Self guided 7 days trekking in the highest mountains of Czechia with overnights in traditional mountain chalets
During this individual trekking tour you will be crossing the highest mountain range of Czechia. The Giant Mountains are protected as a National Park and lie on the border to Poland.
During the crossing you will be able to enjoy amazing views over the mountains and valleys. One of the highlights is climbing up the highest peak of Czechia Sněžka (Snow mountain) with 1602 m. You can also visit the historical wooden church Wang on the Polish side of the Nationalpark in Karpacz.
Accommodation in mountain chalets is provided in private family or private more bedded rooms with their own facilities or shared bathrooms in the hallway. The starting point is easily accessible by car or by bus, there is also direct connection from Prague several times a day.
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Detailed map of the tour
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Špindlerův Mlýn – arrival
Špindlerův Mlýn is located at an altitude of around 700 m. It is one of the most beautiful towns in the Giant Mountains. After your arrival you can take a short walk through the town, past the beautiful houses and the many hotels.
You can breathe in the atmosphere of the mountain village and relax a bit.
- Overnight: Špindlerův Mlýn
Day 2: Špindlerův Mlýn to Dvoračky (1140 m)
Today the trek starts: on to the “Giants”. The first kilometers will be tough, because you have to climb considerably: you have to overcome a height difference of 700 meters. (Possible alternative: take the lift from Špindlerův Mlýn to Medvedin, so you can cover 500m difference in height in 15 minutes. You then partly walk a different route).
Once on the ridge you will soon be rewarded for climbing: the mountains offer you a beautiful view over the valley of the Elbe. When you reach the Vrbatova Bouda refuge, a legendary skier’s cabin from the early 20th century, you will see Kotel Mountain and large stones Harrachovy Kameny on your right. You descend a little further along the Kotel mountain until you arrive at your first overnight stay.
- Distance: 11 km
- Climbing: 705 m
- Descent: 286 m
- Overnight: Dvoračky mountain hotel (1140 m)
- interactive map
Day 3: from Dvoračky (1140 m) to Polish side of the Giant mountains – Szrenica mountain chalet (1362 m)
In the morning you can still enjoy the view of the town of Rokytnice, but soon the perspective changes and you look down on the winter sports resort of Harrachov. Ski jumping championships often take place here. You will also find a historic glass factory, a mini beer brewery and the waterfalls of the mountain river Mumlava, which you should not miss! After seeing the waterfalls you walk on to the ridge. Before you reach tonight’s overnight stop, you will pass the unusual looking rock formations Tvaroznik and Trzi Swinki (Three piglets).
- Distance: 7,6 km
- Climbing: 409 m
- Descent: 197 m
- Overnight: Szrenica mountain hut (1362 m) in the Polish part of the Giant Mountains National Park
- interactive map
Day 4: Szrenica mountain chalet (1362 m) to Moravská bouda (1220 m)
On the fourth day you walk the path of Czech – Polish friendship on the Czech – Polish border for almost all day. In the morning you have to climb out of the valley to the ridge and there you keep walking all day at about the same height. Poland shows its deep troughs and on the Czech side you can see many horizons.
You keep following the ridge at approximately the same height. In addition to beautiful views, you can also see the source of the river Labe (Elbe) today. This European river originates here on the mountain plain in the Giant Mountains, and flows into the North Sea more than 1,000 km away at Hamburg. When you arrive at today’s refuge, your luggage will already be here. So you can repack your backpack.
- Distance: 11,5 km
- Climbing: 424 m
- Descent: 547 m
- Overnight: Moravská bouda (1220m)
- interactive map
Day 5: To the Samotnia refuge (1200m) over the highest peak Sněžka (1602m)
From Moravská Bouda take the green route for 0.8 km to the crossing Pod Petrovkou II. From here you follow the red route over the ridge until you come across a junction with the blue route. You can take this blue route here towards Samotnia and descend to the mountain hut (10 km), or you can opt for an even more challenge: up and down Sněžka mountain.
In that case, keep following the red route to the top of Sněžka. Please note: the last part from Bývalá Obří Bouda is a very tough 1.5 km single climb. You return the same path on the red route for about 1,5 km to the signpost Karpacz and join narrow asphalt road leading to Karpacz. As soon as you reach Bialy Jar (1234 m), leave the asphalt road and follow the yellow marked path for about 1,2 km to mountain hut Samotnia.
- Distance: 16,3 km
- Climbing: 596 m
- Descent: 635 m
- Overnight: Samotnia mountain hut (1200m) on Polish side of the Giant mountains
- interactive map
Day 6: from Samotnia refuge (1200m) to Lucní bouda chalet (1410 m) or Výrovka (1356 m)
In the Polish Giant Mountains lies the unique wooden church Wang, which you can visit today. Services are held regularly in this Evangelical Lutheran church. From your overnight stay you descend past the church Wang through the woods to the Polish tourist mountain resort Karpacz. Later it will climb up again, but there is an alternative to take the lift (Wyciąg krzesełkowy Na Kopę). Overall distance incl. visit of Karpacz is 17,4 km.
Today you spend a lot of time in the green coniferous forests, only at the end of the route you get back on the bare ridge and the mountains open up before you. Tonight’s refuge is also on a large plain, which means that you can enjoy a beautiful view.
The route described above has overnight location in mountain hotel Luční Bouda. If you choose this, you choose the comfort upgrade. The hotel Luční Bouda is a *** / **** hotel with many facilities (including its own beer brewery, beer spa and sauna). If you choose the standard version of the route, you will spend the night at the Chata Výrovka refuge.
- Distance: 17,4 km
- Climbing: 832 m
- Descent: 658 m
- Overnight: Luční bouda hotel (comfort upgrade) or Výrovka chalet (standard)
- interactive map
Day 7: Return to Špindlerův Mlýn
Today you say goodbye to the panoramic views. If you stay in the hotel Luční bouda, you walk most of the route along the mountain stream Bílé Labe (White Elbe) and its waterfalls.
The tourist route of this former glacial valley is one of the most romantic and oldest tourist routes in the Giant Mountains, opened in 1891. The silence you were used to from the mountain tops changes today into a pleasant murmur of the water. A few kilometers before Špindlerův Mlýn, the mountain river flows into the Elbe (Labe) and along the Elbe you descend all the way to Špindlerův Mlýn.
The way from Výrovka mountain chalet is somewhat shorter (you follow the green marked path till you reach Svaty Petr – the most steep ski slope in Špindlerův Mlýn – and from here you descend to the centre joining the red marking.
The hike has come to an end, the Giant Mountains have been crossed!
- Distance: 9,7 km
- Climbing: 5 m
- Descent: 710 m
- Overnight: none
What's included and excluded?
- 1 x overnight in Špindlerův Mlýn (3 star hotel) in private 2-4 bedded or family room with own bathroom incl. breakfast and lunchpacket
- 5 x overnights in mountain huts - private multi bedded rooms with own or shared bathroom including full board (5 x breakfast, 5 x lunch packet, 5 x dinner)
- Bedlinen
- Luggage storage during the trekking
- 1 x Luggage transfer from the hotel in Špindlerův Mlýn on day 4
- Map with detailed routes (topographical 1:40.000) and separate detailed route description
- Emergency hotline
- ATOL comparable security by SGR (Dutch)
- Parking fee in the public parking area in Špindlerův Mlýn
- Tour extension: extra night in Špindlerův Mlýn after the tour
- Chair lift tickets (if you wish to shorten the daily route)
Video
Accommodations
Hotel Lomnice
The hotel building in the style of Bavarian architecture is more than 120 years old. It disposes with14 stylish rooms with private amenities. Restaurant Lomnice offers the opportunity to see the chefs under the hood thanks to the open kitchen and is listed in the TOP 3 restaurants according to TripAdvisor.cz.
- Star rating:
- Website: website
- Address : Svatopetrská 125, 543 51 Špindlerův Mlýn, Czechia – Špindlerův Mlýn
- Elevation : 738 m
Hotel Horní Pramen
Hotel Horní Pramen is located on the southern slope overlooking the center of Špindlerův Mlýn and offers a terrace with breathtaking views of the entire mountain resort. The hotel provides accommodation in cozy rooms.
- Star rating:
- Website: website
- Address : Špindlerův Mlýn 25
Špindlerův Mlýn
543 51
Czech Republic – Špindlerův Mlýn - Elevation : 850 m
General travel information
Difficulty Grade: Easy to Moderate
The difficulty grade is estimated at “Easy to Moderate” ( ). That means appropriate for regular walkers. Requires reasonable level of fitness. The trip covers an average of 18 km (5-7 hours) of hiking per day, with a possibility of extended walks (read more about explanation of our difficulty grades). Minimum ages depends ofcourse per kid but we recommand from 12 years.
Route Navigation in the field
You will walk mostly on rocky roads and even some paved roads. All trails are well-marked in the field. We advise to follow only the marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. Off trail walking is strongly forbidden. We will provide you with detailed navigation instructions and maps (1:40.000 or 1:25.000). You can call us 24/7 for assistance (however preferably during working hours only).
More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your booking documents.
Best time to go
This trip as available from April until October. April you still will find some remnants of snow on the ridges. The weather for walking is optimal in June – September. However July and August can sometimes be quite warm and weekends can be busy at some hot spots.
The busiest months are july and august. If you want to travel in that specific term, it is preferable that you book as early as possible. 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, therefore please indicate desired starting date when booking.
Weather
The climate is typical for Central Europe. Humid summers with occasional hot spells, and cold, cloudy and humid winters. If you are planning a trip to the Czech Republic, weather will probably be one of your concerns. Czech Republic’s climate is comparable to that of southern inland Canada. Summer in the Czech Republic typically covers the period from June through mid-September. Czech summers are usually mild (20-27°C/70-80°F) and somewhat humid, with the highest temperatures up to 30-35°C/85-95°F (occasionally higher) for short periods. Such heat waves can be expected in July and August. Sudden showers and thunderstorms are common, so bring an umbrella or be prepared to dash for cover.
Recommanded weather information: yr.no
What to bring
We recommend that you travel as light as possible because airlines nowadays charge larges fees for luggage above 15kg. Ideally, you should bring one piece of luggage weighing not more than 25 kg (to be checked in) and a daily pack (15 – 20 l backpack) for your daily essentials (snacks, drinking water, camera, etc). Below is a indicative list of what you should bring with you on this trip. More detailed information will be included in your booking information documents. If you need further advice, please contact us or ask at you local outdoor retailer.
- Good hiking boots (we have seen hikers on sneakers though)
- Hiking socks (at least 2 pairs or 3 pairs on the longer trips)
- Several t-shirts (cotton or preferably breathable/fast drying)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood
- Synthetic mid layer or warm fleece
- Shoes/slippers – to relax and wear inside accommodation (shower / toilet)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen skin protector and lip salve
- Hat/Baseball cap
- First Aid kit (aspirine, diaria profilact)
- A good book 🙂
Photo gallery
FAQ's
https://www.holidayinfo.cz/cs/camera/medvedin/2113
(c) holidayinfo.cz
Welcome to the guide and map of organic producers – meaning organic farmers and organic food producers who sell their products directly to us, the end consumers. You will also find farms that offer agritourism, excursions and educational programs for schools.
The guide only lists registered organic entrepreneurs – farms, family farms, fruit growers, beekeepers, farm processors and producers who have an BIO certificate for their production and voluntarily pass an annual inspection so that we can assure customers that they are really farming and producing according to the rules of organic farming.
The directory has been compiled and managed by PRO-BIO LIGA with the aim of making it easier for you to buy organic quality home products directly from the yard or from the manufacturer throughout the Czech Republic.
The use of winter tires is mandatory from November 1st to March 31st if the road is covered with snow or ice and if the temperature is below 4°C while there is a risk of snowfall or ice. This period can be brought forward and/or extended if weather conditions so require.
The use of snow chains is mandatory if this is indicated by a round, blue sign with a white car tire with a snow chain on it.
No, you can leave sleeping mats and sleeping bags at home 🙂 Bed linen is included in all mountain huts in the Giant Mountains. There are sometimes hikers who like to bring their own sheet bag and pillowcase. That is of course everyone’s own choice.
No, in the Czech Republic they use the European type C and E, unlike here in the UK where they use type G. You will need to purchase a travel plug.
https://www.worldstandards.eu/nl/elektriciteit/soorten-stekkers/e/
Yes, this package is covered by the SGR guarantee.
As of February 1, 2021, SGR participants will charge a contribution of €5 per person per booking. Because you as a traveler undoubtedly want more information about this, we have prepared a number of frequently asked questions. All questions are answered on the SGR website.
More information about the SGR contribution: see the website of SGR
You can compare booking a trip with a small-scale travel organization to buying a sandwich at a traditional bakery. You can bake a nice sandwich yourself, but that takes a lot of work and also a lot of time. And we don’t always have the time or inclination for that. You can also go to the supermarket and buy a nice sandwich. It is tasty, but not very special since it is mass produced. The supermarket also buys the ingredients in bulk, paying particular attention to price and less to sustainability and working conditions at the farmers who make the ingredients. To save time and get a really tasty sandwich, you can also go to a traditional bakery. This one specializes in sandwiches and will assure you of a special sandwich without it costing you a lot of work or time. The baker buys his ingredients locally and sustainably. That’s exactly how it is with one of VvKR’s travel specialists!
Unique travel
A travel organization that is a member of VvKR guarantees a personal approach and focuses on small-scale tourism. This makes all trips unique. In addition, the travel organizations have direct contact with the providers at the destination; hard-working accommodation owners, drivers, cooks and other locals who ensure a fantastic trip. Travel specialists affiliated with VvKR aim to make travel more sustainable. If they sell package tours, they are participants in a guarantee scheme that assures you as a consumer that you will receive a full refund of the prepaid travel money if the tour operator unexpectedly goes bankrupt. In addition, all travel organizations also have compulsory business liability insurance. This means that if something happens during the trip, you are not at risk. This allows you to enjoy your holiday completely carefree!
Tailor-made trips
Small-scale travel organizations are distinguished by their involvement and expertise and stand for a personal approach. Each trip can be completely customized. A big advantage of a nice and good contact with your travel specialist is that they immediately know who you are and you are not a number among many other customers, which makes your trip even more special!
Since a small-scale travel organization stands for one-on-one contact with both the customer and the suppliers on site, the service is also of high quality. If something goes wrong during your trip, the lines are short and your travel specialist will help you immediately.
A dream trip to special places
The biggest advantage of a small-scale travel organization is that they can offer those special places that you can’t get to at larger travel organizations. Small-scale travel organizations are born out of a great
passion for that type of holiday or country. This of course ensures that they organize your dream trip with great pleasure, passion and specialization.
Climate Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate. The temperate is mainly in the summers. They are warm, but not extreme. In the capital Prague, the average temperature in the middle of summer is 23°C. In winter it is cold. In January, the coldest month, the mercury rarely rises above zero. Because the ocean is fairly close, there is plenty of winter fun to be had in winter due to the moist, cold air. There are more than enough winter sports options in the Bohemian Forest and the Giant Mountains.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u2fkbqee7#?date=2023-02-13
A handy app: https://chargemap.com/map
CEZ has a fairly extensive charging station network: https://www.elektromobilita.
You need the app to pay for CEZ: https://www.
Dogs are very welcome at most mountain huts in the Giant Mountains. However, at some of the standard accommodations we use, dogs are not allowed (e.g. at Horský hotel Štumpovka and at bouda Dvoračky). Will your dog be traveling with you? Then we adjust the standard tour in parts so that you can go anywhere with your dog. It is possible that we have to charge an extra surcharge due to the adjustments (e.g. if we have to move to mountain hotel Luční bouda or Labská bouda). The dog fee is largely based on additional cleaning fees. Dog food is usually not included, please bring your own.
Yes, all mountain huts have WiFi
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