebos with benches along the route, so you can rest at any time, but if you get tired, you can always take the train, as the trail runs along the Cheb – Chomutov railway line.
Ore Mountains Highway
Another popular cycling route is the Erzgebirge Highway, which winds its way through untouched nature across the entire Ore Mountain Magistrakĺe for a total of 242 km. It starts in Cheb and passes through Františkovy Lázně, Kraslice, Boží Dar and on around the highest mountain of the Ore Mountains, Klínovec (1,244m). The route leads through beautiful nature through spruce forests, surrounded by vast peat bogs and colourful meadows. Most of the peat bogs are between Kraslice and Boží Dar, where the Boží Dar Peat Bog National Nature Reserve and the highest volcano in Central Europe, the basalt mountain Boží Darský Špičák, are located. The peat bogs are also home to several rare animals, such as the swifts and the ruffed grouse. Whether you travel on foot or by bicycle, the Erzgebirge Route offers something new and interesting at every season.
In addition to the beautiful nature, the cycle path offers you many attractions. A unique view of the breathtaking natural scenery of the surrounding countryside opens up from the 21-metre high lookout tower on Blatná Hill. Nearby are the Wolf Pit and the Ice Pit, which are the remains of former tin ore mining. And the history of mining is also the subject of the Horní Blatná Museum, which you will find in the rarely preserved historical centre of the town.
In the footsteps of Erzgebirge miners
Take a trip to the places where medieval miners and, centuries later, political prisoners worked hard. In the beautiful local landscape, which is interwoven with evidence of the mining of silver, tin, iron, uranium and other ores, you can take a break from the stress and rush while exploring what it was like to work underground.
You can see the best of the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří mining region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, right from the saddle. From the picturesque Renaissance town of Horní Blatná, follow the traces of mining to the aforementioned Wolf Pits and the Blatenský Hill. Also worth a visit is the nearby Mauritius tin mine complex in Hřebečná, where tin was mined from the 16th century for over two hundred years. We recommend arranging a tour in advance. You can get a taste of the region at the local microbrewery or at the Salaš Ryžovna restaurant with specialities made from the milk of sheep and cows grazing in the surrounding herbal meadows. On your way to Jáchymov, take a glimpse into the mining town’s glorious past at the Royal Mint Museum and the Latin Library. Take the cycle path from Jáchymov down to Ostrov. Finish your trip in the town’s castle park, which is part of the Ostrov Castle complex. The entire cycle path is 38 kilometres long and leads through challenging terrain, so it is suitable for more experienced cyclists.
From spa to spa
Another tip is the Czech-Bavarian Spa cycling region, which connects ten Bavarian and Czech spa towns and health resorts in nine stages. It offers a number of gems – examples of powerful geological strength, beautiful spas and traditional hospitality.
Whether you ride a bike or e-bike just for pleasure or you are a sporty cyclist with higher ambitions, there is something for everyone from the circular routes around the Czech-Bavarian Spa cycling region. In total, there are seventeen routes of varying difficulty – for beginners and experienced riders alike. You can ride along the foothills of the Schneeberg, between the twelve peaks, around the Czech castles or into the “former centre of Europe”.
Beware of the different signposting of cycle routes in Germany and the Czech Republic. If you’re going with your family, choose from 11 family trips full of nature and history. And if you’re hungry, put the pedals to the metal and enjoy a taste of the delicious and hearty traditional local cuisine. Dumplings, Schäufele, Küchle and draught beer – these are the culinary delicacies with a centuries-old tradition that have made both regions famous and characterise them to this day. You can also take advantage of the region’s cycle buses, just in case you overdo it with the amount of stuffed dumplings.
The Karlovy Vary Region is perfect for cycling lovers. In total, there are over 2100 km of perfectly marked cycling routes and as you can see, there is something for everyone.
