At UTracks, we are firm believers in the benefits of active travel. After all, it’s what we’re all about.
Active travel isn’t just about the joys of cruising down paths on a bike or letting endorphins wash over you after a rewarding day of walking in Europe.
There are health benefits for yourself (holidays don’t have to be an out of shape experience!); economic benefits for the country you’re visiting (spread your tourism dollars to ‘off the beaten track’ places that don’t typically receive it); a lower environmental impact (utilising foot/pedal power) and ultimately you have a better travel experience as you explore a more authentic side of your destination.
This is why we encourage travellers to take active holidays. Learn more about our
holiday, we’re focusing on exploring the countryside of the superb Czech Republic by bike.
>
Prague to Vienna Self-Guided Cycle
In this article, we're featuring on the
Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle. This is a 7 day guided cycle that explores two countries:
Germany and the
Czech Republic.
Four Reasons How the Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle Trip Adds to Your Travel Experience.
1. See More of the Czech Republic Beyond Prague
Ask yourself – can you name a place in the Czech Republic other than
Prague? The Czech Republic is a hot tourist destination in Europe and every year seems to see record breaking numbers of foreign visitors, with 10.6 million in 2018, almost equal to the country's population. Of this, 6.7 million people (63%) visit Prague. This statistic includes all foreigners (i.e. including other Europeans) and we're guessing if it was overseas travellers like Australians and Americans, this percentage would be even higher, This boom in tourism for Prague has unfortunately led to the adverse effects of overtourism, like needing to regulate
Airbnb rentals.
This is not to say Prague isn’t worth seeing; it’s a delightful medieval city with the world’s largest ancient castle and its historic
Old Town is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the
Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle, we discover lesser known towns such as
Melnik (in the heart of Czech wine region),
Litomerice (a royal city considered one of the most beautiful in the country) and
Decin (a lovely city split by the Elbe River that features the recently restored Decin Castle).
2. Explore the Countryside by Bike
Cycling in the Czech Republic is fairly relaxed and gentle, with the cycle paths generally paved and the terrain quite flat because it follows the splendid Elbe River in sections. Of the five days of cycling, you can expect to pedal between 25 to 70km a day (16 to 44 miles). There are some hilly stretches on day 2 from Prague to Melnik. We consider this trip as suitable for beginners and children with a good level of fitness.
According to our honest
Trip Grading System, we rate this holiday as
Grade 2: Introductory to Moderate.
If you are a competent cyclist but want an extra zoom zoom on your journey, there are also
electric bikes available.
3. Bohemian Nature is Good for the Soul
The Prague to Dresden cycle journeys through the western Czech region of
Bohemia, the largest and most historical part of the Czech Republic.
The
Elbe River is claimed to be one of Europe’s
most spectacular but underrated rivers, as “the river rises from a bubbling spring of crystal water high in the beautiful Bohemian mountains, winding through silent forests before splashing down the rock face near a pine-scented hiking trail.”
On the day you cross the Czech border into Germany, there’s time to explore the
Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park and to discover the many rocky passes, deep gorges and rugged hills of this area. The highlight is the impressive
Pravcicka Gate, the biggest natural rock bridge in Europe.
The traditional spas of Germany’s
Bad Schandau are a must-do activity and the perfect way to unwind after a day outdoors. There are many spas in Bad Schandau, with some featuring panoramic views of the river and forests while you relax in their wellness centres.
4. After a day of cycling, the food and wine tastes so much better!
Dine on some of Central Europe’s most indulgent foods and drinks – guilt free! After a day of pedalling you’ll have worked up an appetite and on the Prague to Dresden trip will satisfy your cravings.
We visit the heart of the Czech wine region in Melnik, which is renowned for its
pinot noir. For beer lovers, the Czech Republic is home to the
world’s biggest beer drinkers at 142.4 litres per capita, and they love to knock back pilsners like
Pilsner Urquell,
Kozel and the original
Budweiser (yes, predating the American version!). For non-alcoholic beverages, you can sample the local
compot, a sweet drink made with fruit, water and sugar.
Food-wise, you can sample hearty meals typical for Central Europe. Try
roast pork or beef with
potato dumplings; thick, creamy
stews filled with vegetables and meats; or fried
mushroom side dishes. And for dessert you can’t miss the
apple strudel – on an active holiday, you’ve earned it.
Experience this trip for yourself:
Have you been to the Czech Republic or Germany before? Would you consider another trip to experience Central Europe on an active holiday? Let us know in the comments, we love to hear from our readers.