Indian Summer in the Czech Mountains

Krkonoše

Rocky summits, glacial gorges, valleys full of forests and boulders, maintained hiking and cycling trails, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and above all, great views – you can find all of that in the highest Czech mountain range, Krkonoše. Do not miss a trip to the highest Czech peak Sněžka (1,603 m). If you are not so keen on climbing up the hill, you can catch a ride on the chairlift, which will take you from the valley of Obří důl in Pec pod Sněžkou to a transfer station at the smaller peak of Růžová hora, where you can choose to continue riding up the peak of Sněžka, or finish the last leg on foot. When up there, walk to the source of the Labe—or Elbe—River, the Pančavský and Labský waterfalls on the hillside of Labský důl, or the Mumlavský waterfall near Harrachov.

Krušné hory

The Krušné Mountains in West Bohemia, with their rolling hills, deep woods, and extended meadows, have an unmistakable character. Hiking and cycling excursions along remote plateaus can be planned to include visits of interesting technical sites, castles and chateaus, or spa resorts. You should definitely visit the highest peak of the Krušné Mountains, Klínovec, where you can climb up the 24-metre lookout tower and see the hotel. Unfortunately the hotel is no longer operational, but together with the tower, they are the oldest and highest buildings in the Krušné Mountains. The mountains are also unique for their technical sites that remind us of the old iron mining traditions and the more modern coal mining history. You can have a look inside the mine shafts where silver and tin used to be extracted at Starý Martin in Krupka and Lehnschafter in Mikulov near Teplice.

Šumava

Sweet-smelling forests and meadows, mysterious bogs, glacial lakes, and horizons full of mountains and hills – that is Šumava in South Bohemia. Similar to the Krušné Mountains, there are technical sites here as well. Some of the most rare of these are two manmade shipping canals for sorting and transporting wood cut in hard-to-reach Šumava forests – the Schwarzenberg and Vchynicko-tetovský canals. However, Šumava mostly offers the beauties of nature. A stroll to the spring of the Vltava, to the famous glacial lakes – Černé and Čertovo – or to Jezerní slať will definitely thrill you. Also, climb up the Poledník Mountain with its lookout tower and beautiful 360° view. One of the most beautiful trails through Šumava’s nature is the Povydří educational trail, which leads from Antýgl to Čeňkova Pila. Or you can take your family to the popular recreational area at the Lipno dam where you can visit the unique treetop walk with a chute slide and a rope climbing centre.

Jeseníky

In Jeseníky, like in any other Czech mountains, you can find a mix of a mountain paradise with technical sites. Of all the many beauties of nature, you should visit the highest mountain in Moravia, which is also the highest peak of Hrubý and Nízký Jeseník – Praděd (1,492 m). Don’t get put off by the rough climate – where the average annual temperature does not exceed 1°C – the views of the surrounding countryside are a great reward for climbing to the top. Also, don’t miss the Bílá Opava educational trail, which is one of the most frequently visited and also most beautiful trails in the whole country. In addition to charming nature, you can also enjoy the views of several waterfalls. Moreover, there are some foot bridges and ladders along the trail. As for technical sites, you should definitely visit the paper mill in Velké Losiny, where handmade paper has been made for more than 400 years. The pumped-storage hydroelectric plant at Dlouhé stráně is also a popular tourist destination, namely the top of the dam at an elevation of 1,350 m, making it one of the 7 Czech wonders.