Tour description

The Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13) traces the former frontier between East and West Europe — once guarded by watchtowers and barbed wire, today transformed into one of the continent’s most fascinating cycling routes. On this tour, you'll ride freely through the vast, untouched border landscapes of western Bohemia, where nature was allowed to flourish for decades behind the Iron Curtain.

From the charming medieval town of Cheb, your journey leads through forgotten borderland villages, quiet forests, rolling hills, and beautiful viewpoints. Explore Český Les, a region of reclaimed meadows, wetlands, and hidden Cold War relics. In Domažlice, the historic town watchman still sings his nightly call, while the glacial lakes and deep forests of Šumava National Park offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the Czech Republic.

Along the way, discover the Schwarzenberg Canal, an ingenious 18th-century waterway once used to transport timber; ride above the wild upper stretches of the Vltava River; and visit atmospheric sites such as abandoned villages, old military roads, and restored pilgrimage chapels. The route continues past Lake Lipno, through the peaceful Novohradské hory mountains, and ends in the historic towns of Vyšší Brod and Nové Hrady — with an optional final stop in České Budějovice, the lively South Bohemian capital and birthplace of original Budweiser (Budvar) beer.

This tour is more than a cycling holiday.
It’s a journey through time — rich in history, untouched nature, and powerful stories that shaped Central Europe.

IMPORTANT: Due to the following dates, hotel availability may be problematic and a surcharge might occur.

Labor Day: May 1
Liberation Day: May 8
Ascension Day:May 29
Pfingsten/Pentecost:May 25
Assumption of the Virgin Mary: August 15

Itinerary

Arrival in Cheb

Show day
1 Day
Take your time to explore the historic streets and colorful houses and absorb the rich history of this extraordinary town.

Chebsko loop

Distance 70 KmShow day
2 Day
Distance: 70 km, Elevation gain: 797 m Take the train to Aš, the westernmost Czech town, and begin cycling through the forgotten tri-border zone of former East Germany, West Germany, and the Czech Republic. You’ll pass deserted settlements where thriving communities once stood. Enjoy panoramic views of the Fichtel Mountains (Smrčiny) and visit Seeberg Castle (Ostroh), with its exhibition on Albrecht von Wallenstein (Valdštejn). Nearby, the Sudeten German Center in Hohenberg offers insight into the region’s pre-war German-speaking majority, most of whom were expelled after WWII.

Cheb – Tachov

Distance 68 KmShow day
3 Day
Distance: 68 km, Elevation gain: 860 m South of Cheb, visit the restored Maria Loreto pilgrimage chapel in Starý Hroznatov — once burned down behind the Iron Curtain and rebuilt in the 1990s through cooperation between former residents and locals. Continue into the rolling hills of the Český Les, alternating between the Czech and German sides. Before reaching Tachov, you can stop at the impressive Světce riding hall, now hosting concerts and exhibitions. History lovers may also visit the memorial to the 1427 Battle of Tachov.

Tachov – Domažlice

Distance 83 KmShow day
4 Day
Distance: 83 km, Elevation gain: 1180 m A tougher but rewarding stage through the protected Český Les. Meadows and wetlands are home to rare orchids, gentian, salamanders, beavers, and storks. In Klenčí pod Čerchovem, visit the House of Nature (Dům přírody Českého lesa) to learn more about this ecosystem. You’ll ride through Chodsko, homeland of the historic Chod border guards. Stop in Rozvadov to explore the Iron Curtain Museum, and nearby see the remains of Pleš, one of the many Sudeten German villages destroyed after WWII. Finish with a downhill ride into Domažlice, where the centuries-old tradition of the town watchman still lives on.

Domažlice – Železná Ruda

Distance 59 KmShow day
5 Day
Distance: 59km, Elevation gain: 1170 m Return to the border near Všeruby and explore the Bavarian side, riding through deep forests and climbing to the glacial lake Černé Jezero. Bark beetle damage in the Šumava spruce forests is clearly visible. Descend to the mountain town of Železná Ruda. If you like, join a tour of former Cold War observation and spy sites.

Železná Ruda – Kvilda

Distance 55 KmShow day
6 Day
Distance: 55 km, Elevation gain: 1100 m Enter Šumava (the Bohemian Forest) after a scenic detour through the Bavarian Forest, crossing back into Czechia near the Celtic site of Prašily. Expect abandoned villages and sweeping mountain views. Follow a lovely stream valley to Modrava, perfect for a break at the local brewery. Continue to Kvilda — the country’s highest and coldest village — surrounded by unique peat bog landscapes.

Kvilda – Horní Planá

Distance 71 KmShow day
7 Day
Distance: 71 km, Elevation gain: 620 m Easy option: Distance: 58 km, Elevation gain: 380 m The route eases up today. Visit the Vltava River’s source near Kvilda, then cross the border at Bučina and follow the river through Šumava National Park. For atmosphere, play Smetana’s Vltava. End in Nová Pec near Lake Lipno, the Czech Republic’s largest reservoir.

Horní Planá – Vyšší Brod

Distance 65 KmShow day
8 Day
Distance: 65 km, Elevation gain: 550 m Briefly enter Austria and ride a section of the historic Schwarzenberg Canal, built in the 1790s for timber transport. After a climb, return to the wild stretches of the Vltava and visit the Devil’s Rocks (Čertovy kameny). Continue to Vyšší Brod, known for its beautiful Cistercian monastery. For an easier alternative, enjoy a lake ride and the treetop walk from Lipno nad Vltavou.

Vyšší Brod – Nové Hrady

Distance 68 KmShow day
9 Day
Distance: 68 km, Elevation gain: 1030 m Your final full stage crosses the quiet Novohradské hory, one of Bohemia’s most remote regions. Discover remnants of the old horse-drawn railway linking Linz and České Budějovice, renovated border fortifications like Tichá, and peaceful forest ponds. Stop in Cetviny, where Czech guards resisted Nazi attackers in 1938. Finish in Nové Hrady, home to a Rožmberk castle and the country’s oldest landscaped park, Terčino údolí.

Nové Hrady – České Budějovice & Departure

Distance 42 KmShow day
10 Day
Distance: 42 km, Elevation gain: 280 m Enjoy one last ride through gentle hills before catching the train back to Cheb (around 3 hours, with one transfer in Plzeň). Those who prefer not to cycle can take a local train from Byňov, 5 km from Nové Hrady (two transfers). Optional: Add an extra night in České Budějovice or Cheb. České Budějovice is the lively capital of South Bohemia, known for its vast square and striking baroque town hall.

Services and prices

Self guided tour with luggage transfer (price p.p.)
2 Persons1150 €
4 Persons1080 €
6 Persons999 €
Extras
Bike rental135 €
Gravel bike rental180 €
E-bike rental270 €
Single supplement250 €
Solo rider surcharge220 €
Premium accommodation surcharge235 €
Premium accommodation SGL surcharge310 €
Train transfere from Č. Budějovice to Cheb p.p.35 €
Booking fee30 € / group
Booking fee (tailormade tour)100 € / group
Bike lights10 €
Printed tour materials10 €

Tour datesAny scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates. Go Private

No terms available right now

Our rental bikes

At Europe Bike Tour, we understand that a high-quality bicycle is key to an enjoyable vacation. That's why we ensure all our bikes are regularly serviced to maintain their perfect condition. For additional equipment, please refer to the "Bike Equipment" section where you'll find items included in the bike fee or available for rent/purchase at an extra cost.

Our diverse fleet includes bikes for men and women in various sizes, electric bikes, tandem bikes, children's bikes, and even recumbent bikes upon request. If you have any special requirements or wishes, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to meeting your needs and ensuring you have the best experience possible!

What is included and what notOn self guided idividual tours

  • Individual pre-tour meeting at appointed time at client's hotel on the first day of the tour
  • Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions (city standard/premium)
  • Breakfast on all days
  • Day by day description with altitude profiles, places to visit and local tips
  • Official biking maps with highlighted routing (per room)
  • Detailed tailor-made cycling maps (per room)
  • Detailed town maps with highlighted routing to/from hotel (per room)
  • Step by step route description (per room)
  • Train tickets and train timetables (for tours where train transfer is part of a tour schedule)
  • Transportation of luggage between hotels between 9-17:00 (for option including luggage transfers only!)
  • Practical bike ride and safety information
  • 24-hour hotline assistance service
  • Personal travel and health insurance for participants in the tour
  • Transportation (air tickets) to/from starting/final point of the tour
  • Transfer from Prague Airport to your Prague hotel on the day of arrival
  • Transfer from hotel to the airport on departure day
  • Meals (except for breakfasts)
  • Entrance fees to museums, castles, and chateaux
  • Local touristic/spa tax (to be paid on spot directly to accommodation)
  • Bike rental

On fully guided tours

  • Specialized Bike Holidays bicycle tour leader during all biking days
  • Pick-up from any Prague hotel on the first day of the tour at an appointed time
  • Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions
  • Breakfast on all days
  • Dinners without drink on specific number of biking days (usually every other day but for more info, please contact your tour coordinator)
  • Refreshments in the supporting vehicle (soft drinks, snacks, sweets, fruit)
  • Water for bike-flasks
  • Welcome briefing on the first day
  • Maps of towns of accommodation on the tour (per room)
  • Detailed cycling maps (on request)
  • Program and detailed day-by-day description (per room)
  • Practical bike ride safety training
  • Technical service on the route
  • First aid service on the route
  • Support vehicle
  • All transportation of participants and their luggage and bicycles during the tour
  • Personal travel and health insurance for participants in the tour
  • Transportation (air-tickets) to/from Prague – starting/final point of the tour
  • Transfer from Prague airport to your Prague hotel on the day of arrival
  • Transfer from hotel to the airport on the departure day
  • Other meals than mentioned in "What is included"
  • Entrance fees to museums, castles, and chateaux
  • Local touristic/spa tax (to be paid on spot directly to accommodation)
  • Bike rental

Request your holidaysSelf guided tours it is support and independence

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Full-guided trip

We at Europe Bike Tour do know, that a good bike is the most important part of a nice vacation. So we let all our bikes serviced regulary so they stay in perfect condition. Under "Bike Equipment" you can find other aditional equipment that is either in the bike fee included or you can rent/buy it for adittional funds.

We offer male and female bikes with different sizes, E-bikes, Tandembikes, Bikes for kids and on request the Recumbent bike as well. Should you have a special wish/need, do not hesitate to ask us, we will make our best to fullfill your wish!

Tailor-made tours

Why with us?

With a rich 12-year history, Europe Bike Tours offers more than just cycling trips; we provide immersive "Culture Biking" experiences across the Czech Republic and Central Europe. Our tours blend the thrill of biking with cultural exploration, taking you from charming local eateries to ancient, hidden castles. We handpick the most captivating locations, ensuring each bike, family, or wine holiday is an adventure in itself. Catering to diverse preferences, our tours come in various formats, from self-guided to fully guided, with options for luggage transfer and different accommodation levels. For those seeking something unique, we're always ready to craft a tailor-made tour that perfectly fits your vision of a cycling holiday.

  • Self guided, fully guided or supported tours
  • City standard or premium accommodation
  • Tailor made maps
  • More biking options for each day
  • 24/7 Hotline with personal approach
  • Quality bikes e-Bikes

Read more about us

Who we are

Lukáš SvárovskýManager

Languages spoken Czech, English, German

Guide since 2008

Lukas was born and raised in the Czech capital of Prague. His keen interest in history and sports influenced his determination to study both subjects at university in Germany. His passion for travel also led to Lukas adding a tourism degree to his studies. Biking, exploring, and discovering interesting places was one of the determining moments when in 2010 he decided to start Europe Bike Tours. Since than Lukas is keen on developing new products, improve services and above all, share his passion for traveling while guiding one of the tours!

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Vitek ProchazkaManager

Languages spoken Czech, English, French, German, Slovak, Spanish

Guide since 2012

Vitek was born in Prague, Czech Republic and has remained there most of his life. During his travel and tourism studies he began guiding mostly bike and rafting trips all around Europe. Through his years in the office of a travel agency, guiding remained an important part of his life. Eventually went of for  year in New Zealand and after returning started guiding and preparing programs in and around his homeland

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Meet our whole team now

Our self-guided tours

Accommodation is one of the most important parts of each trip that strongly influences the final look of it. We make our best to offer you the best possible accommodation in the prefered category. The hotels we offer are either comfortable small hotels or quite guesthouses both in 3* quality, all of it rather small and with personality than big chain. All the tours have accommodation in or near the town/village centres so you can spend the afternoon and evening after biking exploring the town itself or simply enjoy the peace of the place.

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TestimonialsWhat our clients say about us

26 Aug

Scott Nelson

Tour Prague - Krakow short

I did the Prague to Krakow self-guided tour.A great route with such history and two great cities! Would highly recommend not only the route, but the tour company. I was provided with Ride with GPS files in advance and a host of maps and other information upon arrival in Prague. They also use the "Trip Plans" app, which not only gives you the routes, but historical and other information about...

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26 Aug

Abe Shasha

Tour Prague - Berlin

What a pleasant and positive surprise. Europe bike tours was amazing before (Pretour-meet) during (WhatsApp) and after (followup and pickup). And the other super pleasant surprise was the wonderful country of Czechia. It is under advertised but clean, modern, friendly and the biking through rural small towns was wonderful.

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25 Aug

Elena Montagna

Tour Prague - Vienna

We cycled from Prague to Vienna in July, crossing Bohemia and Moravia.The route took us on both bike paths and quiet country roads. The support provided by Europe Bike Tours was very helpful. The app with maps and route guidance was very effective. Their WhatsApp support was always prompt.We really appreciated the accommodations we chose, both in terms of quality and location. The locations wer...

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25 Aug

Susan Straley

Tour Prague - Dresden Tour

The planned routes took us to beautiful countryside and historical city squares. Our luggage was always at our lodging waiting for us when we arrived.The Czech Republic is full of history, interesting places, and lovely scenery.Speaking of lodging! What wonderful picks! We were always close to restaurants. In Prague and Dresden we were near the trolley lines so we were able to get to the si...

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25 Aug

Asaf Lupo

Tour Prague - Vienna Easy Short

This is my third trip with Euro-Bike, this time from Prague to Vienna. The trip through the Czech Republic's landscapes is simply a pleasure. The castles and the medieval atmosphere alongside nature and agriculture are simply charming. Along the way, we met deer, horses, geese, cows, and more. The trip is independent, but the help of Euro-Bike, which included bike rental, hotel reservations in ...

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25 Aug

Taku Yamada

Tour Prague - Vienna Greenways Tour - Short

I participated in the Prague-Vienna Greenway with my 16-year-old son.We opted for the self-guided option, and it was a wonderful experience.My son was very excited about cycling between the well-known cities of Prague and Vienna, and he felt a great sense of accomplishment when we arrived.This was my first time in the Czech Republic, and the atmosphere was very different from other Western Euro...

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25 Aug

Aldo Zunino

Tour Prague - Vienna Greenways Tour - Short

what we have appreciated with Euro Bike Tour in Czech- The visit of Prague with the 2 ladies- Very good and confortable bikes. In very good status.- Good hotels well located with friendly welcoming- the entire tour was very well designed, it has allowed us to visit in very good condition a country we didn’t know at all .We hope to have other opportunities to do bicycle riding with Them againhtt...

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25 Aug

Machteld Stoffels

Tour Iron Curtain trail West

Cycling the Iron Curtain Trail from Cheb to České Budějovice; what an amazing and beautiful tour! Cycling through the Sumava National Park, along the Schwarzenberg Canal, the Vltava and sleeping in friendly villages; we enjoyed it. It is a very quiet area, with a lot of up and down, gravel paths, and a tour with good cycling distances.Thanks to -especially- Vitek, but also Lukas, Tetiana and th...

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25 Aug

Barbara Schneider

Tour Prague - Passau Tour

We rode the route from Prague to Passau with Europe Bike Tours.We enjoyed a wonderfully curated tour through stunning landscapes and charming medieval towns!The hotels were great, and the morning buffets were amazing.Thanks to the app, everything was very easy to find.Everything was superbly organized and worked perfectly.A big thank you! We highly recommend Europe Bike Tours!Best regards,Barba...

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25 Aug

Joxan Zumeta

Tour Prague - Budapest short

An unforgettable cycling experience: Prague – Vienna – Bratislava – BudapestI've just completed a spectacular bike tour from Prague to Budapest, passing through Vienna and Bratislava — all organized by a small Czech company called Europe-Bike-Tours Team. They were outstanding in every way.The organization was flawless: perfectly prepared GPS tracks, comfortable and well-chosen accommodations, g...

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