Church of Our Lady before Týn in Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Stefan Jurca

Cycling the Spa Tour.

Spa Triangle & Prague

Czech Republic, Germany Bike Tours

Cycling in Czech Republic and Germany!

Come and bike in Prague; the land of healing springs, rich history, breathtaking scenery, and openhearted people. This bike tour in the Czech Republic begins in Western Bohemia, an atmosphere like no other with numerous spa towns, remarkable historical sites, and beautiful scenery. You will be able to see the unique Reliquary of St. Maura from the 13th century, located in Becov nad Teplou. Other sights worth seeing are include the bizzare complex of 11 houses called "Spalicek" and the unique imperial castle with the massive town fortification and famous chapel and visit the town of Cheb. You will also have a chance to taste the healing springs in the fairytale-like spa towns and castles from the 19th century. Most of the time, you will be biking through a magnificent nature of the Slavkovsky Forest and through the valley of the Ohre River. An overall highlight of this tour that makes it so unique is the beer spa, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Looking for more bicycle tours in the Czech Republic?

Where You’ll Stay

Accommodations in City Standard or Premium Hotels

What’s Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 6 nights
  • Breakfasts
  • Detailed maps and route descriptions
  • Pretour briefing
  • 24-speed bicycle
  • Luggage transportation
  • Telephone support
  • Helmet and basic repair kit
  • Guided only
  • Dinners
  • Tour guide
  • Support vehicle

What’s Not Included

  • Individual arrival and departure to/from Prague
  • Lunches and dinners (dinners included only in guided tour)
  • Entrance to beer spa
  • Extension in Prague (day 6)
  • Bicycle protection
  • Trip insurance

Spa Triangle & Prague Map

TourBike
TypeBoth
SkillModerate
Length7 days
From€715 Rates
Client Reviews

Share This Tour

Tour Dates

Guided: August 28 and September 18, 2016
Self-guided: Arrival possible daily from May to mid October 2016

Skill Level

This is a moderate guided or self-guided hotel tour. Tour runs on well-maintained roads, mostly flat but also with some climbs with daily distances of 23-36 miles with a total of 120 miles over 4 cycling days.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Spa Triangle & Prague Map

Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Day 2: Karlovy Vary (Spa) - Františkovy Lázně (Spa), 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 3: Franzesbad Loop, 10 to 37 mi. (15 to 60 km)
Day 4: Franzesbad - Marienbad, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Marienbad - Chodová Planá, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 6: Chodová Planá - Carlsbad (Prague), 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 7: Carlsbad or Prague

*All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
The first day of this bike tour will begin with your arrival to Karlovy Vary. This 14th-century town, founded by Emperor Karel IV, is the largest spa center in the Czech Republic. The town is known primarily for its 12 healing springs, the Becherovka liquor, and world-famous china/porcelain. An early arrival is recommended, so that there will be time enough to spend on the colonnade or for a short hike with wonderful view over the town! On request a transfer by car or bus can be organized from Prague (130 km)

Day 2: Karlovy Vary (Spa) - Františkovy Lázně (Spa), 39 mi. (62 km)
From Karlovy Vary, follow the Ohre river (Eger) through wonderful landscapes. You'll cycle on a brand new bike path for most of the day! The first section runs through the Slavkovsky Les (forest) natural preserve with wonderful Svatosske skaly rock formations. From there, continue to Loket, a marvelous and perfectly preserved town and castle dating back to the 14th century. Located at the top of a rock and surrounded by the meandering Ohre River, Loket is a very romantic stop. Next is the town of Sokolov which contains a beautiful chateau and a historical center dating back to 13th century. Then, why not stop for a beer at Kynsperk brewery or a coffee at the Chateau Mostov? The finale of the day is another calm spa town – Frantiskovy Lazne. Founded by the Habsburg Emperor Frantisek I. (Franz) in 1812, the town center is full of buildings constructed in the Empire and Classicism styles and the city itself has a real 19th-century spa atmosphere.

Day 3: Frantiskovy Lazne (Spa) and Iron Curtain Trail Loop, 10 to 37 mi. (30 to 60 km)
Today’s program is really flexible. Spa lovers can spend the whole day being pampered in the spa's healing waters. For those who prefer two-wheeled therapy, there is a 70 km loop, but you can adjust lengths and difficulty of the ride to fit you best.

For centuries, Františkovy Lázně was the historical border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech kingdom. Therefore, the route leads past castles and strongholds, many of them newly reconstructed, giving our ride that “Old Europe” feel. Part of the path rolls on Iron Curtain trails, reminding us of the dark Cold War period ending less than 30 years ago. In contrast, those choosing a longer option can freely cross the border to Germany to visit the well-preserved castle Hohenberg!

Day 4: Frantiskovy Lazne - Marianske Lazne, 31 mi. (50 km)
Just a few kilometers from Frantiskovy Lazne, you'll reach the old town of Cheb. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it was the entrance to the Czech lands from the Holy Roman Empire. This wonderful old town is the most German town in the Czech Republic. Not only because of the rabbet (a must see!) but for the typical Germanic houses in the main square. It is best known for the emperor Friedrich Barbarossa who liked to stay there and for being the place where Generalissimo Wallenstein (one of the biggest 17th century military leaders) was assassinated. From Cheb continue biking on car-free roads through authentic local villages (Very-German-looking thanks to centuries of German colonization). You can make a small detour to an old castle and a Loretto chapel in the village of Stary Hroznatov. Our last stop before reaching our hotel will be Chateau Kynzvart. It was built by the Chancellor Clemens Metternich to look very opulent, today it’s a nice coffee stop. From here, continue the last few kilometers to Marianske Lazne, with its wonderful city center and many spa options.

Day 5: Marianske Lazne - Chodová Planá, 27 mi. (43 km)
The day begins with an uphill climb, though it is possible to reach the top by ski lift. From here, continue to the Tepla Monastery, founded at the end of the 12th century. The medieval church and rare library containing more than 80,000 books from all centuries can still be admired. Next, cycle through gentle countryside on cycle paths and traffic free roads. Today's final destination is the small town of Chodova Plana with its brewery and unique beer spa, which can be the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling. Baths are made by mixing healing springs with beer extracts and experiencing these local procedures will convince you that beer can treat you well, inside and out!

Day 6: Chodová Planá - Carlsbad (Prague), 
Biking starts on the nice back roads from Chodova Plana near Marianske Lazne. From here, cycle through the natural preserve of the Slavkovsky Forest that hides many natural monuments. In Krásno climb a unique view tower or visit a mining museum, before descending to the town of Becov nad Teplou. The local complex of a castle and adjacent buildings protects the Reliquary of St. Maura. This Romanesque jewel was constructed in the first half of the 13th century and because of its well-preserved state and artistic value, it is the second most valuable treasure of the Czech Republic. At the same time, it is a significant monument of Medieval Europe! From Becov, you can take a local train to Karlovy Vary or you can be transferred to Prague to spend the last evening of your tour.

Day 7: Carlsbad
This day is up to you to relax and explore either Karlovy Vary or Prague by yourselves. If in Prague and eager for more biking, check out Prague-By-Bike Tour.

You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064

Share This Tour

Customer Feedback

Biked This Tour? Post Your Feedback

Find Your Perfect Bike Tour

Email or Call 800-951-4384
+1 570-965-2064

PWPC