Moravia Cycle Path: Krakow to Vienna

Your journey begins with arrival in Kraków, where your first overnight stay is in a comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city’s historic centre. For those wishing to explore more of Poland’s former royal capital, with its cobbled streets, medieval squares, and rich cultural heritage.

Alternatively, you may choose to arrive in Katowice, a vibrant city in southern Poland that also offers excellent flight connections through its airport, which serves many affordable direct routes. Your first overnight stay here allows for a relaxed start before continuing to the highlights of your cycling adventure.

Our comfortable minibus departs from Kraków at approximately 8:30 am. Additional guests are welcome to join us in Katowice at around 10:00 am.

By around 1:00 pm at the latest, we arrive in Litovel, a charming small town renowned for its historic brewery. Here, the Morava River splits into several channels, which weave their way around the old town centre, creating a picturesque setting. After a relaxing lunch at a beautifully restored old mill, we begin the first stage of our cycling tour.

This gentle opening ride takes us through a protected nature reserve, home to rare riparian forests and abundant wildlife. Before long, the historic skyline of Olomouc comes into view—the former capital of Moravia and one of the Czech Republic’s most treasured cultural sites. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Olomouc is the second most significant urban conservation area in the country, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.

The historic city of Olomouc has a wealth of cultural and architectural treasures to discover. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to visit the splendid Holy Trinity Column in the main square—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—as well as the impressive Town Hall with its unique astronomical clock. Other highlights include Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, the remnants of the Olomouc fortress, and the grand Archbishop’s Palace. Cycling past the ancient fortress walls is an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.

From Olomouc, we continue our cycling tour along the Morava River towards Tovačov, an architectural gem nestled among serene fish ponds. Tovačov is home to an elegant palace and a fascinating Jewish Museum, offering insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The journey then takes us to the small town of Chropyně, where you’ll find a charming Renaissance hunting lodge, set amidst peaceful surroundings that invite a moment of rest or exploration.

Our day’s ride concludes in Kroměříž, often referred to as the Athens of Moravia. This beautiful town boasts a picturesque historical centre, graceful arcades, vibrant community spaces, and the magnificent Archbishop’s Palace. Kroměříž is especially renowned for its two exceptional parks—the Flower Garden and the Chateau Garden—both UNESCO-listed and perfect for a stroll after your ride.

Today’s stage is a mostly flat cycle route following the historic Baťa Canal, often referred to as the Czech answer to France’s Canal du Midi. This fascinating technical monument was originally constructed to transport lignite but fell into disuse over time. It has since been lovingly restored as a popular destination for tourism and recreation.

As you cycle alongside the canal, you’ll pass old locks, colourful houseboats, leisure boats, and charming canal-side cafés, creating a relaxed and picturesque atmosphere ideal for cyclists of all levels.

For those with an interest in architecture and design, a detour to Zlín is well worth the effort. This unique town, known worldwide as the birthplace of the legendary Baťa shoe company, showcases a distinctive functionalist style of architecture rarely seen elsewhere.

The day’s ride concludes in the historic town of Uherské Hradiště, originally founded on an island in the Morava River. The town’s beautiful historic centre, complete with a spacious market square, is perfect for a gentle evening stroll. Among the notable monuments is the impressive neo-Romanesque synagogue, a cultural landmark that reflects the rich history of the area.

Your cycling adventure continues through the enchanting region of Moravian Slovakia (Slovácko), where vibrant folklore traditions are still very much alive. This picturesque area is famous for its charming whitewashed cottages with blue shutters, traditional wood carvings, and beautifully crafted ceramics—all reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

As you cycle through rolling vineyards, flower-filled meadows, and past elegant palaces, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire the unique folk architecture and perhaps enjoy a glass of the area’s excellent local wine right at its source.

Along the way, you can explore the historic town centre of Uherský Ostroh, stroll through the lovely palace gardens of Strážnice, and visit the famous wine cellar alley in Petrov, where traditional winemaking methods are still practised.

Your day ends with an overnight stay in Hodonín, a welcoming town that offers the perfect place to relax and reflect on the beauty and culture of Moravian Slovakia.

Today, you bid farewell to the Morava River Valley and cycle through scenic vineyards towards Břeclav, a charming town on the banks of the Thaya River. Following the course of the river upstream, you’ll once again ride through peaceful, protected riparian forests, where nature thrives undisturbed.

Your next stop is Lednice, home to one of the most spectacular neo-Gothic palaces in Europe. Surrounded by exquisite gardens that once served as a social hub for the European aristocracy, Lednice sits at the heart of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape—an area so remarkable it has earned the nickname “The Garden of Europe” and UNESCO World Heritage status.

As you continue cycling through this beautifully cultivated landscape, you’ll pass elegant parks and numerous decorative architectural features, including a striking minaret, a graceful colonnade, and an impressive triumphal arch.

Your day ends in Valtice, where you’ll stay overnight beside the second grand Liechtenstein palace, once the magnificent seat of this noble family. Here, not only can you immerse yourself in the rich Moravian culture, but you can also indulge in some of the region’s finest wines at the renowned Wine Salon of the Czech Republic—the perfect way to celebrate another rewarding day on your cycling holiday.

The final stage of your cycling holiday leads you to the picturesque town of Mikulov, where a magnificent Baroque castle rises dramatically on a rocky hill, greeting cyclists from afar. The town’s charming historic centre, set around a lively market square, is lined with elegant, ornate houses and is home to the impressive Dietrichstein family tomb, a reminder of Mikulov’s aristocratic past.

From Mikulov, you continue along a gentle, mostly flat cycle route, making for relaxed and easy riding as you head towards the Austrian border. Just beyond, you reach your final overnight stop in Laa an der Thaya, a welcoming spa town where you can unwind and soothe tired legs in the renowned thermal springs—a perfect ending to your cycling journey.

Your return journey can be made comfortably by our minibus, which travels back to Olomouc, Katowice, and Kraków. Alternatively, you may choose to make your way by train to Vienna by public transport in approx. 2 hours and 30 mins.

Arrival: Kraków or Katowice

Departure: Kraków or Katowice

Nearest Arrival airport: Kraków or Katowice

Nearest Departure airport: Krakow or Katowice

We also recommend travelling by train to all cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Kraków or Katowice by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the details of your cycling holiday.