Self guided hut to hut trekking tour in the highest mountains of Czechia with 2 overnights in traditional mountain huts
A three-day self guided hike along mountain huts in the Giant Mountains National Park. This 50km long trek goes through both the Polish and the Czech part of the Giant Mountains. The starting point and also the end point is Špindlerův Mlýn. From there you walk to the peaks, much across the Czech-Polish border. In the mountains you spend the night in simple but attractive mountain huts. There are good facilities in the huts (showers, toilets, bar, dining room, restaurant, wi-fi), accommodation 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 to Szrenica refuge (1362m)
Špindlerův Mlýn is located at an altitude of around 700m. From here the trek starts: on to the “Giants”. The first kilometers will be tough, because you have to climb considerably.
Possible alternative: take the lift from Špindlerův Mlýn to Medvědín, so you can cover 500m difference in height in 15 minutes. You then partly walk a different route.
From Špindlerův Mlýn you follow the river Labe, of course you walk against the current. The river slowly becomes a brook. Along the Labe waterfall you climb up a steep gorge and you can take a look at the source of this European river. Once on the ridge, the mountains offer a beautiful view of both the Czech and the Polish state territory. In the distance on the ridge you see a small church. When you approach him you see that he is standing on a rocky cliff, you descend into a small part of Poland and there is already the first inn: Szrenica in the Polish part of the Giant Mountains National Park.
- Distance: 13 km
- Climbing: 723 m
- Descent: 132 m
- Overnight: Szrenica mountain hut (1362m)
- interactive map
Day 2: Over the ridge to the Samotnia refuge (1200m)
On the second 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. Almost at the end of the day trip you can look down at two mountain lakes in one go: Wielki Staw (Big Lake) and Mały Staw (Small Lake). They are both crystal clear lakes where there is almost no life, because the water is too cold. In clear weather, the skies reflect beautifully on the water level. Next to the smaller lake is the accommodation for the coming night: Schronisko Samotnia in the Polish part of the Giant Mountains National Park.
This day is considered the toughest day by many hikers. The distance is about 20 km, with occasional scrambling over rocks and boulders. According to Runkeeper, the height difference is about 430 meters. In the end, it takes most hikers about 6 hours, rest times not included. When the sun is full or when there is a lot of wind, there are almost no shelters on the ridge, which makes the trip feeling more difficult.
The path of the Czech – Polish friendship is mapped out on the crest of the Giant Mountains on the border between Czechia and Poland. The border between these two countries is crossed several times during the trek. Both sides of the Giant Mountains offer a lot of appeal: the Polish side is steeper and rougher, while the Czech hills are more gentle and green.
- Distance: 19 km
- Climbing: 522 m
- Descent: 637 m
- Overnight: Schronisko Samotnia mountain hut (1200m)
- interactive map
Day 3: Via the summit Sněžka (1602m) back to the valley (800m)
Eat well from breakfast, because a steep climb awaits you. From the valley where the Samotnia mountain hut is so beautiful, you climb to the ridge. Now you have the choice to continue to the top of Sněžka or slowly descend from the ridge to Špindlerův Mlýn. If you choose the top, you have to bridge an additional 450 meters in height. At 1602 meters, Sněžka is the highest mountain of Czechia. The view at the top is well worth the climb! Then you descend gradually along the stream White Elbe with its waterfalls to Špindlerův Mlýn. The hike is completed, the Giant Mountains have been explored.
- Distance: 16 km
- Climbing: 477 m
- Descent: 958 m
- Overnight: none
- interactive map
What's included and excluded?
- 2 overnights in mountain huts - private multi bedded rooms with own or shared bathroom
- 2 x full board
- Digital information package
- Emergency hotline
- Luggage storage (only if extra night is booked preceding the tour)
- ATOL comparable security by SGR (Dutch)
- Tour extension: extra stay prior or after the tour
- Map with detailed routes (topographical 1:40.000) and separate detailed route description
- Parking fee in the public parking area in Špindlerův Mlýn
- Luggage storage ( included in the package price if extra night prior and/or after the tour is booked along with the package)
- Chair lift to Medvědín
Video
Accommodations
Martinovka chalet
Mountain cottage Martinovka is located on the border ridge of the Giant Mountains at an altitude of 1288 meters.there are 12 rooms with a total capacity of 42 beds, from double to five-bed. Each of all modest but cozy rooms has its own bathroom with sink, shower and toilet. The restaurant premises are fully covered by a high-speed WiFi signal.
- Star rating:
- Website: website
- Address : Martinova bouda, 543 51 Špindlerův Mlýn, Czechia – Špindlerův Mlýn
- Elevation : 1288 m
Dvorská bouda
- Star rating:
- Website: website
- Address : Zadní Rennerovky 111, 543 52 Strážné, Czechia – Strážné
- Elevation : 1317 m
General travel information
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
The difficulty grade is estimated at “Moderate” ( ). 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 recommend 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.
Recommended 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
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.
If you are unable to start hiking before 12 noon, we recommend booking an overnight stay in advance. This can be done in the online booking form, but you can also just send us an email about this.
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/
No, during the hut tours you will spend the night in private rooms.
There are a few mountain huts (including Luční Bouda, Samotnia and Labská Bouda) where it is possible to spend the night in dormitories. You will then have to provide your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag. We usually only organize the trips with overnight stays in dormitories for scouting groups who don’t mind taking a sleeping bag and mat in their backpack.
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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