Spa Triangle & Prague

Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Day 2: Karlovy Vary loop, 19-44 mi. (30-70 km)
Day 3: Karlovy Vary - Frantiskovy lazne, 38 mi. (62 km)
Day 4: Frantiskovy Lazne Spa and Iron Curtain trails loop, 10-37 mi. (15-60 km)
Day 5: Frantiskovy Lazne - Marianske Lazne, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Marianské Lázně – Bečov – Marianské Lázně, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Mariánské Lázně - Karlovy Vary (Prague), 27 mi. (43 or 70  km)

*All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
The first day of this bike tour will begin with your arrival to Karlovy Vary. This 14th-century town, founded by Emperor Karel IV, is the largest spa center in the Czech Republic. The town is known primarily for its 12 healing springs, the Becherovka liquor, and world-famous china/porcelain. An early arrival is recommended, so that there will be time enough to spend on the colonnade or for a short hike with wonderful views over the town! On request, a transfer by car or bus can be organized from Prague Airport or hotel (130 km) - This transfer is free of charge and can only be on Day 1.

Sample accommodation:
Spa hotel Schlosspark

Day 2: Karlovy Vary loop, 19-44 mi. (30-70 km)
In the morning, take a scenic train ride into the Krušné Hory (Ore Mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage site. This region tells the story of centuries of mining, from 16th-century silver extraction to 20th-century uranium production, all set against the backdrop of the Ore Mountains and their foothills. Your return journey to Karlovy Vary is mostly downhill, and passes the historic Mauritius silver mine and Jáchymov, once a bustling center of the Czech silver rush. In the 20th century, Jáchymov gained fame for its radium-rich healing springs and spa treatments, and history enthusiasts can explore its connections to uranium mines and the labor camps of communist times. Nearby Ostrov boasts an elegant château, French-style park, and distinctive socialist realism architecture—a unique highlight in the Czech Republic. End the day back in back in Karlovy Vary. *If weather disrupts plans, you may opt for a shorter ride or to spend the day relaxing at the town’s world-famous spa.

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Ester

Day 3: Karlovy Vary - Frantiskovy lazne, 38 mi. (62 km)
Today you'll start from Karlovy Vary and bike through the amazingly beautiful Ohre River Valley. The day leads you along a newly built cycling trail through the Slavkov Forest nature preserve and the stunning Svatosske Skaly rock formations. Following the river, you arrive in Loket with its stunning 14th-century castle. The next stop is the town Sokolov with a nice chateau and town center originating in the 13th century. Refreshments abound along the route, but the Kynsperk brewery or the coffee Mostov's small chateau are highlighted. Today's last stop is the spa town of Frantiskovy Lazne (Franzesbad), a 19th-century spa town built by the emperor Franz I.  This regal town still maintains the atmosphere of the golden age of spas. Immerse yourself and enjoy the waters after a long biking day!

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Harvey

Day 4: Frantiskovy Lazne Spa and Iron Curtain trails loop, 10-37 mi. (15-60 km)
Today's itinerary is flexible, with options for both relaxation and adventure. Spa lovers can spend the day enjoying treatments, while cyclists can explore loops up to 70 km.The bike routes highlight the region's history as a former border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech Kingdom. The day is filled with visits to castles, fortresses, and chateaux, as well as sections of the Iron Curtain, offering insights into the Cold War era. For a cross-border experience, a short trip into Germany leads to Hohenberg Castle, now a cultural center for those displaced after World War II.  

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Pawlik

Day 5: Frantiskovy Lazne - Marianske Lazne, 31 mi. (50 km)
A short ride from Františkovy Lázně leads to the historic town of Cheb, once the gateway between the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech Kingdom. Highlights include the 13th-century "Špalíček" merchant house and the imperial castle with its Romanesque chapel, a former residence of Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa. From Cheb, the route continues on car-free roads through villages shaped by centuries of German influence. Stops along the way include the Marian Loretto pilgrimage church and the chateau in Stary Hroznatov. The journey also passes Kynžvart Chateau, a 19th-century landmark known for its architecture and inviting café. The day ends in the spa town of Mariánské Lázně, where the healing waters offer a perfect way to relax after a day of cycling. 

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Continental

Day 6: Marianské Lázně – Bečov – Marianské Lázně, 34 mi. (55 km)
The day begins with a climb, or for an easier start, the ski lift is an option. At the top, the route follows small roads leading to the 12th-century Teplá Monastery. Highlights include the monastery church and its remarkable library, housing around 80,000 books from various eras. The journey continues through the gentle forests and meadows of the Slavkovský Forest to the town of Bečov nad Teplou. Here, the château houses the famous St. Maurus Reliquary, one of the most significant and valuable historical treasures of the Czech Republic and medieval Europe. From Bečov, the choice is yours: take a train back to Mariánské Lázně or cycle the remaining distance to complete the day's adventure.

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Continental

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, your tour ends. A transfer back to Prague Airport/hotel can be arranged for an additional fee. Alternatively, from Mariánské Lázně, you can either take a train back to Karlovy Vary or to Prague for your onward travel.

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Accommodations in 3-star hotels (standard version) or 4-star hotels (premium version). A sample hotel list is listed in the day-to-day itinerary, keeping in mind all accommodations are based on availability.

Air conditioning cannot be guaranteed in each hotel like in some smaller towns or towns in historical areas that are prohibited from having AC.

Bicycles

Pells Stratus Deluxe

24-gear standard bicycle

Specialized Diverge Sport

Upgraded road bike

Author Dynasty

Touring bicycle

Tandem Bicycle

Upon request only

Recumbent/Trike Bicycle

Upon request only

Author Energy

Child's bicycle

Trail Gator Parent-Child-Tandem-Coupling

Upon request only