4 Autumn Tips in the Czech Mountains

Krkonoše Mountains: Obří Důl valley, waterfalls and the tallest Czech peak

The Krkonoše Mountains form one of the most popular mountain ranges in the Czech Republic. Roughly an hour and a half north-east of Prague by car, you will find yourself in the mountain range home to the tallest Czech mountain, Sněžka (1,603 m). In good weather, the mountain offers wonderful views of a wide surrounding area. You can set off for the summit from the town of Špindlerův mlýn, 10 kilometres away, or shorten the journey by taking the cable car from Pec pod Sněžkou. When visiting Sněžka, be sure not to miss Obří důl, a monumental mountain valley and one of the most beautiful in the entire Krkonoše Mountains. The Elbe River rises in the Krkonoše Mountains, and its source is among the most popular tourist sites in the region. An ideal starting point is Špindlerův mlýn, from where you can follow the blue trail almost all the way to the source. The site is nevertheless only symbolic. The real spring is located several dozen metres away, in a protected area which is not accessible to the public. However, the waterfalls of the Krkonoše Mountains are decidedly genuine. One of the most well-known is Pančavský Waterfall which, at 148 metres tall, is the highest in the Czech Republic. Mumlavský Waterfall near Harrachov is another of the country’s mightiest waterfalls, making it the most popular waterfall among tourists. A new attraction this season is the Treetop Walkway, with a 45-metre viewing tower, which rises up on the outskirts of Janské Lázně in the foothills of Černá hora. When roaming the Krkonoše Mountains, always be on your best behaviour. You see, the mountains are protected by the fabled mountain spirit Krakonoš, who teases wayfarers, protects the poor and, if in a foul mood, sends bad weather.

Bohemian Switzerland: home to Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch

Bohemian Switzerland is one of four national parks in the Czech Republic, and is well worth a visit. After all, it lies only 90 minutes north of Prague and will reward you with one of the largest natural rock arches in Europe! At 26.5 m wide and 16 metres high, Pravčická brána (Pravčice Sandstone Gate) is truly remarkable. In autumn colours, it is even more beautiful. Although you cannot climb onto its summit today, you can savour the beauty of Pravčické brána from several nearby look-out points or the adjacent Sokolí hnízdo (Falcon’s Nest) chateau, built here in 1881. It is as though Bohemian Switzerland was made for autumn strolls, during which you can discover a stunning rock town. While you wander, do not miss three look-out points – Mariina vyhlídka, Vilemínina stěna and Rudolfův kámen, which will reward you with breathtaking views of the landscape.

Šumava: from a primeval forest to glacial lakes

Two-hour’s drive south of Prague the most visited Czech mountain range begins to spreads out – Šumava. As well the source of the Czech Republic’s longest river – the Vltava – you will also find such places as Boubín Forest, where you will find trees of up to 500 years old! A particular delight of the Šumava region are natural glacial lakes, which are located around 1,000 m above sea level. It is certainly worth visiting Černé jezero (Black Lake), which boasts the title of the largest lake in the country, and Čertovo jezero (Devil’s Lake). Outstanding beauty and a stunning atmosphere are also offered by another “body of water” – Chalupská Moor, one of the most photographed places in Šumava. If you love beautiful landscapes, you should certainly make a trip to Pollinic. Although its 1,315 metre height makes it “only” the 15th highest peak in the Bohemian part of Šumava, the view from its look-out tower will take your breath away. However be advised, the look-out tower is only open until the end of October! Other points of interest in Šumava are its visitor centres, which allow encounters with wild animals practically face-to-face. You can, therefore, take in a deer observation site in Kvilda or a wolf observation site in Srní.

Beskid Mountains: visit the home of a feared god

While the Beskid Mountains are a four-hour drive from Prague, from Brno it is only two. Even a trip to the eastern edge of the country is worth the effort. If you only have time for one trip here, then you should definitely take the chairlift to Pustevny. Pustevny is named after hermits who lived here until 1874. The typical wooden buildings built here in the folk style in the late 19th century will certainly catch your eye. From Pustevny, you can take a walk along the blue trail, and past the statue of the feared Slavic god of fertility and plenty Radegast you will reach the summit of Radhošť in about an hour. According to legend, this was the home of Radegast and today, in addition to magnificent views, you can also admire the view of the Chapel of St. Cyril and Methodius built between 1896 and 1898. With a little luck you will also spot a lynx or wolves on your travels around the Beskid Mountains.