The best road cycling routes around Orlické hory

There are over 120 road cycling routes available in Orlické hory, catering to various fitness levels. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails, ensuring options for every cyclist.

The Orlické hory region offers diverse terrain, from well-tended trails with hard surfaces suitable for road bikes to routes with significant elevation gains. You'll encounter deep valleys carved by rivers like the Divoká Orlice, extensive forests, and mountain meadows. The general character, especially along the crest, provides beautiful panoramic views of the mountain range.

Yes, Orlické hory offers 47 difficult road cycling routes. An example is the Justyna Road – View of Białe Skały loop from Lasówka, which spans over 100 km with more than 1,600 meters of elevation gain, providing a significant challenge for very good fitness levels.

Absolutely. The region has 6 easy and 73 moderate routes. A great option for a more manageable ride is the Roadbike loop from Bartošovice v Orlických horách, a moderate 37 km path with manageable elevation gains and mostly well-paved surfaces, ideal for a pleasant day out.

The summer months are generally ideal for road cycling in Orlické hory. During this time, cyclobuses are available to assist cyclists in accessing higher elevations, and the weather is typically favorable for enjoying the well-tended trails and scenic views.

Many routes offer stunning views. You can visit the modern lookout tower on Velká Deštná, the highest peak, for panoramic vistas. The picturesque Zemská Brána nature reserve, where the Divoká Orlice River carves a dramatic gorge, is also a notable highlight.

Yes, the Orlické hory region is rich in history. You can explore the system of pre-WW2 military fortifications, such as the Hanička artillery fort, which now serves as a museum. Additionally, the region features numerous castles and chateaux in its lower parts.

Many routes in Orlické hory are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the PTTK Jagodna mountain hostel – Descent from Spalona Pass loop from Orlické Záhoří is a 70.9 km trail that takes you through mountain passes and returns to your starting point.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the well-developed network of cycle paths, and the stunning panoramic views, especially from higher elevations.

During the summer months, cyclobuses are available in the Orlické hory region. These services can be very helpful for cyclists looking to access higher elevations or cover longer distances without cycling the entire way.

While specific cafes and pubs vary by route, the region is known for its cyclist-friendly atmosphere. You can often find refreshment stops in villages and towns along the routes, and mountain huts like the Masaryk Mountain Hut on Šerlich provide opportunities for a break.

The Orlické hory region boasts tens of kilometers of well-tended trails with hard surfaces, making them suitable for road bikes. While most routes are well-paved, some harder routes may include short unpaved sections, so it's always good to check route details.