This fascinating tour leads along the Polish - Czech border that once divided the province of Silesia. Discover a high variety of nature and cultural heritage of the Polish, Czech and German inhabitants who once lived in this area. As a result of an 18th century dispute between Frederick the Great of Prussia and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, the course of the border is a quirk of history, cutting through the villages seemingly at random. Since both Poland and the Czech Republic joined the Schengen agreement many old roads have finally reopened making this tour even more interesting as the attractions along the border are now quick and easy to reach by bike.
Along the way you’ll find many historical buildings and memorials to Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff, known as the greatest of the German Romantic poets. Born at Lubowice Palace at Raciborz the poet has been named patron of this tour as, after spending many years abroad, he returned to Silesia shortly before his death.
Day 1: Arrival in Wroclaw
Your tour begins with a Saturday arrival in the Silesian capital of Wroclaw where you’ll spend the night in a centrally located hotel.
Alternatively, it is possible to book your first and final night in Krakow which may be useful if you are participating in another cycle tour as well. The price will not change and details regarding the outward and return journeys can be discussed individually.
Day 2: Zieleniec – Klodzko approx. 36km cycling
You will travel by bus, the three hours to the Czech border. Journeying through lower Silesia you’ll eventually reach the ski village of Zieleniec, once Prussia's highest village at 860m. Take in the views across the table mountains typical for this region before visiting the extended raised bog situated on the watershed dividing the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Continue towards Duszniki, one of the oldest and most famous of the Sudeten spa resorts, then along the Bystrzyca, a mountain stream, to reach the picturesque spa resort of Polanica Zdroj. Finally you’ll cycle down to the valley of the Nysa Klodzka River to reach Klodzko where you’ll find tonight’s hotel.
Day 3: Klodzko – Javornik approx. 55km
Spend some time exploring Klodzko, a cultural centre of this region known for its attractive location as well as its many monuments and places of interest such as the Gothic bridge known as the younger sister of the Charles bridge of Prague as well as a fortress from the 18th century. Cycle on through pretty villages and along the deep valley of Nysa Klodzka towards Bardo, which boasts one of Silesia's most important Mother Mary Sanctuaries making it a popular place of pilgrimage.
You’ll find the impressive castle of Kamieniec Zabkowicki, an eccentric idea of the renowned architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel as you ride down winding cycle paths through narrow alleys with fruit trees then on to the historical city of Paczkow. Known as the "Polish Carcassonne" with its almost completely preserved city walls from the 14th century, feel free to spend some time in the old town. Leaving the Polish part of Silesia and crossing the Polish-Czech border you’ll reach Javornik, your final destination for the day.
Day 4: Javornik – Glucholazy approx. 45km
This morning you’ll visit the Jansky Vrch castle in Javornik. Dating from the 13th century, the castle was modified into a palace during the Baroque period and established itself as a centre for Silesian music. Your tour then continues along the border through the villages of Bohemia before crossing the border again at Vidnava and cycling to Glucholazy where you’ll find tonight’s accommodation at the centre of a landscaped park.
Day 5: Glucholazy – Krnov approx. 65km cycling
Today you’ll travel via Prudnik to the Czech village of Osoblaha where you’ll visit a well-kept Jewish cemetery. Stone crosses and shrines along the roadside are a common sight here, these marked the earlier pilgrim routes and are still often seen in this region. From here you’ll continue by the narrow-gauge railway, still a common sight in these parts, before you continue on further along the River Opava heading back to your hotel in Krnov. This beautiful old town has many recently renovated Jugendstil buildings.
Day 6: Krnov – Opava approx. 35km
From Krnov head south towards a hill with a pilgrimage church and a neo-Gothic lookout tower and then through the Moravian region back into the Opava valley. The historical capital of Czech Silesia, Opava is today’s destination. Visiting this city will be a real highlight as you stay in a hotel located directly in the heart of the old town.
Day 7: Opava - Krzanowice approx. 25km
Bid farewell to the Sudeten region today as you cycle northwards to Kraware Palace. Built in the 17th century, the palace was, for a long time, the seat of the aristocratic von Eichendorff family. Beyond the border at Krzanowice is where your ride ends and the return journey towards Wroclaw begins.
Day 8: Departure from Wroclaw
Or prolong your stay.
The route for this cycling holiday is over predominantly flat to undulating Sudetic foreland along narrow curving country roads bordered by beautiful old trees, with very few cars and at times the cycle tracks are completely off limits to traffic. There are some climbs which are not more than 30-50 m with a maximum incline of 5-7 %.
Total distance cycled: 261 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Wroclaw
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most of the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
We recommend flying to Wroclaw or Krakow airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
Included in the basic price:
Not included in the price:
Journey to Wroclaw or Krakow, railway ticket Osoblaha - Tremesna, entry fees, guided tours, private payments such as other meals, drinks and tips.
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gearing information available on request.
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season 1 | 14.05 – 21.05 | 11.06 – 18.06 | 25.06 – 02.07 | 09.07 – 16.07 | 23.07 – 30.07 | 06.08 – 13.08 | 27.08 – 03.09 | 10.09 – 17.09 | 01.10 – 08.10 | £610 | Saturday |
Single Room Supplement | All | £120 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | £55 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £135 |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Wroclaw or Krakow | £40 | £65 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
14 May 2022 | 21 May 2022 | £0 |
11 June 2022 | 18 June 2022 | £0 |
25 June 2022 | 02 July 2022 | £0 |
09 July 2022 | 16 July 2022 | £0 |
23 July 2022 | 30 July 2022 | £0 |
06 August 2022 | 13 August 2022 | £0 |
27 August 2022 | 03 September 2022 | £0 |
10 September 2022 | 17 September 2022 | £0 |
01 October 2022 | 08 October 2022 | £0 |