Road Trip to Czech Republic: Routes, Tips & Hidden Gems

What if you could plan a road trip where centuries-old castles, world-class beer towns, and rolling countryside are just a single drive apart? That's Czech Republic. Prague, the capital, is filled with spired churches and bridges that stretch across the Vltava River. Old town squares are full of life while medieval towers and colorful baroque buildings rise above quiet streets. Outside the capital, towns like Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora reveal fairy-tale streets, Gothic architecture and centuries of memories carved into stone. Beyond the cities, the country is full of rolling hills, dense forests and sparkling rivers. The Bohemian and Moravian regions offer castles perched on cliffs, vineyards producing rich wines and hiking trails that wind through peaceful landscapes. Lakes, sandstone formations and caves provide escapes from the towns and cities. Cafes pour dark coffee and serve pastries while breweries produce world-famous lagers. Classical music drifts from concert halls, folk festivals celebrate traditions and every region has its own local flavors to taste. The Czech Republic gives you more surprises and moments to remember than they could ever plan for.

The Big Four

Kings of Beer

The Czech Republic produces more beer per person than any other country. The city of Plzeň invented Pilsner lager in 1842. Today, beer is a key part of Czech culture, with hundreds of breweries and traditional beer halls.

World’s Oldest Astronomical Clock

Prague’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, is the oldest functioning medieval clock in the world. Each hour, mechanical figures of the Apostles and other characters perform a small show.

Mushroom Hunting

Mushroom picking is a unique tradition in the Czech Republic, especially during autumn. On St. Wenceslas Day, many locals head to the forests to hunt for mushrooms, making it a unique cultural experience.

Invented contact lenses

Do you wear contact lenses? Thank the Czech for the fact that you don't have to wear eye glasses anymore. The Czech chemist Otto Wichterle invented modern contact lenses in 1959, revolutionizing eye care worldwide.

Top road trips through Czech Republic

Discover the best driving routes across Czech Republic

The Scenic Route The Heritage Drive The Coastal Highway

Explore the regions

Zlín (region)

Climb through the plum orchards of a Wallachia road trip to reach the high ridges and wooden chapels of a White Carpathians scenic drive

Vysočina (region)

Cross the windy heights of the Vysočina plateau to find secret granite quarries and star-shaped churches on a Czech Highlands scenic drive

Ústí nad Labem (region)

Drive the dramatic Elbe canyon scenic drive to reach the massive natural stone arches of a Bohemian Switzerland road trip

South Moravian (region)

Savor the warmth of the sun on a South Moravia wine road trip through the white limestone cliffs of a Pálava hills scenic route

South Bohemian (region)

Follow a Vltava river scenic drive through a landscape of thousands of ancient fish ponds on a South Bohemia pond district road trip

Plzeň (region)

Venture deep into the wild on a Šumava National Park road trip before stopping at historic forest cellars on a West Bohemia brewery drive

Pardubice (region)

Follow the Eagle Mountains scenic route through quiet border forests and grand horse breeding estates on a Pardubice horse country road trip

Olomouc (region)

Explore the Olomouc region hidden gems hidden within deep river valleys on a high-altitude Jeseníky Mountains road trip

Moravian-Silesian (region)

Combine a Beskydy Mountains scenic drive with the rusted iron towers of an Ostrava industrial heritage road trip through the heart of the east

Liberec (region)

Navigate the Bohemian Paradise driving route to find giant sandstone towers and forest ruins on your way to a Jizera Mountains

Karlovy Vary (region)

Cruise the Czech spa triangle road trip to reach steaming mineral springs before climbing the rugged ridges of an Ore Mountains scenic route

Hradec Králové (region)

Experience the ultimate Krkonoše mountain road trip winding through alpine peaks toward the towering sandstone pillars of an Adršpach city drive

Central Bohemian (region)

Discover the best scenic drives near Prague as you navigate a central Bohemia road trip through deep limestone canyons and royal riverside castles

Czech's history

Slavic tribes had established communities that would become the foundation of Bohemia and Moravia by the 9th century. In 870, Great Moravia emerged as the first significant state in the region, where the Cyrillic script and Christian missions helped shape culture and literacy. By the 10th century, the Přemyslid dynasty had united the Czech lands and Prague began to grow as a political and cultural center. The 14th century brought the reign of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, who transformed Prague into one of Europe’s most important cities, building the Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral and founding Charles University in 1348. It became the first university in Central Europe. The Hussite Wars in the 15th century marked a time of religious and political upset. The 19th century saw a national revival with Czech language, literature and culture flourishing under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, the Czech lands joined with Slovakia to form Czechoslovakia in 1918. Following the turmoil of World War II and decades under communist rule, the Velvet Revolution of 1989 brought peaceful democratic change. In 1993, the country split peacefully from Slovakia, forming the modern Czech Republic.