Mapy: What is it and how the European alternative to Google Maps works

In a world where Google Maps dominates the navigation space, a new challenger is making global moves. Mapy, a Czech-born app with 25 years of local experience, is now stepping into the international arena. After years of being a regional solution, it’s positioning itself as a promising European alternative for mapping, navigation, and travel planning.

What is Mapy and how it works

Mapy started in 1998 in the Czech Republic as a local navigation tool, originally designed for drivers. Over time, and especially after its acquisition by Czech tech company Seznam.cz, the platform expanded in features and accuracy. In 2025, it took a major leap by launching its international version, changing its domain to mapy.com and offering multilingual support including Spanish and English.

Mapy now includes global road maps, hiking and biking routes, public services info, weather updates, and more. A key difference from Google Maps is its strong focus on outdoor activities and non-car travel, ideal for those looking to explore nature or plan detailed cycling trips. While the app uses its own data in the Czech Republic, it relies on OpenStreetMap for global coverage, offering various map layers such as aerial photos and winter maps.

Users can access Mapy via its website or mobile apps, with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, coverage and detail vary by country. In places like Spain, some business data may be outdated, and traffic updates are limited to certain regions like Germany and Austria.

Mapy offers both a free version and a €19/year premium plan that unlocks offline maps, sports route planning, and speed tracking, aiming to attract active users looking for an alternative to tech giants.