Chapter 1: Introduction to Mapy.cz

Have you ever relied on Google Maps or other local navigation tools? It’s time to forget those and explore the exceptional Czech maps instead!

Mapy.cz is an outstanding application for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, or simply discovering new places.

The Czech Republic has a reputation for producing high-quality maps, and I take pride in sharing this valuable resource with you. Initially, I assumed these maps were well-known globally, but I soon realized their limited promotion outside of Czech websites.

This app is not just for athletes and adventurers; it also features restaurants and accommodations linked to Booking.com for easy reservations. Additionally, you’ll find a wealth of information about bobsleigh tracks, ponds, castles, beaches, and hiking tips, all within a single app.

Mapy.cz is versatile and compatible with all mobile devices and computers, offering speed and accuracy. The best part? It’s completely free!

Section 1.1: User-Friendly Features

The app’s interface is intuitive, allowing you to select various modes from the top left corner. Personally, I find the outdoor and winter modes to be the most useful.

In these modes, you can see detailed contours, rivers, streams, elevation changes, forested areas, highways, and smaller roads. In my 15 years of using this app, I’ve never encountered any missing features.

The hiking trails are color-coded to reflect natural surroundings—Czech trails are typically marked in yellow, red, blue, and green, providing a vibrant hiking experience.

For cyclists, a dashed pink line indicates suitable routes, while winter maps reveal cross-country skiing trails (note that snowmobile tracks may not be shown).

Section 1.2: Planning Your Adventure

Navigating the app is straightforward. In the Outdoors mode, you’ll find recognizable symbols for points of interest, such as mountain peaks offering stunning views, water refill stations (non-potable!), and more.

Clicking on a peak or landmark provides you with essential information, including a photo and current weather conditions.

Creating a route is easy—simply select your starting point and destination, and the app will plot the best course for walking, biking, driving, or taking public transportation. It also displays the route length, estimated travel time, elevation changes, and current weather.

Additionally, you can save points of interest by clicking on them and using the "save" feature, which lets you organize them into folders based on your preferences.

Offline maps are another fantastic feature. You can download maps for areas with limited signal, allowing GPS functionality without needing data or Wi-Fi.

Chapter 2: Personal Experiences with Mapy.cz

Having utilized this app for over 15 years across various countries—including England, Sweden, and the Czech Republic—I can attest to its reliability. My friends have successfully used it in Asia and America as well.

Although I encountered one minor error during a trip to Finland, the app has generally provided accurate navigation, even on older devices.

The main drawback is its limited language support; currently, it offers Czech, English, German, Ukrainian, Polish, and Slovak. However, the app is user-friendly enough that minimal English knowledge is necessary.

This tool ensures that you won’t get lost as long as your phone remains charged!

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. If you found it helpful, I appreciate your support through claps and follows. Enjoy your outdoor adventures!

The first video titled "Is Mapy.cz The Best Hiking App? (and it's completely FREE!)" discusses the unique features and advantages of using Mapy.cz for outdoor activities.

The second video, "Mapy.cz Review Best GPS Navigation App?" provides an in-depth analysis of the app's capabilities and user experience.