Czech Republic Archives - The Best Viewpoints

View at Snezka, highest mountain of Czechia

December 25, 2024 • 0 Comment

Practical guide to reach the highest point of Czechia Snezka

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 much 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.
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 of this route.
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 the 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.

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.

Early start of a hike to Sněžka from Luční bouda — *Early start of the hike to Sněžka from Luční bouda*

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.

Czech beer Paroháč — *Tasting Czech beer culture is possible even in the mountains; camera Nikon D750; lens Sigma 35mm, f/1.4; 2times Exposure Bracketing*

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.

Typical Czech mountain food - Blueberry dumplings — *Typical Czech mountain food – Blueberry dumplings; iPhone X; Single Exposure*

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.

Selife from the top of Snezka in sunny weather — *15 minutes of sun on Sněžka; GoPro 6; Single Exposure*

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?

Selfie from the top of Snezka in clouds — *Amazing view from the post office; GoPro 6; Single Exposure*

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.

Aerial picture of Olomouc city — *Olomouc captured from a helicopter; Nikon D5100; kit lens 18-55mm; single exposure*

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.
Visit hut Luční Bouda with the highest situated brewery in the hole country

September 8, 2024 • 0 Comment

The best Czech winter adventures

Winter is beautiful in the Czech Republic… if you have snow. Unfortunately, global warming makes snow more and more rare so my tips will guide you to mountains rather than to cities in lowland. If you are looking for fairy tale snowy cities like on the picture below you will likely be disappointed. For your information, Prague usually only has snow for a few days every winter. Instead, my tips will guide you to the mountains. Czech mountains are beautiful in winter and there is a snow guarantee!

During 2021-2022 I visited the highest 16 mountain ranges of Czech Republic both in summer and winter including their highest peaks and it was amazing! My trips brought so many stories, experiences and pictures that I even published a book Crown of Czech Republic describing all the Czech mountain ranges with a peak above 1000m. You can find the list at the end of the article.

Unfortunately, the book is available only in Czech language but I have something better for you – a thorough selection of the best Czech adventures and experiences 🙂 Today, we’ll start with winter activities. You will be surprised how much you can enjoy Czech winter. Below you can find a list of the best winter adventures.

Wonderful Prague under snow — *Snowy Prague looks like from a fairy tale*

Witness Czech winter at mountain ridges after a snowstorm

Winter can be rough in Czech mountains during snow storms but the toughest conditions create the most beautiful scenery. Visit Czech mountain ridges some time after a heavy snowfall and you will be amazed. Rocks, bushes and trees or cottages covered in frost and freshly blown snow look wonderful. Where will you find the best views? Visit Jeseníky or Krkonoše because their highest ridges lie above the tree line and that brings the best viewpoints.

*Sunset at Krkonoše in winter after snow storm*

Spend a night at one of the mountains of the Crown of the Czech Republic

Some peaks offer comfortable huts, other ones cosy shelters where you can spend a night on your own if you have a warm sleeping bag. You can also try bivouacing. It became very popular in Czech Republic during last years so you can find sleepers even on the highest mountain of the country – Sněžka.

Which ones do I recommend to you? You will find the best accommodation with wonderful views on Ještěd and Lysá hora. I found very cosy shelters in Jizerské hory (Smrk) and Deštné hory (Velké Deštná) and I tried a bivouac on Králický Sněžník. All these adventures weren’t only fun, they also rewarded me with unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

The most spectacular building of all Czech mountains - Ještěd during sunset — *The most spectacular building of all Czech mountains – Ještěd*

Try snowshoe hiking in remote Czech mountains

I will never forget the beauty of a quiet winter night when I hiked on snowshoes in Hanušovická vrchovina from the highest point Jeřáb back to civilization. It was very cold but the windless evening was beautiful. There were no other people around so I could fully enjoy the sounds of crunching snow below me. Kamenec (Novohradské hory), Vysoká (Hostýnsko-vsetínská hornatina) or Smrk (Rychlebské hory) are other mountains of the Crown of Czech Republic which are not frequently visited but offer an amazing snoshoe experience. All of the starting points are comfortably accessible by car.

Sign up for one of many cross country skiing races

If you prefer spending time in the mountains with people, participate in a cross country skiing race instead. There you will experience an amazing atmosphere. Finishing a cross-country race with a long tradition is an experience for a lifetime. Similar to Vasaloppet in Sweden, the Czech Republic has the 50 km long race Jizerská 50. An amazing atmosphere is guaranteed. Music at the start and at the finish, cheering locals around the track and the squirell Jizerka at the finish will make your experience unforgettable. Besides this race, you can find many others around the country. For more information take a look at other competitions here.

Tour skiing in the Czech Republic is getting more and more popular

Try the new trending winter sport. Ski touring is becoming very popular in the Czech Republic and I understand why. Climbing up on skis is a great experience as well as a good workout and you are rewarded both by beautiful views and downhills. So much better and also faster than summer hiking!

The highest point of Šumava - Plechý covered with snow during sunset — *I visited the highest point of Šumava – Plechý on skis and it was one of the best experiences of my trip*

Downhill skiing in the Czech Republic

Let’s finish the summary with the most popular winter sport among Czechs. Downhill skiing has been the most favourite winter activity in every corner of the country and there are many options to choose from. You can find the largest and best ski resort in the east of the country at Krušné hory at Klínovec skiareál. I just recommend to avoid skiing there during weekends as it gets many visitors and queues are likely.

Skiareál Klínovec from drone — *The top of Skiareál Klínovec offer wonderful views*

Which activity and which Czech mountain will you choose?

Did you find a winter activity you would like to try? Before you head to the mountains, please just make sure to be safe. There are more and more injuries every year. Underestimating weather conditions or equipment can cause fatalities.

Finally, here is the list of all Czech mountain ranges above 1000m including their highest peaks.

List of the highest Czech mountain ranges

Krkonoše – Sněžka – 1603 m
Hrubý Jeseník – Praděd – 1491 m
Králický Sněžník – Králický Sněžník – 1423 m
Šumava – Plechý – 1378 m
Moravskoslezské Beskydy – Lysá hora – 1324 m
Krušné hory – Klínovec – 1244 m
Rychlebské hory – Smrk – 1127 m
Jizerské hory – Smrk – 1124 m
Orlické hory – Velká Deštná – 1116 m
Šumavské podhůří – Libín – 1094 m
Novohradské hory – Kamenec – 1073 m
Český les – Čerchov – 1041 m
Hostýnsko-vsetínská hornatina – Vysoká – 1024 m
Javorníky Malý – Javorník – 1019 m
Ještědsko-kozákovský hřbet – Ještěd – 1012 m
Hanušovická vrchovina – Jeřáb – 1003 m

October 12, 2020 • 0 Comment

European Peaks – My book is published!

My dreams came true! In 2019 I completed my expedition European Peaks and I can happily say now that my book about the unforgettable journey has been published! It is now available in bookstores all over the Czech Republic. UPDATE: The first edition of the book has been sold out and you can find the updated and extended edition in the stores.

It isn’t an easy job to write a book. It took a similarly long time as the expedition itself but I am very proud of the outcome. Take a look at the cover.

What can you find in the book?

My book is kind of a hybrid. It serves both as a guide and also tells my own stories and experiences from the mountains. At the beginning of each chapter you can find practical information about the highest peak of every European country including a map and the chapters continue with my personal stories and of course my photographs.

The overall storyline tells that I start as a relative beginner climber and I learn on the way. The stories are accompanied by interviews with world famous climbers (Renata Chlumská – the first Swedish women to reach Seven Summits, Adam Ondra – professional rock climber, Radek Jaroš – climber who summited all the 8000m mountains) who will give the readers tips how to safely climb mountains.

Last and not least, you will find a lot of fun facts from every European country, not only mountains. Europe is so manifold. Did you know for instance that Sweden’s highest point changed last year because the previous highest one melted?

If you can read Czech, take a look at the book’s website for more information. For others, I have a short movie

Check out summary of the expedition in this short film

My book in other languages

My goal for 2024 is to publish my book in English and other languages. I prepared the cover of the English version as well as an example chapter. You can find them both of them below.

Here you can download the example chapter KebnekaiseDownload

Details of the book

Genre: Travel monograph
Number of pages: 304
Book dimensions: 210 × 247 mm
Release Date: May 28, 2020
Binding: Bound with laminated cover

Pictures from the book release

Baptism of Koruna Evropy book. From left actor Jan Révai, writer Ladislav Zibura, Jarda Zaoral and moderator Michal Kurtiš — Czech tradition: Baptism of the book. From left actor Jan Révai, writer Ladislav Zibura, me and moderator Michal Kurtiš

Book presentation and discussion about travelling 1 — Presentation of the book and discussion about travelling

Book presentation and discussion about travelling 2

March 30, 2020 • 0 Comment

I wrote a book!

I have taken a long break from writing on my blog. Sorry you had to wait a long time for a new article but I had, hopefully, an understandable reason. I wrote a book! In October 2019 I got an amazing opportunity to publish my mountain adventures via one of the largest book publishers in the Czech Republic – Albatros Media. During the last six months I have been working hard to fulfill my dream. I always wanted to become a writer and here is the result – Koruna Evropy (The Crown of Europe).

If you understand Czech you can look forward to 304 pages of exciting stories. There will be stories from every country of Europe and its highest mountains. It will be full of beautiful pictures and illustrations, interesting statistics and interviews with world class climbers and travelers. You can also look forward to fun facts and my humor 🙂

If you don’t speak Czech, don’t worry. My goal is also to publish the book in English. In the meantime I will work on this blog so you will be able to read my shortened stories here.

*Here is the book cover! How do you like it?*

When will the book be published?

We have a final date now. The book will be published on 28th May 2020 and it will be available in the majority of bookstores across Czech Republic. I am creating a Czech website for the book. You will get information very soon.

How will it be published?

I planned a big book release on the fair Svět knihy in Prague with a subsequent presentation and party but the circumstances changed. The safety is important these days so it will most likely just be released via a modest live video via social channels. Time will tell what will be possible.