Summer Walking Trails in the Czech Republic (Easy & Moderate)

Below is a selection of scenic summer walking trails in the Czech Republic, categorized by Easy Trails Und Moderate Trails. These routes focus on countryside and mountain landscapes (not city streets), and all are reachable from Prague for a day trip. Each listing includes the trail name, location, distance/travel time from Prague, difficulty, a brief description of the scenery, and notable tips.

Easy Trails

Prokop Valley Loop (Prague 5 – Jinonice) – 3.5 km loop, ~1 hour; ~30 minutes from Prague center by bus/car; Easy. A short nature walk on well-marked paths through meadows and woodlands in a protected valley on Prague’s outskirts. Despite nearby urban areas, Prokopské údolí feels like wilderness, with limestone cliffs, a babbling stream, and even fossil-rich quarries along the route. It’s a popular spot for picnics (Děvín hill offers one of Prague’s top viewpoints) and is dog-friendly. Tip: The loop can be extended or shortened easily thanks to a network of intersecting trails; wear comfortable shoes and pack water/snacks.

Mount Říp (Říp Hill – Central Bohemia) – ~4–5 km round-trip (depending on start point), ~1–2 hours; ~50 km north of Prague (~1 hour by car); Easy (short but steep). This standalone 455 m hill is a Czech national legend – according to lore, the first Slavs settled Bohemia after climbing Říp and gazing at the fertile plains below. A short uphill hike through woods leads to the Romanesque rotunda of St. George at the summit and panoramic views over the lowland countryside (on clear days you can see a large part of Bohemia). The trail is not long but does gain elevation quickly (expect to break a sweat on the ascent). Tip: The easiest approach is from the village of Rovné on the north side. Families with kids often tackle this hike; just wear sturdy shoes for the steep section and bring water. There’s a kiosk near the top in summer and a picnic meadow by the rotunda.

Hrubá Skála to Valdštejn Loop (Bohemian Paradise, Český ráj) – 9 km loop, ~2–3 hours; ~90 km northeast of Prague (~1.3 hours by car); Easy. Der Hrubá Skála–Valdštejn trail is a family-friendly circuit showcasing the fairytale landscapes of Bohemian Paradise. The route winds through otherworldly sandstone rock formations and dense forest, passing dramatic stone pillars (e.g. the “Mariánská vyhlídka” viewpoint) and leading to two medieval castles familytraveller.com. Halfway is Burg Valdštejn (13th century, the oldest castle in Český ráj) and the trail then loops back with more towering rock spires and a stop at the Bukovina Arboretum. Tip: Begin at Hrubá Skála chateau (ample parking available). An easy 20-minute detour from Hrubá Skála leads to “Zámecká vyhlídka” (Castle View), an overlook well worth the extra effort for its vistas. This loop is well-marked (red trail out, yellow trail back) and suitable for active kids; just watch them closely at rock viewpoints with minimal railings.

Riegrova Trail (Jizera River Gorge, Semily) – 4 km one-way (8 km round-trip), ~2 hours; ~110 km northeast of Prague (~2 hours by car); Easy. The Riegrova stezka is an easy and stunning riverside walk through a canyon of the Jizera River, perfect for a summer outing. Carved partly into rock and featuring several tunnels, the trail’s highlight is a 77 m long elevated boardwalk clinging to a cliffside 6 m above the river. Hikers are treated to views of sheer 40 m sandstone walls across the water and lush forest all around. Kids especially love running alongside the river – the suspended gallery over the water gives a mild thrill without being unsafe. Tip: Start in Semily and follow the red-marked trail to Podspálov, where you can visit an Art Nouveau hydroelectric plant at trail’s end. The route is mostly flat; wear sturdy sandals or sneakers (parts of the path are gravel and can be damp). There are picnic spots and informational signs (in Czech/English) along this educational nature trail.

Moderate Trails

Karlštejn Castle Route (Bohemian Karst, Central Bohemia) – 11 km point-to-point, ~3 hours; Karlštejn is ~40 min by train from Prague; Moderate. This is one of the most picturesque day hikes near Prague, combining history and nature. From Karlštejn train station, the trail (marked in yellow then green) ascends to viewpoints of the iconic Burg Karlštejn – a 14th-century Gothic castle perched above the Berounka River. The route continues through old-growth forests and grassy hills in the Bohemian Karst, passes the famous Velká Amerika limestone quarry (dubbed the “Czech Grand Canyon”), and leads to the clifftop pilgrimage village of Svatý Jan pod Skalou. Expect some up-and-down hills but nothing too technical. Tip: This trek is popular on weekends in summer – visiting on a weekday or early morning is best for a quieter experience. Wear good shoes (parts of the forest path can be muddy) and bring enough water for the 3-hour hike. Trains from Prague to Karlštejn run frequently, making it an easy self-guided trip.

Divoká Šárka Natural Reserve (Prague 6 – Divoká Šárka) – Up to ~12 km for full loop, 4–5 hours (shorter routes possible); ~30 min from Prague center by tram/bus; Moderate. Divoká Šárka is a large wild valley at Prague’s edge, offering a dose of countryside without leaving the city. The red-marked loop trail (~12.8 km) takes you through imposing rocky gorges, wooded slopes, open meadows, and along a stream-fed lake. Starting at the McDonald’s parking area (Sídl. Červený Vrch tram stop), the trail winds past the Šárka creek, up to panoramic clifftop viewpoints, and through the small village of Jenerálka with its historic chateau. Terrain ranges from paved paths to dirt trails; there are a few gradual climbs but no very steep sections (total elevation ~250 m). Tip: In summer, pack a swimsuit – Divoká Šárka has a popular outdoor swimming pool nestled in the valley, perfect for a post-hike cool-down. There are also seasonal kiosks/refreshments along the route, but it’s wise to carry a bottle of water and snacks. This nature reserve is family-friendly and easily accessible by public transport, making it a favorite “city escape” hike for Prague locals.

Pravčická Brána Trail (Bohemian Switzerland National Park) – ~8 km round-trip (including viewpoints), 2–3 hours; Hřensko is ~130 km north of Prague (~2 hours by car); Moderate. This classic hike leads to Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe and the emblem of Bohemian Switzerland. The well-marked trail begins in Hřensko (near the German border) and climbs gently through forest to the arch over ~4 km (about 90 minutes one-way). Along the way you’ll walk beneath towering cliffs and through fairytale-like woods – scenes so enchanting that parts of The Chronicles of Narnia were filmed here. At the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the sandstone canyon country and a close-up of the 16 m tall rock arch. Don’t miss the adjacent Falcon’s Nest (Sokolí hnízdo) lodge – a 19th-century wooden chateau built into the cliffs, now a summertime restaurant and mini-museum. Tip: Pravčická Gate is only accessible on foot – no cars or bikes – so plan for a full day trip. Hřensko village (the trailhead) is about a 2-hour drive from Prague and has parking, or you can take a train to Děčín and a bus to Hřensko blog.northernhikes.com. Go early in summer to beat the crowds (it’s a favorite family hike and can get busy). Entry to the arch area is around 75 CZK; bring some cash and sturdy shoes. Consider extending your adventure by visiting the Kamenice River Gorges nearby, where you can ride a boat through sandstone canyons – also a memorable, easy walk.

Bohemian Paradise “Rock City” Loop (Dneboh – Prachov Rocks area) – 12 km loop, 3–4 hours; ~90 km NE of Prague (~1 hour by car); Moderate. This hike in the Bohemian Paradise Geopark (Český ráj) takes you on a loop through a spectacular “rock city” of sandstone formations, combined with castle ruins. Starting near Dneboh village, the trail (nicknamed the Dneboh Loop) winds through a labyrinth of towering sandstone towers and boulders in a pine forest. You’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Prachovské skály (Prachov Rocks) – narrow cliff corridors and outlooks, the medieval Schloss Kost hidden in the woods, and the twin basalt spires of Trosky Castle ruins on a distant hill. It’s a quintessential Czech hike showcasing the area’s natural and cultural highlights. The path has some short steep sections and stone steps, but overall is very approachable (rated “easy to moderate” difficulty). Tip: Allocate a full day so you can explore the rock mazes and perhaps climb the staircase to Trosky’s lookout. Weekdays or early mornings are best, since Český ráj is extremely popular on summer weekends. Wear proper hiking shoes for the rocky terrain. Dneboh can be reached by car (about 1h drive from Prague) or by train/bus via Mnichovo Hradiště (~1.5h). Facilities are limited on the trail itself, but there is a kiosk at the Dneboh trailhead for refreshments.

Kokořín Pokličky Trail (Kokořínsko PLA, Central Bohemia) – 8 km loop, ~2–3 hours; ~60 km north of Prague (~1 hour by car); Moderate. This circular hike from the town of Mšeno offers a journey into the heart of Kokořínsko’s sandstone wilderness, famed for its quirky rock formations. The path leads through serene wooded canyons and then up a steep section of wooden steps to the Pokličky rocks – unusual mushroom-shaped sandstone towers formed over 80 million years. After catching your breath (and photos) at the Pokličky viewpoint, the route returns along a ridge and a gently descending forest trail (the Debř educational path) back to Mšenomyczechwalks.com. You’ll gain and lose about 200–250 m of elevation in total. Tip: Der steep climb to Pokličky involves many stairs – take it slow and enjoy the geology signs on the way up. In wet weather the sandstone paths can get muddy, so wear good footwear. Mšeno has a lovely Art Deco swimming pool near the start, perfect if you want to cool off after the hike. For a longer adventure, you can also visit Schloss Kokořín (a 14th-century castle in a valley nearby) – though not on this loop, it’s a short drive away and pairs well with a day in the Kokořín region.

Sources: The trail details and tips were gathered from Czech tourism guides, hiking blogs, and recent travel articles, including GetYourGuide’s Prague hiking guide, family travel recommendations familytraveller.com, and local Czech hiking resource. These sources provide up-to-date insights on distance, difficulty, scenery and accessibility for each trail as of 2025. Enjoy your summer hiking adventures!