Vltava cycle route

Vltava (Moldau) became famous thanks to the composer Bedřich Smetana with eponymous symphony My fatherland (Má vlast). Its name„Vltava“ could be derived from old Germanic word Wilt-ahwa - wild waters. With 430 km Vltava is the longest river in Czech Republic. This important cycling route - connection between Danube and Elbe - is signposted as national route 7 and it follows the river Vltava from its source to the confluence with Elbe near Mělníka. This river route starts in Bohemian Forrest near Modrava and continues through the mountain range all the way down to Lipno Dam which you will follow for more than 40 km on both shores of this largest artificial reservoir of the country. From Vyšší Brod a (monastery) you will get to Rožmberk (castle) to UNESCO town Český Krumlov which is an important tourist center of the entire region South Bohemia. The regional capital České Budějovice (Budweis) is a great place for relaxation and along this nice cycle trail you will soon reach the Palace of Hluboká n. V. to Týn n. V. There is nice cycle path following the river and later on across romantic castles of Zvíkov or Orlík you will reach Prague. From there it’s not far to wine center, Mělník with and amazing chateau sitting above the confluence of Vltava with Elbe river.  The Vltava cycle route is also part of the European EuroVelo 7 route. You will enjoy diverse countryside as well as rolling hills suitable for trekking bikes. We recommend to reserve 10 days for your cycling journey while using certified cycle friendly businesses “Cyclists welcome“.