Martin Svoboda
Senior Travel & Nature Correspondent
starguncel s.r.o.
Sixteen Years Walking Czech Landscapes
I've spent over 16 years documenting accessible nature destinations across Central Europe, and most of that time has been in the Czech Republic. My work isn't about conquering mountains or pushing physical limits — it's about helping people discover that age doesn't have to mean sitting on the sidelines. Whether it's a gentle stroll through Stromovka's tree-lined paths in Prague or a carefully mapped route through Podyjí National Park's valleys, I've personally walked hundreds of kilometers to understand what actually works for visitors with varying mobility levels.
What drives this work is simple: too many people assume they can't explore nature once they hit a certain age. That's not true. With the right information, the right routes, and the right planning, the outdoors belongs to everyone. At starguncel s.r.o., I help create guides and resources that make that exploration possible — not just for seniors, but for anyone who wants to experience Czech nature at their own pace.
Journey in Accessible Travel
Tourism Management Education
Completed my degree at Charles University in Prague in 2008, focusing on sustainable tourism and accessibility in outdoor recreation. This foundation shaped everything that came after — understanding how tourism can work for everyone, not just the youngest and most able-bodied visitors.
Regional Guide with Czech Tourist Board
From 2008 to 2013, I worked directly with the Czech Tourist Board as a regional guide, leading groups through Prague's parks and surrounding protected areas. Those five years taught me what works in practice — not just in theory. I learned how to read terrain, assess accessibility, and adapt routes on the fly when someone needed a different pace.
Travel Writer & Destination Specialist
Since 2013, I've been writing and researching for travel publications, building expertise in age-inclusive outdoor recreation. I've personally assessed hundreds of kilometers of trails in Podyjí National Park, conducted extensive research on Prague's urban parks including Stromovka and Letná, and collaborated with botanical gardens in Olomouc to evaluate accessibility features and create detailed visitor guides.
Editorial Leadership at starguncel
Currently, I lead editorial development for comprehensive destination guides specifically tailored to active seniors. This role brings together everything I've learned — the field experience, the writing skills, the deep knowledge of Czech landscapes — to create resources that actually help people get outside and enjoy nature on their own terms.
What I Focus On
Urban Green Spaces for Seniors
Prague's parks like Stromovka and Letná aren't just beautiful — they're incredibly accessible if you know the right routes. I've documented paved pathways, rest areas, facilities, and the actual time it takes to walk different sections. My guides focus on what seniors actually need: shade, water fountains, benches placed at regular intervals, and routes that don't require scrambling over uneven terrain.
National Park Accessibility
Podyjí National Park is stunning, but many visitors assume it's only for experienced hikers. That's wrong. I've mapped out valley routes that deliver incredible scenery without requiring extreme fitness or technical ability. The key is knowing which trails work, how long they actually take, where you can rest, and what the ground conditions are really like. That's what my research provides.
Botanical Gardens & Horticultural Spaces
Olomouc's botanical gardens are underrated destinations for seniors. Walking through curated plant collections at a relaxed pace is genuinely therapeutic. I work with these facilities to evaluate accessibility, identify the most interesting routes for different interests (medicinal plants, seasonal blooms, quiet spots), and provide detailed information about facilities and visiting conditions.
Age-Inclusive Travel Writing
Every article and guide I write approaches the topic from a specific angle: what does this destination actually offer for people over 60 or 70? What are the real logistics? What should you bring? How long will it actually take? I don't write generic travel content — I write with specific visitors in mind, which means providing the practical details that matter most.
Destinations I Know Inside Out
Years of on-the-ground research and personal walking experience
Prague Urban Parks
Stromovka and Letná are two of Prague's most senior-friendly parks, and I've documented them extensively. Stromovka offers flat, well-maintained paths through forest and meadow. Letná has incredible views from manageable routes without steep climbs. I've walked every major pathway, noted rest areas, identified the quietest times, and mapped out routes for different energy levels and interests.
Protected Areas & National Parks
Podyjí National Park's valleys are accessible in ways many people don't realize. The river routes follow relatively level terrain with stunning views. I've personally walked the main accessible trails multiple times in different seasons to understand conditions, timing, and what you actually need to bring. My guides include real distances, elevation changes, and difficulty assessments.
Botanical Gardens & Green Spaces
Olomouc's botanical gardens represent a different kind of nature experience — one that's specifically designed for contemplative walking and botanical interest. I've worked with garden staff to understand plant collections, identify the most accessible and interesting routes, and evaluate facilities. These spaces offer something unique for seniors seeking nature without wilderness hiking.
Accessibility Assessment & Route Design
I evaluate destinations through a specific lens: ground surface conditions, elevation changes, shade availability, rest areas, water access, and facilities. This isn't generic accessibility information — it's detailed assessment of what actually works for visitors with varying mobility levels, energy limitations, and physical needs. I walk routes multiple times to get the details right.
Professional Background
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management, Charles University Prague (2008)
Experience
16 years in accessible travel and nature tourism across Central Europe
Field Work
Hundreds of kilometers of trail assessment and accessibility research
Current Role
Senior Editorial Lead, starguncel s.r.o.
Guides & Articles
Detailed destination guides for seniors exploring Czech nature
Stromovka Park: Prague's Gentlest Urban Walk
Complete guide to Prague's most accessible urban park. Paved paths, forest routes, rest areas, and routes for different energy levels.
Read the GuideLetná Park: Views Without the Climb
How to experience Letná's incredible Prague views without steep hiking. Accessible routes, timing, and what to bring.
Read the GuidePodyjí National Park: Accessible Valley Routes
Detailed guide to the park's accessible river valley routes. Real distances, difficulty assessments, and seasonal conditions.
Read the GuideOlomouc Botanical Gardens: Walking at Your Rhythm
Explore Olomouc's beautiful botanical gardens designed for contemplative walking. Plant collections, routes, and visiting information.
Read the GuideWhy This Work Matters
Age shouldn't limit anyone's ability to experience nature. That's not a nice idea — it's the core principle behind everything I do. Too many people assume they're "too old" to explore parks, hike trails, or visit natural areas. They've internalized this narrative that nature is for the young and fit. It's not. Nature is for everyone.
What's needed isn't sympathy or special treatment. It's practical information. Know that this trail is paved and level. Understand that this route takes 45 minutes, not 2 hours. Learn where the rest areas are, where you can get water, what the ground conditions actually are. With that information, seniors make their own decisions about what they can enjoy.
I've watched 70-year-olds walk through Stromovka with genuine joy. I've seen people in their 80s navigate Podyjí's valley routes and feel genuinely proud of themselves. These moments matter. Nature access isn't a luxury — it's part of what makes life worth living. My work is about removing the barriers of uncertainty and misinformation that keep people from trying.
Ready to Explore?
Start with one of the destination guides above, or browse all resources for seniors exploring Czech nature.