Iron Curtain Trail

Ceske Budejovice - Bratislava

Itinerary

Route

Tour profile / level 2

The daily stages are flat to hilly, with some climbs of up to 500 m per day.

Day 1: Ceske Budejovice (Budweis)

This day is yours to explore České Budějovice, the capital of the Bohemian South. Take time to climb the Black Tower, walk across the enormous Přemysl Otakar II Square or simply sample the local Budvar beer (yes, this is the home of the one and only original Budvar!).

  • Excursion: Prague by bike

    Prague has many names - Golden Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires, the Mother of All Cities, the Heart of Europe and many more. Thanks to a large collection of historical highlights and unique locations, Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe.

    In just half a day, this guided bike tour gives you the chance to discover Prague’s sights and historical highlights that would take you 2 to 3 days to explore on foot. Whether you already know Prague or are experiencing the city for the first time, this tour offers both the classical highlights and places you definitely haven’t seen yet!

    Price: € 45/40/35 (2/4/6 pax)
    Duration: approx. 5h, start at 8.30 am
    Minimum participants: 2

Day 2: Budweis – Nové Hrady, approx. 50 km

Today’s route takes you through a landscape with numerous lakes and ponds and past the legendary birthplace of the Hussite warlord Jan Žižka in the cozy town of Borovany. Today’s destination is Nové Hrady, a small but picturesque town with a castle, chateau and monastery. While you’re there, be sure to plan some time to explore the beautiful Tercino udoli, a magnificent 18th-century landscape park!

Day 3: Nové Hrady – Slavonice, approx. 65 km

Today you will encounter the border and the history of the Iron Curtain! It zigzags across the Czech-Austrian border and reveals countless remote natural beauties and forgotten villages. The castle in Litschau, the majestic castle in Landstejn and finally the great Renaissance beauty – the town of Slavonice – are among today’s highlights. In between, countless ponds and bunkers line your path.

Day 4: Slavonice – Vranov, approx. 60 km

First you use the disused railway line to get to Austria and then meander through lovely villages like Neugiers and Drossendorf. Finally, you will end up back on the Czech side of the border in the small sleepy town of Vranov, which is dominated by a magnificent castle.

Day 5: Vranov – Znojmo, approx. 45 km

Today you will combine the charming nature of the Podyji/Thayatal National Park with its wealth of small villages such as Hardegg, monuments from the Second World War and remains of the Iron Curtain. Afterwards, you will pass through lush vineyards to the beautiful Znojmo. Relax with a good glass of local wine and enjoy the view.

Day 6: Znojmo – Laa an der Thaya, approx. 56 km

You cross the border, cycle through the sleepy town of Hardres, which is home to the longest cellar lane in Austria, and on to the castle in Jaroslavice. At the end of the day, you will arrive in the tiny spa town of Laa, from whose local castle tower you have a good view of the surrounding area!

Day 7: Laa an der Thaya – Břeclav, approx. 55 km

Today we enter the country of a family that has shaped the history of the region for over 8 centuries – the Liechtensteins! The lively town of Mikulov, wine palaces like Valtice, numerous summer houses in the forest and numerous ponds and vineyards await you. At the simple but moving memorial to the victims of the Iron Curtain, you will have time to pause before cycling to today’s destination, Berclav.

Day 8: Břeclav – Bratislava, approx. 75 km

As the total distance would be over 100 km, today we only cycle to Marchegg, a historic town in Austria directly on the Morava River, which forms the Slovak-Austrian border. From Marchegg, a transfer will take you to Bratislava, the Slovak capital, which is a refreshingly lively final destination after a long bike ride!

Day 9: Bratislava

Individual departure or extension in Bratislava. We recommend that you take the time to visit this magnificent city. The Slovakian capital has a tiny city center full of picturesque places and buildings, and the castle is worth visiting.

Services

  • 8 nights incl. shower/toilet

  • Daily breakfast

  • Welcome meeting on the first day

  • Daily luggage transport between the hotels (9 am-5 pm)

  • All train tickets and train timetables

  • Detailed maps and information material per room

  • 7-day service hotline

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
      01.05. - 30.09.25
    Category B

    Extras

    Discount 3rd person (in double room with 1 adult)
    Children 0 - 3,99 years - 100%
    Children 4 - 11,99 years - 30%
    from 12 yrs - 4%
     
    Surcharges
    Solo traveller 220
       
    Bicycles & equipment
    24/27-speed-bike 135
    E-bike 270
    Bike helmet included in rental
       
    Additional nights Cat A
    Bratislava Cat A (dbl/sgl) 94/175
    Bratislava Cat B (dbl/sgl) 61/124
    Budweis Cat A (dbl/sgl) 81/163
    Budweis Cat B (dbl/sgl) 63/131

    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Accommodation

    Hotel samples

    Category A
    You will sleep in selected Hotels and Inns within the 4 star category

    Budweis: Hotel Budweis
    Nové Hrady: Hotel Residence
    Slavonice: Besdíka
    Podyjí Gebiet (Thayataal rund um Vranov): vila Jelen
    Znojmo: Hotel Lahofer
    Laa an der Thaya: Freilich
    Břeclav: Pension Elux
    Bratislava: Hotel Devín


    Category B
    You will sleep in selected Hotels and Inns within the 3 star category

    Budweis: Grandhotel Zvon
    Nové Hrady: Zevlův mlýn
    Slavonice: Hotel Hubert
    Podyjí Gebiet (Thayataal rund um Vranov): Grandhotel Sluchátko
    Znojmo: Pension Solnice
    Laa an der Thaya: Frühstückhaus Wunderland
    Břeclav: Hotel Rose
    Bratislava: Botel Gracia


    NotePlease be informed that these are hotel samples and therefore subject to alteration! Find Your final hotel bookings at Your hotel list after/at booking.

    Bicycle

    Bicycles and Equipment

    The following bicycles are available:

    • 27-speed men’s bike
    • 24-speed ladies’ bike
    • E-bikes unisex with easy step-up level

    All rental bikes include pannier, rental helmet, pump and bike lock. The ladies’ and men’s bikes also include handlebar bags (not included for e-bikes)

    Children’s bikes and equipment

    Children’s bikes in various sizes and 24" children’s bikes are also available. There is also the possibility to rent a Follow-me, Gaitor hook and Charriot buggies.

    E-Bikes | Electrical bikes | Pedelcs

    With our electrical bikes every bike tour is a breeze! If you had few opportunities to cycle over the last weeks or if you are not sure concerning your fitness, but also with physical disabilities, every bike ride is a treat! So you can now book a bike tour together with cyclists who have different fitness levels. 

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane
    Closest Airports: Prague (PRG)
    By Train or Bus to Ceske Budejovice (Budweis) in approx. 2,5 h


    Arrival by train
    Train station: Ceske Budejovice
    Good Connections from/to Prague


    Additional information

    Local tax payable on spot (approx. € 1-2 per person/night). We recommend having small cash for these fees in local currency or Euros.

    Please note that no handlebar bag is included/possible on our rental E-Bikes


    Participants

    Individual tour: min. 2 Pax, solo traveller on request and against surcharge

    Videos

    Travel stories

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