Overview
The Giant Mountains, or Krkonose, are not exactly ‘giant’ as their highest peak Snejka, which is also the highest point in the Czech Republic, has an elevation of only 1,603m. But do not be misled by this – our Krkonose: Giant Mountains of Czechia walking holiday offers great hiking opportunities in the heart of Old Europe, only 150km from Prague, beautiful alpine meadows, bare stone ridges, picturesque waterfalls and fairy-tale villages. And maybe you will have a chance to meet the mischievous but friendly guardian goblin Krkonos (Rubezahl) himself!
- Jánské Lázně spa town
- Černá hora mountain
- Sněžka – highest Czechia peak
- The spring of Labe
- Špindlerův Mlýn town
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Prague – Janské Lázně
Upon arrival at the international Václav Havel Airport in Prague, you can use the city public transport to get to the central bus station and take a coach from there to Janské Lázně (not included). Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer with us.
If you arrive during the day you will have time to explore the picturesque spa town of Janske Lazne. This quiet town with extraordinary history is located at the foot of Černá hora (The Black Mountain, 1,299m above sea level). The town is connected to the top of the mountain by a cable railway. Or you can opt for a circular skywalk in the nearby forest.
- Accommodation: Luční dům or similar
Day 2: Černá Hora | 10km
Walk to Černá Hora hilltop, or take the cable car. There is a viewpoint on a former cable car mast, which offers spectacular views over the Krkonose. Descend to Pec pod Sněžkou.
- Accommodation: Hořec pod Sněžkou or similar
- Walking for the day: 10km (4h, ↑100m) if using the cable car; 14km (6h, ↑700m) if walking to the hilltop
Day 3: Sněžka Peak (1,603m) | 11km
Today you are get to Chezhia’s highest peak (1,603m). As on Day 2, you can either walk to the peak, or take the cable car to the top and then walk down to your next destination. Following the Polish border, walk to Luční Bouda, where you can have a refreshment. After a short rest, descend to Špindlerův Mlýn.
- Accommodation: Hořec pod Sněžkou or similar
- Walking for the day: 11km (4h, ↑300m) if using the cable car; 16km (6-7h, ↑1,150m) if walking to the peak
Day 4: Zlaté Návrší and Labe (Elbe) Source | 14km
Take the cable car to Medvědín hill. Then walk to Vrbata hill, pass by Harrachovy Kameny rock. Enjoy the views from Ambrožova viewpoint and reach the Labe (Elbe) springs ). Then walk to Mužské kameny rocks and reach Špindlerova bouda. Then take the local bus to return to Špindlerův Mlýn.
- Accommodation: Hořec pod Sněžkou or similar
- Walking for the day: 14km (4-5h, ↑800m)
Day 5: Rokytnice nad Jizerou | 20km
Walk to Labský důl, then reach Dvoračky hut. From there descend to the resort town of Rokytnice nad Jizerou.
- Accommodation: Krakonos or similar
- Walking for the day: 20km (6-7h, ↑800m)
Day 6: Departure
Departure to Prague during the day according to the bus schedule (not included). Private transfer is also available upon request and at additional charge.
You will have the opportunity to get to know Prague in person: the City of a Hundred Spires, a UNESCO monument, and one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Take advantage of one of the many free walking tours offered in Prague, or explore the city on your own – the choice is yours. You can book an extra night in a 3 or 4-star hotel in Prague.
What to expect
Accommodation
3-star and 4-star hotels, as indicated in the itinerary. All places have been carefully handpicked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have tried to choose accommodation that offers friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour. All hotels offer wireless Internet connection.
Click to view default hotels
- 3-star hotel in Janské Lázně (Luční dům or similar)
- 3-star hotel in Pec pod Sněžkou (Hořec pod Sněžkou or similar)
- 3-star hotel in Špindlerův Mlýn (Start or similar)
- 3-star hotel in Rokytnice nad Jizerou (Krakonos or similar)
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included. When no restaurant location is available en route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your hotel or from restaurants and taverns in the village nearby.
Difficulty and terrain
Appropriate for regular walkers. Requires a reasonable level of fitness. The trip covers an average of 15km (5-6h) of hiking per day, with a possibility of shorter walks (read more about our difficulty grades). You will walk mostly on paths and gravel roads. All trails are well-marked. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from May until October. Weather is best in June – September, and most stable in September. As July and August are the busiest months, it is preferable that you book a departure in this period as early as possible. Prague can become overcrowded in the summer months. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Prague.
By train or bus
Inclusions
Included
- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
- Accommodation for 5 nights in hand-picked 3 to 4 star hotels as listed in the itinerary
- 5 Breakfasts
- Daily luggage transport to next hotel of 1 bag of up to 25kg per person
- All baggage transfers as listed in itinerary24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Castles and museum entrance fees
- Cable car and local bus fares: 25-30 Euros pp total, due only if using the cable cars on walking days
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Private transfers from/to Prague airport or city
- Extra nights in Prague before or after the holiday
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