Overview
Cycling in Bohemian Paradise is one of the most exciting ways to explore the aptly-named UNESCO Geopark. Following carefully-crafted itineraries through a fairytale-like landscape of sandstone towers, cities and labyrinths, this is otherworldly wanderlust. Start in Jičín, just 90km from Prague, head to Prachovské skály Rocks, one of the most famous areas of the Geopark. Other highlights include the sandstone ridge of Suché skály, which has 20 towers cut into it. In Hrubá skála Rock City, you stay in a castle hotel that’s built into a cliff face, with views over the magnificent trails you’re taking on over eight days. E-bikes are also available on this tour.
- UNESCO Geopark
- Jičín
- Prachovské skály Rocks
- Suché skály
- Hrubá skála
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Jičín
Arrive in the renaissance town of Jičín, also known as the gateway to Bohemian Paradise. If you arrive early enough, we recommend taking a walk through the historical centre of Jičín to see Valdštejn Palace and Valdická Gate, a three-storey tower from the late Gothic period which provides excellent views over Jičín. We also recommend taking a stroll through the Linden Valley (around 2km) to visit Wallenstein Loggia, an early baroque monument from 1627.
- Accommodation: Hotel reStart or similar in Jičín
Day 2: Jičín loop ride | 37km
Cycle south-west of Jičín, heading up a volcanic hill towards Veliš Castle ruins which was one of the most significant castles in Bohemia. Continue through the Prachov area of lush forest and countryside to Zebín hill, where the baroque-style chapel of St. Mary Magdalene stands. Return to Jičín and take some more time to explore the town.
- Accommodation: Hotel reStart or similar in Jičín
- Cycling for the day: 37km, ↑600m ↓600m
Day 3: Jičín – Sobotka | 23km
Leaving Jičín behind, cycle towards Prachovské skály rocks. The unique sandstone formations date back to the Mesozoic era when the whole territory was flooded. Millions of years later, the region was pushed up by the effects of tectonic powers, leaving behind a fascinating pattern of rocks. Explore the area on foot before continuing the cycle through old castle remains and villages on the way to Sobotka where we recommend visiting Humprecht Castle, an old hunting lodge from the 17th century.
- Accommodation: Hotel Pošta or similar in Sobotka
- Cycling for the day: 23km
Day 4: Sobotka loop ride | 47km
The first stop is in an authentic village with timbered cottages, before cycling through a beautiful valley with streams and ponds amongst the surrounding rocks. The valley ends in front of the medieval Kost Castle, the best-preserved Gothic castle in Bohemia, built at the end of the 14th century on a sandstone rock formation. We recommend stopping for a guided tour of the castle (payable locally). The next site along the route is Valečov rock castle ruins, originating from the 15th century. Continue along rural countryside, passing more ruins and a rock gate on the way back to Sobotka.
- Accommodation: Hotel Pošta or similar in Sobotka
- Cycling for the day: 47km, ↑610m ↓610m
Day 5: Sobotka – Hrubá Skála | 26km
Today’s cycle begins with a winding trail through valleys with ponds and old stone bridges, as far as Podtrosecké Údolí Valley. Continue up to Trosky castle, an iconic symbol of Bohemian Paradise, built in the 14th century between two volcanic rock massifs. Finally, you cycle up to the castle hotel in Hrubá Skála, located on a cliff. Depending on your arrival time, you we recommend exploring the rock town on foot. A well-marked walking trail (7.5km) takes you through the a narrow rock passage and Adamovo lože cave then on to Mary’s Rock viewpoint over Bohemian Paradise.
- Accommodation: Hotel Hrubá Skála or similar in Hrubá Skála
- Cycling for the day: 26km, ↑420m ↓370m
- Optional walking route: 2km, 1h, ↑100m, ↓100m
Day 6: Hrubá Skála – Malá Skála | 33km
From Hrubá Skála, ride down to Turnov where you can take a stop at the Museum of Bohemian Paradise. The route then brings you to the neo-gothic Sychrov Castle, with an extensive collection of French art and landscaped gardens. Continue cycling through Czech countryside from village to village. Take a short descent to Malá Skála to your hotel. If you are not too tired, you could walk up to another castle and enjoy the Jizera valley viewpoint.
- Accommodation: Hotel Skála or similar in Malá Skála
- Cycling for the day: 33km, ↑400m, ↓500m
Day 7: Malá Skála – Jičín | 40km
From your hotel, cycle to Suché Skály (Dry Cliffs). Also known as the Czech Dolomites, it’s a ridge of dramatic sandstone formations and towering cliffs. After exploring the areas, the cycle route brings you to Rotštejn ruins, a lesser-known lookout tower. The route continues around the highest peak in the region, Kozákov Hill, before coming to an end in the familiar town of Jičín.
- Accommodation: Hotel reStart or similar in Jičín
- Cycling for the day: 40km, ↑670m, ↓630m
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to natural adventures. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included. When no restaurant location is available en route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your hotel or from restaurants in the village nearby.
Difficulty and terrain
The daily cycling distances range between 23 and 40km, with a maximum daily elevation gain of 670m (read more about our difficulty grades). The cycling goes mostly on secondary asphalt routes with limited traffic or designated cycling lanes.
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from May until October. The weather is best from June to September, although Prague can become overcrowded in the summer months. As July and August are the busiest months, we advise you to book a departure in this period as early as possible.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season. For more information, see our blog, Best time to go to Czech Republic.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Prague Airport (PRG).
By train or bus
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Daily luggage transport to next hotel of one piece of up to 25kg per person
- Detailed digital pre-departure information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes, maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
- Bike rental
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers
- E-bike upgrade
- Private transfers from/to Prague Airport or city
- Extra nights in Prague before or after the tour
Bike rental
Both hybrid and e-bikes are available to rent on this tour. All bikes come with a helmet as standard.
Trekking bike 29-speed
- Model: Scott Scale 80
- Frame: Aluminium frame
- Gear change: S-Ride RD-M310
- Brakes: Zoom Hydraulics Brakes
- wheel/tyre: Race-Light Alloy 32 holes, Kenda K1162 29×2.10″
- Saddle: high-quality gel saddle
E-bike 9-speed
- Model: Rock Machine Storm e60-29
- Frame: Aluminium frame
- Drive Unit: Dapu MD250S, 36 V, 250 W, 90 Nm
- Battery: Li-Ion 36 V / 504 Wh-14 A / 418 Wh-11.6 Ah / 317 Wh-8.8 Ah
- Gear change: Shimano Altus RD-M2000-SGS Shadow
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
- wheel/tyre: Freedom Dual 29×2.10
- Saddle: high-quality gel saddle
Please note that the exact bike models may differ depending on availability and requested size, but the standard and quality will be the same. Pannier bags and racks are not available and it is recommended you bring a small backpack.
