My home country’s highest point Sněžka is one of the most visited mountains in the world. Thanks to the beauty of the Krkonoše mountain range and its relative easy accessibility from both the Czech Republic and Poland, it’s a very popular place to visit. With its height of 1603 m Sněžka doesn’t belong to the highest mountains in Europe at all but you can still experience extreme mountain conditions there, especially in winter. This article will give you all important information you need before your visit including practical information, a map and my personal experience.
Important information for climbing Sněžka
Short description of the ascent from Pec pod Sněžkou: Easy hike Essential equipment: Standard hiking gear Best time to visit: All year round Fees or restrictions: No Camping allowed: No Nearest accommodation/food supply: Food available on the top in the post office "Poštovna"; nearest accommodation at Dom Śląski or at Luční Bouda (further but nicer, recommended) Height of the peak: 1603 m Hiking distance from Pec pod Sněžkou: 6.1 km (one way) Time to ascend to Sněžka: 1,5-3,5 hours up, 1,5-3 hours back Elevation climbed: 835 m Water availability on the mountain: Many huts (Dom Śląski, Luční Bouda, Růžohorky) on the way Difficulty level: ** (6 stars maximum) Personal rating of the mountain: *** (6 stars maximum) Beer on the peak: Sněžka 16,03 (IPA) ***** (6 stars maximum)
What is the best route to Sněžka?
There are multiple routes to Sněžka. All of them offer are well marked and aren’t technically demanding. You’ll find the difference in distance and elevation meters. Here is the list of the most famous routes to the top:
- From Pec pod Sněžkou: This is the most popular start of hikes to Sněžka from Czechia. There are two trails going up. The blue trail takes you through the beautiful Obří důl valley, passing by the Slaski Dom mountain hut. From there, it ascends steeply to the summit of Sněžka. Alternatively, you can take a green trail to Růžohorky hut and from there the yellow trail to the top. Both of these trails have similar difficulty level and can be well combined on the way up and down to have different views. Take a look at a map of the round trip here.
- From Špindlerův mlýn: Starting in the popular tourist destination of Špindlerův mlýn, this route follows the red trail up to Luční Bouda where you can taste a beer from the highest brewery in the Czech Republic. From there, the trail ascends towards Sněžka via the blue and the final red trail. This route is longer but offers a more diverse landscape and is less crowded than the Pec pod Sněžkou route. Check out a map here.
- From Horní Malá Úpa: This route starts in the charming village of Horní Malá Úpa. The red trail goes through the forest, passes a hut called Jelenka and the final part offers wonderful views since it passes the forest line. This route is less frequented, providing a quieter and more secluded hiking experience. Here is a map of this route.
- From Karpacz (Poland): This route begins in the picturesque town of Karpacz in Poland. The most popular yellow trail leads through the valley Dolina Lomniczki and waterfall Lomniczki up to Slaski Dom mountain hut. From there, it follows the same red trail like on the way from the Czech village Pec pod Sněžkou (option 1 described above). Take a look at a map of this route here.
All the above mentioned routes can be combined if you use public transport. You can use public transport to all the starting points and make an interesting ridge crossing which is popular among Czech and Polish hikers.
Map of the best route to Sněžka
My story of climbing the highest mountain of Czech Republic – Sněžka
I hiked Sněžka as a part of my project European Peaks during which I climbed the highest peak of every European country. I started the journey in the capital city Prague and the journey took around 3 hours by car to the starting point of the hike Pec pod Sněžkou. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was correct this time. It was cloudy, later foggy and it was even raining cats and dogs during our last 3 km. The first big rain of my expedition had to come sooner or later.
Beer is a part of Czech culture
Good that we didn’t care much because there are many cosy huts in Krkonoše and most of them have their own breweries so there are plenty opportunities to warm up and get some energy.
If you decide to visit Krkonoše and have more time you can actually do the whole “Krkonošská pivní stezka” – the walk with a visit of all ten breweries and become a proud Czech (I guess you know the Czechs drink most beer per capita). The Czech cuisine will warm you up for sure too. We decided to taste local blueberry dumplings at Luční Bouda chalet. We also slept there with hope for better weather for sunrise.
15 minutes of luck
We woke up very early in the morning to catch a gap in the bad weather which was supposed to come according to the forecast. Unfortunately, the forecast was wrong this time and it was still foggy when we woke up. We decided to go up to Sněžka anyway. Maybe, the good weather will come later. And really. When we got up to the top the clouds just disappeared and we could enjoy 15 minutes of an amazing view over both Polish and Czech lowlands.
The clouds came back soon though and it became cold. We decided to get back to our car in the valley. Just before leaving we also checked out the local post office and we got lucky. It was just about to open. Besides sending postcards you can also order a hot drink or buy some souvenir.
Staring into fog at Sněžka
Personally, I couldn’t resist buying a ticket to the viewing platform from the post office’s roof despite the bad weather and I am happy I did that. I think I made the local seller’s day. When I got back she was still laughing out loud. Is it weird to buy a ticket for an observation tower with a view of fog?
Despite not having perfect weather, I am happy to visit our highest peak. Even though it is not as high compared to other European Peaks the national park around is beautiful and I am glad to taste many interesting beers on the way.
After Sněžka I came home for two days to rest before a tough climb in Slovakia and look: Isn’t my city beautiful? Don’t miss Olomouc if you ever visit the Czech Republic.
My tips for Sněžka
- Learn to say “Ahoj”. A greeting which you will hear often from other (Czech) tourists when hiking in Czech mountains.
- Participate in “Krkonošská pivní stezka” – Krkonoše’s brewery walk and try many interesting beers on the way.
- Send a postcard to your relatives from the highest point of the Czech Republic. It is the only EU Peak from which you can directly send a letter.