The Czech Republic is the perfect place for a scenic road trip! While Prague is undoubtedly a must-visit destination, there is so much more to explore beyond the city. The country is home to hundreds of castles, charming towns, expansive nature parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, towering church spires, and breathtaking mountain peaks. With such a diverse range of attractions, the Czech Republic offers endless opportunities for multiple vacations.
What’s even better is that you can travel from the Netherlands to the westernmost destinations in the Czech Republic in just eight hours. This short travel time made it an ideal choice for our road trip with our three-month-old baby this summer. We were able to explore every corner of this amazing country, and now, in this blog, we’re sharing all our tips to help you make the most of your own Czech adventure. We’ve also put together the perfect travel route that takes you to all the must-see highlights, as well as some hidden gems off the beaten path.
Recommended read: Check out all our blogs about the Czech Republic here!
Why Should You Take a Road Trip Through the Czech Republic with Your Own Car?
The best way to explore the Czech Republic is by traveling in your own (or rental) car. Although the country is easily accessible by train or plane, particularly to the capital city of Prague, and public transportation is available for continuing your journey, nothing quite compares to the convenience and flexibility of having your own vehicle. While the bus connections are excellent and can take you to many beautiful parts of the country, having your own car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and access more remote, off the beaten path destinations.
Moreover, with the Czech border only about an eight-hour drive from the Netherlands, it’s both practical and cost-effective to bring your own car along for the trip. Starting your journey at one of the destinations near the German-Czech border is the perfect way to kick off a road trip. You could visit Hřensko, a charming town nestled in a picturesque nature reserve, or the historic spa town of Mariánské Lázně, both ideal starting points for a memorable road trip through the Czech Republic.
The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary Through the Czech Republic
#1 Hřensko and Bohemian Switzerland
The town of Hřensko is located right on the German-Czech border, and you can reach it in just eight hours from the Netherlands. While the town itself is small and not particularly remarkable, it serves as the perfect starting point for your journey. Hřensko is the gateway to Bohemian Switzerland National Park, a stunning natural area renowned for its incredible hiking trails. From Hřensko, you have access to two of the park’s most spectacular hikes: the trail to the sandstone Pravčická Arch and the path that takes you through the lush, green Edmundsklamm Gorge.
Although Hřensko is a convenient base, you don’t have to spend the night there. In fact, there are many charming, less touristy villages within the nature reserve that offer a more peaceful and picturesque setting for your stay.
We recommend allowing at least two full days to explore Bohemian Switzerland. This will give you ample time to complete both of the major hikes at a comfortable pace. However, if you’re short on time, it is possible to tackle both hikes in one day. Doing so will give you extra time the next day to explore a lesser-known trail or perhaps visit the Bastei Bridge and Königstein Castle on the German side of the park.
Additional Stop: Liberec
Do you have a bit more time to spare? If so, make sure to add Liberec to your itinerary for a delightful, off-the-beaten-path experience. Situated in northern Bohemia, this hidden gem is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, expansive national parks, picturesque villages, and historic castles. In winter, Liberec becomes a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, while in the summer, it offers a perfect blend of striking natural beauty and a lively urban atmosphere. We spent four days in this charming town, located just north of Prague, and quickly fell in love with its cozy streets, stunning scenery, and relaxed city vibe.
We recommend spending two days in Liberec. On the first day, take time to explore the city’s historic monuments, hip hotspots, and charming old town. On the second day, venture out to explore some of the area’s top attractions, such as the awe-inspiring Ještěd viewpoint and the enchanting Novina Railway Viaduct, which looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
For even more tips and insights on Liberec, don’t miss our full guide.
#2 The Bohemian Paradise and the Prachov Rocks
The Bohemian Paradise is one of the most famous natural areas in the Czech Republic, and the Prachov Rocks are one of its most popular and striking features. In this captivating landscape, you’ll encounter whimsical rock formations that rise dramatically into the sky, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene. The best part is that you can walk right among these towering rock structures. However, don’t expect a leisurely stroll, this adventure involves plenty of climbing, descending, crawling, and maneuvering through narrow passages, making it much more than just a walk in the park.
There are several marked routes to explore, each identified by different colors: green, yellow, red, and blue. The green route is the most popular because it leads you to breathtaking viewpoints, through narrow rock corridors, and, of course, past the iconic rock formations that make this place so special. That said, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one route. The green route takes about 2.5 hours to complete, so you’ll likely still have enough energy to continue with the yellow route or any other trail you choose.
You can easily spend several days exploring the Bohemian Paradise, one day dedicated to hiking the Prachov Rocks and another day (or more) to explore the other beautiful areas of the nature reserve. If you’re pressed for time, it also makes a great stop during your journey between Hřensko/Liberec and the Giant Mountains, giving you the chance to experience this natural wonder even on a short visit.
#3 The Giant Mountains
The Giant Mountains, located in the northern part of the Czech Republic along the border with Poland, offer an extraordinary experience for visitors. In the winter, this mountain region attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world, while the rest of the year is perfect for scenic hikes, breathtaking mountain views, and discovering fairytale-like landmarks. The true highlight of the Giant Mountains is Sněžka (or Sniezka in Polish), which rises to 1,603 meters, making it the highest peak in the entire Czech Republic. No visit to the Giant Mountains would be complete without making the trip to this majestic summit. Fortunately, you don’t have to climb it the hard way, as there is a cable car that conveniently takes you from the valley to the mountain top.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous and would rather take a more active route, there are several hiking trails to choose from that can take you up the mountain or, as we did, allow you to hike back down. But the Giant Mountains have much more to offer than just Sněžka. You can also visit the impressive Břecštejn Castle ruins, the monumental Kuks Hospital, or the enchanting Forest River Dam. Each of these attractions adds its own unique charm to this already stunning region.
We recommend setting aside at least two full days to explore the Giant Mountains. This will give you enough time to enjoy a hike, reach the summit of Sněžka, and also visit some of the other incredible highlights in the area.
For all our tips about the Giant Mountains, be sure to check out our full guide. If you are interested in learning more about how to visit the top of Sněžka, you can read more here.
#4 Sloping Moravia
Moravia is often referred to as the Tuscany of the Czech Republic because of its charming villages, rolling hills, and vast vineyards. This beautiful wine region is a must-see on your tour. During our visit, we chose to explore three different areas: northern Olomouc, southern Mikulov, and the lively city of Brno. We spent 1.5 weeks soaking in the beauty of this stunning region. However, even with just two places to stay and at least four full days, you will be able to enjoy the highlights of Moravia.
One of the most enchanting destinations is the picturesque town of Mikulov. This fairy-tale village is dominated by a castle perched high on white rocks, surrounded by pastel-colored buildings, cozy terraces, and narrow winding streets. From a hilltop, you can enjoy a truly breathtaking sunset, and you will be just a short distance from the impressive Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. Lednice-Valtice is one of the largest landscape parks in the world and is home to several beautiful castles and palaces, with the Lednice and Valtice castles being the most remarkable.
For more details, be sure to check out our full guide to Mikulov. If you want to learn more about the palaces and park of Lednice-Valtice, you can read more here.
A little further north in Moravia is Olomouc, often referred to as “little Prague.” After Prague, it boasts the second-largest number of monuments in the Czech Republic, including an impressive astronomical clock and a historic city center that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We spent an entire day exploring the charming city center and another day visiting nearby attractions, such as the beautiful Bouzov Castle.
The capital of Moravia is Brno, the second-largest city in the country. Unlike Prague, Brno doesn’t have the same concentration of iconic landmarks. Instead, what makes Brno so special is its lively atmosphere. This bustling university town is full of vibrant terraces, trendy restaurants, and a youthful energy that makes it a joy to explore.
To learn more about Olomouc, click here, and for all our tips about Brno, you can find them here.
#5 Fairytale Český Krumlov
Would it surprise you to learn that Český Krumlov is likely the second most visited city in the Czech Republic after Prague? We wouldn’t be shocked, because this charming town in southern Bohemia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Every street corner feels like a scene from a fairytale, with historic Renaissance buildings adorned with ancient frescoes, a winding river, a grand castle, and breathtaking viewpoints. It is rare for a place to live up to the beauty captured in photos, but Český Krumlov is one of those rare exceptions. This picturesque town is a must-visit on your Czech Republic itinerary.
While the town is small enough to explore on foot in just a short time, we recommend dedicating at least two to three full days to fully enjoy what it has to offer. The massive castle alone offers several tours, and you’ll need time to take in all its fascinating history and views. Additionally, you’ll have enough time to visit the stunning Hluboká Castle, located just north of Český Krumlov. Hluboká is often called the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic, so it’s certainly worth a visit.
For all our tips and recommendations on visiting Český Krumlov, click here.
#6 Sumava National Park
From Český Krumlov, continue your journey towards Šumava National Park. The southern part of Šumava is just a half-hour drive from Krumlov. Renowned for being one of the greenest regions in the Czech Republic, Šumava National Park is a stunning natural reserve located along the German border. Remarkably, this beautiful area is still relatively unknown to most visitors, which means it is rarely included in typical travel itineraries across the country.
The park’s location along the German-Czech border plays a big role in why it remains so pristine and unspoiled. After World War II, it became a sort of no man’s land, marking the boundary between Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc. This isolation allowed nature to flourish freely, without interference. Today, Šumava is one of the most picturesque and untouched areas in the Czech Republic, ideal for hiking, cycling, and simply exploring. Visitors can enjoy its crystal-clear lakes, peaceful fens, forests inhabited by bears, towering mountains, and fascinating ruins of ancient castles.
One of the park’s most remarkable features is its glacial lakes, which were formed centuries ago. There are five lakes in the Czech portion of Šumava, with three more just across the border in Germany. All five of the lakes in the Czech part are accessible via scenic walking trails, many of which are short enough to allow you to visit multiple lakes in one day. For example, a beautiful hike takes you to both Černé Jezero (Black Lake) and Čertovo Jezero (Devil’s Lake), while another popular route leads you through the breathtaking Vydra Canyon.
We recommend spending at least two full days in the national park. This will give you enough time to complete two scenic hikes and explore several of the park’s other highlights.
For all our tips and recommendations on visiting Šumava National Park, be sure to check out our full guide here.
#7 Prague
It’s time to explore the renowned city of Prague! As the Czech capital, Prague is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe, and we’ve had the pleasure of visiting this charming city several times. Its picturesque streets and historic buildings will keep you captivated for days, with every corner offering something to marvel at.
Prague is filled with incredible attractions, starting with the historic Old Town Square, home to the magnificent Town Hall. Here, you’ll find the world’s oldest functioning astronomical clock, which comes to life every hour as figures emerge from the clock, an event that draws a crowd of onlookers. Other essential sights include Prague Castle, perched high above the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, along with the chance to explore the stunning palace and nearby churches. The iconic Charles Bridge is another must-see, lined with dozens of statues and bustling with street vendors, creating a lively atmosphere. Also, take time to visit the John Lennon Wall, a symbol of resistance during the communist era that has transformed into an ever-evolving canvas of graffiti art. Lastly, don’t miss the Strahov Monastery library, an architectural treasure located not far from Prague Castle.
While a week in Prague would allow you to fully immerse yourself in everything the city has to offer, we recommend dedicating at least two full days to explore the main attractions. Most of the key sights are within walking distance of each other in the city center, but it’s still wise to plan a day for each side of the Vltava River to fully experience the city’s charm.
#8 Marienbad
Time for the final stop on your road trip through the Czech Republic. Nestled in the rolling green hills, not far from the German-Czech border, lies the town of Mariënbad. More correctly known as Mariánské Lázně in Czech, the German name for the town is commonly used by travelers due to its proximity to the border. This historic spa town is one of the most unique and relaxing destinations in the Czech Republic. It features elegant hotels and spas, scenic hiking trails through lush greenery, and numerous mineral water taps offering healing properties. Although Mariënbad is particularly popular with older visitors and is often regarded as a destination for the elderly by locals, we visited as a young family with our baby. While we may not fit the typical profile of visitors, we found Mariënbad to be one of the most delightful places in the country!
The heart of the town is a charming green park filled with ponds, statues, tree-lined avenues, benches, and fountains. Surrounding this peaceful park are the grand hotels of a past era, their stunning facades and impressive colonnades adding to the town’s elegant charm. Mariënbad exudes a tranquil atmosphere that sets it apart from many other Czech towns, offering a sense of calm that you won’t easily find in the bustling squares of larger cities. If you’re looking for something more active after a relaxing day of strolling the colonnades or enjoying a spa treatment, the beautiful countryside surrounding the town offers plenty to explore. With vast forests and rolling hills, Mariënbad makes for an excellent base for scenic hikes through nature.
Check out alll our tips on visiting Mariënbad.
