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Wandering Without Borders

Wandering Without Borders

The Most Beautiful Cross-Border Trails from Czechia

Czechia lies in the heart of Europe, and thanks to its location, it offers a unique opportunity for both hiking and cycling across borders. Here are some tips for the most interesting cross-border routes from Czechia to Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. And we are also adding recommendations on where to eat.

Czechia – Germany: Šumava and Krušné Mountains



The historical trade route Goldsteig in the Šumava and Bavarian Forest region offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature and mountain hiking. It has three main branches, and one of the connecting routes, for example, leads from Železná Ruda over the highest peak of the Bavarian Forest, Großer Arber (1,456 m), to the picturesque village of Prášily. The route, about 25 kilometres long, takes you through stunning mountain scenery, offers panoramic views from Arber and invites you to visit the Bavarian Forest National Park.
 

EuroVelo 13: The Iron Curtain Trail (EV13) is primarily designed for cyclists, although it can also be useful for hikers (it measures a total of 10,500 km). In Czechia, it runs through the scenic areas of the Šumava, Novohradské Mountains and Český Les (along the border from Šumava–Podyjí–Morava–Dyje all the way to Břeclav), offering a unique combination of nature and history. Along the way, you will come across numerous monuments, museums, and former border facilities.

 
Another beautiful trip follows the ridge trail in the Krušné Mountains between Boží Dar and Oberwiesenthal. This hike, around 12 kilometres long, includes an ascent to Klínovec, the highest peak of the Krušné Mountains, offering wide views of both the Czech and German landscapes. Along the way, you can admire the historic mountain railway Fichtelbergbahn, and you can make your return journey easier by taking the cable car or a bus.

Gastro Tips:

ŠUMAVA

  • Pivovar Modrava: restaurant and accommodation right in the heart of Modrava

  • Klostermannova chata: traditional Šumava cuisine made from local ingredients

  • Hospůdka U Štěpána: organic farm and restaurant focused on high-quality ingredients

  • Panský dům Františkov: guesthouse and restaurant with a homely atmosphere

  • Na Mýtě: restaurant and guesthouse near Kvilda offering Šumava specialities

  • Nadivoko (Kvilda): original refreshment spot with local and seasonal specialities

  • Café Na Soutoku: stylish café with homemade cakes and scenic views

  • Chata Rovina: a lodge with refreshments in nature, an ideal stop during a hike

  • Kafe Žebřík (Sušice): a cosy café

Czechia – Poland: Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains



The route from Pec pod Sněžkou via Sněžka to the Polish town of Karpacz is a popular path that combines a high-mountain experience with cultural highlights. Over a distance of roughly 15 kilometres, you will climb Sněžka (1,603 m), the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, offering panoramic views of the Krkonoše Mountains.
 
If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, a great option is the route through the Orlické Mountains from Orlické Záhoří to the Polish spa town of Duszniki-Zdrój. This trail, approximately 20 kilometres long, leads through quiet forests and ridges, away from the main tourist routes. It connects with local cycle paths, making it easily accessible for combined cycling and hiking trips. 

The European long-distance trail E10 runs from Rügen to Italy and is part of the European hiking trail network, offering a challenge for anyone wishing to walk across Europe. The Czech section of this trail begins in Hřensko (Bohemian Switzerland National Park) and continues through the Lužické Mountains, Bohemian Paradise, the Posázaví region, and further on to the Austrian border. The trail is ideal for more experienced hikers planning a multi-day trek with overnight stays.
 

Gastro Tips:

  • Jeseníky: Rezidence u jezera: specialising in fish and game dishes 

  • Na palubě

  • Krnov: Pivovar Nachmelená opice a Villa Cafe (Krnov restaurant)

  • Cafe bar & Bella – Osoblaha

  • Ostrava:

  • Winestone Restaurant at the Mercure Ostrava Center Hotel and Harenda

Czechia – Slovakia: White Carpathians and Javorníky



The trip to Velká Javořina is a beautiful mountain hike. The route from Strání over the summit of Velká Javořina (970 m) to Nové Mesto nad Váhom measures roughly 25 kilometres and leads through meadows, forests, and ridges with far-reaching views. The summit is known for the annual gatherings of Czechs and Slovaks, which celebrate the closeness of the two nations. With accommodation available nearby and an easy return by train, it is an ideal route for a relaxing weekend trip.
 
Equally attractive is the ridge hike along the Javorníky Mountains from Kohútka via Portáš to Makov, approximately 15 kilometres long. Along the way, you will enjoy charming mountain lodges, perfect for a rest or refreshments. In winter, this route is also popular with cross-country skiers.

Czechia – Austria: Podyjí and Novohradské Mountains



The route from Čížov via the Austrian town of Hardegg to Znojmo offers a unique combination of nature, history and cross-border cooperation. On this 18 km stretch, you will pass through two national parks, the Czech Podyjí National Park and the Austrian Thayatal. Along the way, you will enjoy a breathtaking view from the Hardegg lookout point of the Austrian castle of the same name, and you can end your journey in Znojmo, a historic town with a cultural atmosphere and opportunities to unwind, where you can also taste delicious Moravian wines.
 

The Hřebenovka is a revival of the first long-distance hiking route, which runs in several branches across the Jizerské Mountains, Krkonoše Mountains, Orlické Mountains, Jeseníky Mountains and Beskydy Mountains, often with crossings into Poland or Slovakia. It is ideal for weekend trips as well as multi-day hikes.

 
Another cross-border trail leads from Hojná Voda over the summit of Mandelstein to the Austrian town of Weitra in the Novohradské Mountains. This route, approximately 20 kilometres long, takes you through a peaceful and rarely visited landscape full of deep forests, scenic views, and quiet paths.

Gastro and Wine Tips:

And where else to go?

Train Travel: Experiences on the Rails

Train Travel: Experiences on the Rails

Romantic routes through the mountains, steam locomotives, luxury glamping, night trains, and panoramic views. Czechia is a paradise for railway enthusiasts. It has one of the densest railway network in the EU. Just for interest's sake: you can cross Czechia from west to east on a high-speed train in 4 hours and 44 minutes. These and other pluses have seen Czechia placed third in the rankings of Europe's best countries for train travel by Britain's The Telegraph newspaper.
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