Overview
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10 Day Czech Republic Road Trip Itinerary
We arrived in the Czech Republic with only a few places pinned on the map, but we were curious to explore this underdog country that still feels a bit off the radar for many tourists. It turned out to be a true hidden gem in Europe.
This Czech Republic road trip itinerary takes you to the most beautiful places in the country and offers a great variety between stunning national parks and picturesque villages and cities. We started driving in from Austria in the south, but you can easily begin in Prague or anywhere else and turn it into a circular trip.
If you’re flying into Prague, we’d recommend spending a day or two exploring this amazing city. We skipped it on our trip since we were traveling in our van with Pablo, our cat, and wanted to avoid the hustle of big cities. However, we did add our recommendation for adding Prague to this road trip itinerary.
This route takes around 10 days if you’re moving quickly, but we’d suggest giving yourself some spare days to really soak in all the beauty, enjoy a slower pace, and include Prague in your itinerary. Of course, you can tweak the itinerary to match your plans and the time you have.
Looking for more info? If you want to dive deeper into events, sights, or seasonal tips, you can find more detailed information on the official website of #VisitCzechia.
The best time for a Czech Republic road trip
The Czech Republic is an amazing place to visit any time of year. In spring, the towns and countryside come alive with color, while summer is perfect for hiking and exploring. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors, and winter is all about cozy vibes and magical Christmas markets.
For this road trip, late spring to early autumn is the best time to go. The weather’s great, and the countryside is lush and green. July and August can get busy, so if you want a quieter trip, aim for May, June, or September.
Winter trips are a different kind of adventure. The snow-covered landscapes and Christmas markets are pure magic, but it’s cold, and hiking trails might be closed or icy. If you’re ready for a slower pace and some holiday charm, it’s totally worth it.
Renting a car in the Czech Republic
This Czech Republic road trip is best done by car or campervan. After all, you can’t call it a road trip without wheels! If you’re not traveling with your own vehicle, we recommend renting a car through Rentalcars.com or a campervan with Roadsurfer. We made this trip in our own campervan and added some great tips for camping in the Czech Republic to help you make the most of your adventure.
Driving in the Czech Republic
The roads in the Czech Republic are well-maintained, and driving is usually easier than you might expect, even if you’re not used to it.
To use the Czech highways, you’ll need to buy a vignette (toll sticker). While it is technically possible to avoid highways, we recommend getting a vignette to make your trip smoother and faster. Vignettes are available for 1 day, 10 days, 1 month, or 1 year, and the price depends on your vehicle’s fuel system.
The easiest and most convenient option is to purchase an electronic vignette. You can buy it online at edalnice.cz, where you can also check the official list of gas stations that still sell them. If you go for the digital option, make sure to enter your license plate number correctly during the purchase process.
The speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Keep an eye out for signs, and you’re good to go!
Český Krumlov
Our first stop in the Czech Republic after crossing over from Austria was the charming little town of Český Krumlov. It’s like stepping straight into a fairy tale! You can wander through the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, explore the Disney-like castle perched above the town, and take a break with a delicious coffee at one of the cozy coffee bars.
Even though Český Krumlov is small, there are plenty of fun things to do. That said, because it’s not very big, one day is usually enough to enjoy everything this magical town has to offer. It’s the perfect first stop to get a taste of the beautiful, fairytale vibe in the Czech Republic we didn’t expect the country to have.
Where to stay in Český Krumlov
There are plenty of cozy guesthouses, historic hotels, and boutique stays in centuries-old buildings to stay in Český Krumlov. We suggest staying in the historic center, surrounded by colorful houses and charming streets. If you prefer to stay in a more quiet place, there are great options just outside the main area, with stunning views of the castle or the river.
Campers can stay at one of the surrounding campsites like Kemp Krumlov or Camping Krmitko or in the paid camper parking space, from where you can easily walk into town.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Český Krumlov and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov
via Booking.com
Šumava National Park
After spending our first day in the cozy village of Český Krumlov, it was time to head into nature. We drove to Šumava National Park, a gorgeous area filled with hiking trails and stunning landscapes.
We decided to hike up Plechý, the highest mountain in the park, right on the border with Austria. The views from the top made the climb totally worth it! If you have more time, you can stay for up to two days to enjoy other hikes and explore more of Šumava National Park.
Where to stay in Šumava National Park
If you’re planning to explore Šumava National Park, there are plenty of great places to stay depending on what you want to see and do. For hiking up Plechý Mountain like we did, Nová Pec is the perfect base, as the trail starts here. It’s a small village with a few guesthouses, hotels, and rental cottages.
Lipno nad Vltavou is another great option if you want to combine hiking with lakeside activities. It offers a wide range of accommodations and plenty to do by the water. For a more central location within the park, villages like Kvilda, Modrava, or Železná Ruda provide charming stays surrounded by nature.
For campers, there’s a camping area at Hostinec U Mostu, a restaurant in Nová Pec, or you can choose from several campsites along nearby Lake Lipno.
You can also choose from numerous campsites in the wide area surrounding the park.
České Budějovice & Hluboká Castle
The third day of our Czech road trip started at Lipno Lake, where we got to see a beautiful steam train of the Narrow-Gauge Railway chugging by. After soaking in the lake vibes, we hit the road and made a short stop in České Budějovice, the birthplace of Budweiser beer. Of course, we couldn’t resist grabbing a drink on one of the terraces before moving on. But
České Budějovice is worth more than just a drink stop. You can climb the Black Tower for a view over the city, and if you head to the town hall, there’s access to the roof where you get a great view over the main square.
Our next stop was Hluboká Castle, and wow, it’s an absolute must! This fairytale-like castle is hands down one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. Wandering through its elegant halls and perfectly manicured gardens felt like stepping into a storybook.
If you’re into climbing or just want to do something a bit more active, there’s a Via Ferrata nearby that runs right above the Vltava River. It’s a fun way to see the area from a different angle.
Tip: Depending on where you’re staying, you can easily swap the order of Hluboká Castle and České Budějovice. Both are close to each other, so it’s really up to what works best for your route.
Where to stay
After visiting Hluboká Castle, you’ve got a couple of great choices for where to stay. Hluboká nad Vltavou is the most convenient option, with charming hotels and guesthouses just a stone’s throw from the castle. If you’d prefer a bigger selection, you can head back to České Budějovice, where you’ll find everything from budget stays to more luxurious accommodations. Plus, you’ll get the chance to enjoy an evening stroll through the city’s lovely streets.
It is tolerated to spend the night with your camper in the castle parking lot. However, please note that this is not a campsite, so be sure to behave accordingly. Alternatively, you can park your camper at one of the campsites in the surrounding area of both the castle and České Budějovice.
Třeboň
Day 4 of our Czech Republic road trip took us to Třeboň, a stop we originally planned just to check out the Schwarzenberg Tomb but quickly discovered had so much more to offer!
The Schwarzenberg Tomb is a beautiful neo-Gothic mausoleum located in a park. But the village of Třeboň was just at least as much worth a visit. The cobbled streets and colorful buildings make it a great spot to stroll around. Highlights include Třeboň Castle and the charming town square, ideal for grabbing a coffee or a local beer. The village is also surrounded by ponds built centuries ago for fish farming. Beer lovers can visit the Regent Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the country.
Where to stay in Třeboň
Autocamp Trebon is the closest campsite to the village of Třeboň and is located right next to the Schwarzenberg Tomb. Another close campsite to stay with your camper is Auto Kemp Doubí u Třeboně.
Velka Amerika, Karlštejn Castle & Spiral Tower of Krasno
Tip: On this day of your Czech Republic road trip itinerary, you will pass by Prague. If you’d like to visit this beautiful city, we recommend including it in your plans and allowing a few extra days to explore.
Since we chose to skip Prague, the drive from Třeboň to our next stop, Karlovy Vary, was quite long. To break up the journey, we added a few stops along the way to our itinerary.
Our first stop was Velká Amerika, not far from Prague. It is a stunning limestone quarry and is often referred to as the Czech Republic’s little Grand Canyon.
Not far from Velká Amerika, we also made a stop at Karlštejn Castle, one of the many breathtaking castles in the Czech Republic. You can admire the castle from the outside or join a guided tour to explore its rich history and interior. For a fantastic view of the castle from the outside, we highly recommend visiting this viewpoint.
After visiting Karlštejn Castle, we continued our journey to Karlovy Vary with a brief detour to see the mysterious spiral tower of Krásno. While skipping Prague made this a long day of driving, these three stops added plenty of interest to this day and broke up the trip.
Where to stay
We recommend driving all the way to Karlovy Vary on this day and spending the night nearby. That way, you get the long drive out of the way and can dive into exploring the city first thing the next morning.
When it comes to where to stay in Karlovy Vary, you’ve got plenty of options. You can choose from charming hotels near the city center for easy access to all the sights, or if you’re looking for something more relaxing, there are also some lovely spa resorts that offer the full wellness experience.
The closest place to stay near Karlovy Vary with a camper is Stellplatz Hipodrom Holoubek. Other campsites in the area are Camp Vary and Kemp Březový Háj.
Karlovy Vary
After a long day of driving yesterday, it was time to dive into one of the nicest towns in the Czech Republic. Karlovy Vary is known as one of the top spa towns in the country, and it’s definitely a unique place to explore.
You’ll find several hot springs scattered around the city, said to have healing powers. You can buy a little jug to taste each of the springs while enjoying the stunning buildings that house them. The water has a warm, salty, slightly metallic taste. Not exactly delicious, but trying it is part of the experience. Some springs are milder, while others are so hot they almost burn your tongue, so sip with care.
What makes Karlovy Vary extra fun is how fancy it feels, but in a relaxed and approachable way. We spent most of our time just wandering around, trying the spring water, and stopping for fresh Carlsbad wafers from a street stand. They’re thin, sweet, and super addictive, especially when they’re still warm.
Bohemian Switzerland
What makes this Czech Republic itinerary so fun is how it switches things up perfectly between charming villages and amazing nature. After a great day in the unique Karlovy Vary, we headed to Bohemian Switzerland on day 7.
Bohemian Switzerland is a stunning national park located right at the border with Germany. It’s most famous for its unique rock formations, beautiful canyons, and plenty of hiking trails. We spent two days here, checking out different trails, viewpoints, and canyons.
The park’s most famous sight is the Pravčická Gate, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. If you’re up for more hikes, Mariina Skála and Vilemínina Skála are some great viewpoints to hike to. For something totally different, you can explore Edmund’s Gorge, where you can glide through a narrow canyon on a boat between towering cliffs. And if you have some time left, you can even cross the border and explore Saxon Switzerland, the German side of the park.
Important note: Many trails and Edmund’s Gorge are currently closed due to recent forest fires. As an alternative, you can check out the Wild Gorge (Wilde Klamm) for a similar vibe. The park is still an incredible place to visit, with plenty of open trails and views to enjoy!
Where to stay at Bohemian Switzerland
The charming village of Hřensko is the perfect base for exploring Bohemian Switzerland National Park, as it’s right at the park’s entrance and close to main attractions like Pravčická Gate and Edmund’s Gorge. You’ll find plenty of cozy guesthouses, hotels, and even a few budget-friendly options here. For a unique stay, check out the Old Gasworks House, a beautifully restored historic building turned hotel.
Other nearby villages like Jetřichovice and Děčín also have great places to stay and are close enough to easily explore the park.
If you’re traveling by camper, you can park overnight at the Belveder Hotel parking lot or head to Camping Růžová, the nearest official campsite. While the campsite at Mezni Louka seems to be closed, you can still park in the lot across the road. Just remember it’s not a campsite. For more options, there are campsites just across the border in Germany.
Bohemian Paradise
After two wonderful days in Bohemian Switzerland, we swapped it for Bohemian Paradise, and it truly lives up to its name! This region is another gem, filled with unique rock formations and plenty of hiking trails to explore.
On the way, we made a couple of unique stops. First, we visited Panská Skála, a fascinating natural site with basalt columns that gave us serious Iceland vibes. Not far from there, we paused at the Holy Trench near Stará Boleslav, a peaceful pilgrimage spot. It was the perfect place to break up the drive, stretch our legs, and enjoy a relaxing stroll before continuing to Bohemian Paradise.
Once in Bohemian Paradise, we started with a hike in the Hruboskalsko area. Later, we wrapped up the day at Prachovské Skály, the most famous spot in the region, and saved the best for last, which we highly recommend! So in just one day, you can explore multiple highlights in Bohemian Paradise like Prachovské Skály and even add another highlight like Trosky Castle or another hike in this breathtaking area if you have some time left.
Where to stay in Bohemian Paradise
Adršpach-Teplice Rocks
The final stop on our Czech Republic road trip was one of the country’s most famous natural wonders: the rock cities of Adršpach and Teplice. In these two parks, you can get lost in the maze of towering rock formations while enjoying some incredible views. A scenic gorge connects the two parks, making it easy to explore both in one visit or just focus on one, depending on what you prefer. If you only have time for one, Adršpach is the better choice.
It’s the perfect place to wrap up this amazing Czechia road trip. From here, you can either head back to Prague or continue the adventure, depending on where you joined the route!
Where to stay at Adršpach-Teplice Rocks
If you’re planning to stay a night close to the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, staying in the villages of Adršpach or Teplice nad Metují is the easiest option since they’re right by the park entrances. You’ll find a good mix of cozy guesthouses, small hotels, and private rentals. For a quieter vibe and more dining options, nearby towns like Trutnov or Broumov are great alternatives, just a short drive from the rocks.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
