A Day Flowing with the Mountains
You wake up early for dawn on the ridges. You open the door of the mountain hut and step into the cold silence. The only sounds are the gurgling of water and the rustling of the wind. In a moment, the sun will rise over the horizon. It caresses the landscape with golden fingers and sparkles in the mountain streams. Such a morning is unforgettable. Breakfast at the hut gives you the last bit you need. You pack your backpack and set off.
Kilometers don't matter today. You stop at every viewpoint. You breathe deeply, as you haven't in a long time. With each breath comes calm. With each step, joy. You only monitor your pace to reach the hut while it’s still light. The mountains will test you. Just like the weather – even though you are prepared for it. The wind pushes against the ridges. The sky clouds over faster than you expect, and rain can come quietly without warning. The warmth of the hut will be all the more appreciated.
An Evening When You Return to Warmth
Your legs grow heavy, the views turn golden, and your strength wanes. Although you haven't rushed, the mountains are mountains – moving through their terrain takes its toll. The cold has settled in your fingertips, and you eagerly look for the smoke from the chimney of the mountain hut. Finally. You lean your backpack against the wall, letting your hiking boots air out. The soup tastes different than it does down below. The shower is more of a reward. The bed is more comfortable. And above your head – silence and stars.
This Journey is Not About Kilometers in Your Legs
It's an escape from busy days into the calm embrace of the mountains. You set the pace. We do not dictate a single route or the time you spend on the trail. We offer inspiration and various route options. Assemble the true Krkonoš according to your preferences.
Stage 1: From Žaclěr
Start in Žaclěr and head through the landscape that tourists often pass by. The pinnacle of the local nature's strength is the Dvorský forest, which has been untouched by humans for a long time. It grows wild and, in places, resembles a primeval forest. Around the Sněžné domky, you will reach the Rýchorská hut – it can be your first stop or just a lunch break.
Stage 2: Over Horní Malá Úpa
Malá Úpa is the highest village in the Krkonoš and has its unmistakable charm. Enjoy it perhaps with a glass of craft beer from the Trautenberk Brewery. And either stay there overnight or continue further.
Stage 3: To Sněžka and Across the Úpské Peat Bogs
Jelenka is a common starting point for watching the sunrise on Sněžka. You can indulge in this experience too. Or treat yourself to a peaceful breakfast. You will climb to Sněžka anyway – missing it while crossing the Krkonoš would be a mistake. The highest point of the Czech Republic and the peak of the Krkonoš tundra has a different face in autumn – calmer.
Stage 4: To Sněžné Pits and to the Source of the Elbe
This stage is one of the highlights of the journey. It will take you to places for which the Krkonoš are famous. You will stand at the Sněžné Pits and look into the 240-meter-deep cirques. Treat yourself to a visit to the Elbe Waterfall, the atypical Elbe Hut, and continue along the edge of the Elbe Valley to the Pančavský Waterfall. The mound of Hanč and Vrbaty is a place for reflection. Just like the Harrachovy Stones, it opens up views that you will take with you.
Stage 5: Western Krkonoš and Harrachov
From the source of the Elbe, you can continue in several directions. From the crossroads U Čtyř pánů, you can descend along the Mumlava quite briskly into Harrachov. However, you can also leisurely extend your route via the viewpoint from Kotelské Saddle, Dvoračky, and Ručičky to Čertova hora and back to Harrachov.
Crossing the Krkonoš in a Nutshell
- What do we offer? Up to 60 kilometers of mountain hiking
- How much time will I need? 2–4 days in the mountains
- Where to stay overnight? In mountain huts. We recommend booking in advance
- What should I not forget? Proper equipment. Autumn weather is unpredictable.
- Where can I find out more? Here.
