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While France and Italy bicycle vacations have lured cyclists to its back roads for decades, the Czech Greenways between Vienna and Prague, a network of 100-plus year old hiking trails and medieval routes connecting main towns of Austria and Czech Republic, and the Central Europe bicycle tours have done so only since the end of Cold War and the return of democracy to Czech Republic 20 years ago.

In many ways the heart of Central Europe back roads is still little known especially to North American tourists, but the choices of routes are many and opportunities for discovery immense.

The most popular route has undeniably become the Vienna – Prague Greenway. It enters Czech Republic in Southern Moravia and instantly brings the cyclists among UNESCO towns of baroque and neo-classic chateaus, gardens, castles and churches. The Lednice-Valtice area is studded with architectural treasures as well as scenic lakes and vineyards. With such combination of art and architecture, good food and famous Moravian white wines, and fine local hospitality, cyclists and walkers abound. But that is only the beginning of what the route offers.

Next comes the National Park Podyji and its great trails through deep mixed coniferous and deciduous forests. From here trails branch out into the interior of Moravia and Bohemia as well as lead into Austria where they connect onto the extensive network of Austrian cycling trails.

Once out of the forests picturesque villages with pleasant inns offer delicious meals and mugs of always great-tasting Czech beer. The trail leads through the spectacular small town of Vranov, with a prominent castle towering above, to the Renaissance gems, the towns of Slavonice and Telc.

Soon after the trails enter a region known for cold winters for which it became labeled as Czech Canada. Beyond the choice is to continue onto Tabor, another medieval town, and straight on to Prague or to add a detour through the wonderful region of Southern Bohemia, to another UNESCO town, the impressive medieval stronghold of Cesky Krumlov, an architectural composite of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, and a feast to stroll and to stop for a few days.

And the highlight of the Czech Greenways, Prague, is yet to come. So next time you ponder a trip to Europe consider cycling the Vienna – Prague Greenway. You can cycle it or walk it, either way you will experience a true slice of Europe.