Start: Czech Around HQ – Vratislavova 58/3, Praha 2
Finish: Jiřího náměstí , Poděbrady (main square)
This stage starts from Czech Around HQ which is located a few meters from one of the main cycling paths along the river, the A2. Please keep in mind that gettting out of Prague center is complicated. There are many little turnings and a few steep uphills. So if you are into an easy start we recommend you getting the metro to Cerny Most (61 km variant). Back to the route, start cycling along the river direction North. At the National Theatre you cross the river and immediately after you turn right and get to Kampa park (careful, there are stairs). Cross Kampa, ride under Charles bridge until you get to Mánesův bridge which you will use to cross the river again. Once on the other side you keep going north until you get to a complex of modern buildings (one of them is Danube House, made famous by James Bond in Casino Royal). At that point you go inland and enter the vibrant Karlin district. In a while you will be swallowed by a tunnel that will take you on the other side of Vitkov Hill just to find out immediately after that you actually have to climb that very hill! Don’t worry, the reward on the top is great: one of the best views over Prague and one of the biggest equestrian statues on the planet. After that the cycling path A25 will take you all the way out of Prague running through old communist neighborhoods, minor roads through old villages now part of the city and nice green areas. Around km 30 the Elbe river will welcome you in the countryside. Before heading East a little detour to Brandys nad Labem and its famous castle is a must. After that Elbe will keep you company all the way to Nymburk first and Poděbrady later, your destination for the day.
Tired, injured, bad weather, not enough time? Here a quick tool to shorten the stages with trains in case of need.
Click on the triangles to jump to the Czech Railway website and see the timetable.