An easy walk from Rokycany to Plzeň, along the Pan-European cycle path: 20 km to 23 km

• Let’s start by clearing up a misconception: cycle paths are not just for cyclists! In recent years, many dedicated cycle paths have been created in the Czech Republic, often as part of long-distance European cycling trails. In places, these are dual-marked on maps as both hiking and cycle paths. But even if they are not specifically marked as such, hikers should not feel uncomfortable taking advantage of these useful trails, which often follow beside or close to major public roads.
• A case in point is the ‘Pan-European cycle path’, which was officially opened in 2008 and runs for nearly 1600 km between Paris and Prague. Much of the route can be walked as well as cycled, and there are lots of reasons to do so.
• Possibly the most historic section of the cycle trail runs between Nuremberg and Prague. It broadly follows the route of the ‘Golden Road‘, an important medieval trade route connecting the territories of the Holy Roman Empire from the 12th century onwards. The route is most closely connected with the 14th century Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. Probably the most successful of all Bohemian Kings, Charles IV is believed to have travelled the Golden Road at least 60 times during his 32-year reign.
• Part of this historic route runs between the west Bohemian city of Plzeň and the town of Rokycany. It is an attractive 20 km segment, following quiet side roads as well as specially created asphalt pathways. The route passes through a number of picturesque west Bohemian villages along the way. The historic centres of both Plzeň and Rokycany (which have some superb Renaissance and Baroque architecture) are especially worth exploring, either at the beginning or end of the trip.
• Plzeň is the fourth largest city in the Czech Republic and is perhaps best known today as the home of the classic Pilsner beer, which was ‘invented’ in the 19th century at the ‘Citizens’ Brewery’, which subsequently became Plzeňský Prazdroj, arguably the country’s most famous brewery. A tour of the brewery is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular tourist activities in the country. The Pan-European cycle trail passes close to the entrance gate (map point 7).
• Both Rokycany and Plzeň are on the same mainline train route (leading to/from Prague), making the logistics easy for a ‘one-way’ walk. It is not a completely flat route as there are some gentle hills, with around 170m of height to ascend/descend. However, the whole route can easily be managed with a stroller. The direct route between the two stations is approximately 20 km long, while diverting to explore the historic centers of Plzeň and Rokycany adds a further couple of kilometers.
• For refreshments, there are various pubs serving food in the villages along the route. One of the best options is the excellent Pivovar Pod Lípou in the village of Kyšice, at approximately the mid point (map point 3).
• Both Rokycany and Plzeň also have some good refreshment spots. In Plzeň, try ‘Le Frenchie’ on the corner of the main square (map point 5) or the boutique Pappa Coffee, just next to the Brewery museum. In Rokzycany, just next to the train station, try the excellent new restaurant which is connected to the beautifully renovated Neo Renaissance Villa Fritz (which also has accommodation).

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.cz’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions (assuming a start in Rokycany, and a finish in Plzeň)

• From the Rokycany train/bus station cross the U Plzeňské brány park to reach the cycle track that follows both sides of Plzeňská street
• The cycle path is marked with yellow signposts (labelled 3) and can easily be followed all the way into the center of Plzeň, without the need for additional directions or route finding
• Plzeň main train station is a little way from the center (approximately 30 minutes walk). Routes to it are a little complicated due to the complex road system. The route to the station is therefore best followed on foot on a map application on a smartphone or avoided altogether by catching a tram from the main square!