Czechia
Czech nature by motorcycle: Elbe Valley, rock cities and South Moravia
This cross-country loop links four very different landscapes. It begins by the Elbe, passes the sandstone formations of Český ráj, crosses the Moravian Karst and reaches the vineyards around Mikulov. Use the sequence as a planning framework; choose your own roads and overnight stops after checking current conditions.
A possible five-stage loop
- Prague to Děčín. Leave the city toward Mělník, where the Vltava and Elbe meet, then follow the Elbe valley north. Děčín makes a useful stop before visiting the wider Bohemian Switzerland area.
- Děčín to Litomyšl. Turn east through Český ráj. The Prachov Rocks and the silhouette of Trosky Castle reward a break away from the motorcycle. Litomyšl is a natural place to pause before crossing into Moravia.
- Litomyšl to Mikulov. The Moravian Karst and Macocha area are best treated as stops, not views to catch at speed. Continue south to the limestone hills and vineyards around Mikulov.
- Mikulov to Třebíč. Follow the southern border region via Podyjí and the Dyje valley. Vranov nad Dyjí is a useful landmark; Třebíč gives this leg a historic town finish.
- Třebíč to Prague. Return through Vysočina. Žďár nad Sázavou and the surrounding highlands provide a quieter final stage.
Protected landscapes have specific access and parking rules. Check those before entering. Sandstone viewpoints, caves and town centres may need advance tickets or a walk from a legal parking area. Keep enough time for these stops; a route that looks short on a map can easily fill a day.