European Cultural Route of Saint Cyril and Methodius, IALE - Czech Republic

About the European Cultural Route of Saint Cyril and Methodius, IALE

The European Cultural Route of Saint Cyril and Methodius, IALE traces the legacy of the two Byzantine missionaries whose work shaped the spiritual and cultural development of Central and Eastern Europe. Extending across various countries – Albania, Austria, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia and Türkiye – the route follows the historical paths associated with their mission, which contributed to the spread of literacy in the region. Today, the itinerary connects important heritage sites, offering travellers an opportunity to explore both the historical milestones and the cultural traditions linked to the two saints, while enjoying a journey that combines education, reflection, and regional discovery. 

 

The Cyril and Methodius Route has 920 km of hiking trails in the Czech Republic. The region of Zlín offers a varied landscape of small towns, agricultural areas, and wooded hills. Travellers encounter key cultural landmarks such as Velehrad, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the country, as well as local museums and historical points linked to the missionaries’ influence. The path also provides insight into local traditions, including regional crafts and gastronomy, giving visitors a clear and accessible way to experience the living heritage of Cyril and Methodius within a contemporary Czech context. 

 

Credits: Unsplash.com

Hikes in Czech Republic

A hike will be organised on 12-14th June 2026 in the Zlín Region. 

For more details about the route, visit the website of the European Cultural Route of Cyril and Methodius, IALE. 

Programme

12-14 June 2026

12 June conference in Velehrad (focused on guiding), living history program in Modrá – Archaeological Open-Air Museum

13 June several guided hiking toures of various difficulty, workshops (forest therapy), scout actions, cultural programme and local products in Velehrad; living history program in Modrá – Archaeological Open-Air Museum

14 June guided tours in Great Moravia Monument – Cyrillo-Methodian Centre

Further information will be provided shortly.

 

8-10 November 2024

Friday, November 8 – Obelisk, Selvi monumental tree – Merdivenlikaya – Iznik center – Hagia Sophia Mosque
 
Saturday, November 9 – Village visit within the scope of “Our Village” project (Çobanoğlu Village, Paşasuyu recreation area – Aqueducts – Bıçkıdere Pond
 
Sunday, November 10 – Başiskele from Izmit center coastal road (sportive side activity behind Naila cafe) + CLOSING CONFERENCE
 
Consult the map

Maps

You can use .kml files on maps.me to plan your walk, to find your position on the trail and follow your route.
Steps to rpcoeed: 
  • Download Maps.me for free from Android or IOS stores; make sure the app on your device is the latest version;
  • After downloading the app, select the country and region where you will walk and download the map – in a zip-format (you will only need an internet connection for these first two steps, after which you will be able to use the app offline);
  • To open the .kml file, click on it and select maps.me from the ‘open with’ options and upload your file to the app;
  • The route you have uploaded will then appear in maps.me marked with a different color.

Tips for Hiking: Learn & Prepare

These materials were prepared and shared by our experts during workshops, where we talked about everything from preparing for a hike to staying healthy along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, you’ll find helpful tips on equipment, physical preparation, and how to best enjoy your adventure along the cultural routes!

Physical Preparation for HIKE

Safety During HIKE

Organizer: IALE

ECRCM has organized guided hikes along the European Cultural Route of Cyril and Methodius, IALE, since 2013, implementing projects from local to international levels. In 2019, an Interreg project enhanced the route’s appeal, featuring four seasonal pilgrimages. The initiative included route mapping, pilgrim passports, and a documentary, Walking Without Borders. From 2022-2023,  ECRCM participated in EU-funded projects promoting cultural education and cross-border collaboration, organizing school workshops and fostering partnerships between Czech and Norwegian entities to share best practices in pilgrimage route development. Annually, ECRC Mand Ultreia CZ organize multi-day hikes on the European Cultural Route of Cyril and Methodius, IALE, including participants with disabilities. 

 

O Cyrilometodějské stezce

Cyrilometodějská stezka mapuje odkaz dvou byzantských misionářů, jejichž práce formovala duchovní a kulturní rozvoj střední a východní Evropy. Trasa, rozprostírající se napříč různými zeměmi – Albánií, Rakouskem, Českou republikou, Řeckem, Itálií, Severní Makedonií, Polskem, Slovenskem a Tureckem – sleduje historické cesty spojené s jejich misí, která přispěla k šíření vzdělanosti v regionu. Dnes trasa spojuje důležité památky, nabízí cestovatelům příležitost prozkoumat jak historické milníky, tak kulturní tradice spojené s oběma svatými, a zároveň si užít cestu, která kombinuje vzdělání, zamyšlení a regionální poznání.

Cyrilometodějská stezka má v České republice 920 km pěších tras. Zlínský kraj nabízí pestrou krajinu malých měst, zemědělských oblastí a zalesněných kopců. Cestovatelé narazí na klíčové kulturní památky, jako je Velehrad, jedno z nejvýznamnějších poutních míst v zemi, a také místní muzea a historické body spojené s vlivem misionářů. Stezka také poskytuje pohled na místní tradice, včetně regionálních řemesel a gastronomie, čímž dává návštěvníkům jasný a přístupný způsob, jak zažít živé dědictví Cyrila a Metoděje v současném českém kontextu.

 

Credits: Unsplash.com

Putování a aktivity v České republice

Ve dnech 12.–14. června 2026 bude uspořádána bezplatná pěší túra ve Zlínském kraji.

  • Termín: 12.–14. června 2026
  • Místo: Zlínský kraj

 

Programme

12-14 June 2026

Zlín Region 

More information will be provided shortly.  

 

8-10 November 2024

Friday, November 8 – Obelisk, Selvi monumental tree – Merdivenlikaya – Iznik center – Hagia Sophia Mosque
 
Saturday, November 9 – Village visit within the scope of “Our Village” project (Çobanoğlu Village, Paşasuyu recreation area – Aqueducts – Bıçkıdere Pond
 
Sunday, November 10 – Başiskele from Izmit center coastal road (sportive side activity behind Naila cafe) + CLOSING CONFERENCE
 
Consult the map

Maps

You can use .kml files on maps.me to plan your walk, to find your position on the trail and follow your route.
Steps to rpcoeed: 
  • Download Maps.me for free from Android or IOS stores; make sure the app on your device is the latest version;
  • After downloading the app, select the country and region where you will walk and download the map – in a zip-format (you will only need an internet connection for these first two steps, after which you will be able to use the app offline);
  • To open the .kml file, click on it and select maps.me from the ‘open with’ options and upload your file to the app;
  • The route you have uploaded will then appear in maps.me marked with a different color.

Tips for Hiking: Learn & Prepare

These materials were prepared and shared by our experts during workshops, where we talked about everything from preparing for a hike to staying healthy along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, you’ll find helpful tips on equipment, physical preparation, and how to best enjoy your adventure along the cultural routes!

Physical Preparation for HIKE

Safety During HIKE

Organizátor: EKSCM

EKSCM (Evropská kulturní stezka sv. Cyrila a Metoděje) organizuje komentované túry podél Cyrilometodějské stezky od roku 2013, implementuje projekty od místní až po mezinárodní úroveň. V roce 2019 projekt Interreg zvýšil atraktivitu trasy a představil čtyři sezónní poutě. Tato iniciativa zahrnovala mapování trasy, poutnické pasy a dokumentární film, který se česky jmenuje Pěšky bez hranic. V letech 2022–2023 se EKSCM podílela na projektech financovaných EU, které podporovaly kulturní vzdělávání a přeshraniční spolupráci, organizovala školní workshopy a podporovala partnerství mezi českými a norskými subjekty s cílem sdílet dobré praxe ve vývoji poutních tras. Každoročně EKSCM a Ultreia CZ organizují vícedenní túry na Cyrilometodějské stezce, včetně účastníků s handicapem.