How to Hike the Prague-Vienna Greenway

Ancient church in the Czech Republic

The Prague-Vienna Greenways (PVG) is a traveler's paradise. You can explore any portion of this vast 250- to 350-mile web of trails and country roads on foot or by car, bike or guided tour. The PVG allows you to visit ancient castles, medieval churches and monasteries that were hidden for decades behind the Iron Curtain. The Greenways Travel Club can help you plan your trek, select hotels along the way and transfer your luggage between towns while you travel the route of your choice. Traveling the PVG is easy; the hard part is deciding at which point to start.

Things You'll Need

• PVG maps
• Valid passport
• Travel visa (if required)
• Proof of travel health insurance
• Wheeled luggage
• Comfortable backpack
• Bicycle helmet (if desired)
• Protective clothing
• Hat
• Sunscreen

Instructions

1. 

   Decide on a destination

   Choose which portion of the PVG you would like to visit: Lower Vltava River Valley Greenway; Upper Vltava River Valley Greenway; Bohemia Lake District Greenway; Towns of the Renaissance Greenway; Dyje River Valley Greenway; Palava Hills Greenway; or, Austrian Weinviertel. Decide whether you would like to walk, cycle, drive, take a guided tour or do a combination of the four. Decide if you want to go horseback riding, do a canoe trip and/or visit a winery.

2. 

   You need a valid passport

   Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay. Obtain a travel visa for any stays longer than 90 days within a 180-day period. Register with the U.S. Embassy, either online in advance or in person on arrival, to stay up-to-date on security issues in the Czech Republic and to access emergency assistance if required.

3. Be prepared to provide proof to Czech officials that you have sufficient finances for your stay as well as travel/health insurance with coverage of at least $45,000 (a health insurance card or an internationally recognized credit card with health insurance included will suffice).

4. 

   Bring wheeled luggage

   Use the most portable luggage possible, e.g., compact and wheeled. Bring a comfortable backpack if you plan to cycle any portion of your route to ensure you have a convenient way to carry your valuables, picnic lunches, etc. If you wish to wear a helmet, bring your own to ensure a good fit.

5. Bring light protective clothing that can be layered on or peeled off, depending on the prevailing weather. Plan to wear a hat and sunscreen as you are likely to spend long periods of time outdoors enjoying the PVG countryside.

Tips & Warnings

• May to September is the most favorable time to travel the PVG. Summers are generally hot and dry.

• Anyone under 16 years of age is required to wear a helmet while cycling in the Czech Republic.

• "Infocenters" in major towns have information about accommodations, restaurants and cultural attractions.

• Located on Southern Moravia, the Palava region is the Czech Republic's warmest and driest region.

• Some of the architectural monuments along the PVG have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Guard against pickpocketing by securing valuables at all times; keep a copy of your passport in a safe place separate from the passport itself.

• Most tourist facilities in Prague maintain high standards similar to those of other European cities; travelers may find somewhat lower standards outside of Prague.

• Obtain a price estimate from taxi drivers and ensure a meter is used to avoid being overcharged for taxi services.

References

• The Prague-Vienna Greenways
• Greenways Travel Club
• South Bohemia
• Southern Moravia
• U.S. Department of State: Czech Republic