Krkonoše (Giant Mountains)

The Czech Republic's highest mountain range, topped by 1,603 m Sněžka, where the source of the Elbe meets glacial valleys; in winter it's the country's top ski area, and in summer ridge hikes cross into Poland.

Krkonoše, also known as the Giant Mountains, lies in the northeast of the Czech Republic on the border with Poland and is the country's highest mountain range. Its highest peak, Sněžka, rises to 1,603 m, and most of the range is protected as Krkonoše National Park, called Karkonosze National Park on the Polish side. The mountains feature glacial valleys, cirques, alpine meadows and peat bogs, and the Elbe has its source here. Visitors usually base themselves in one of three towns: Špindlerův Mlýn in the west is the main ski and holiday resort and the starting point for the Elbe Spring, Elbe Falls and the Elbe Valley; Pec pod Sněžkou in the east has a cable car up Sněžka and trails through Giant's Valley (Obří důl); Janské Lázně in the south offers the Černá hora cable car and a treetop walkway. At the western end, Harrachov has waterfalls, ski jumps and a glassworks, while just across the border to the north lie the Polish towns of Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba. The ski season runs from December to March, and June–September is ideal for ridge hiking; mountain weather changes quickly, so bring warm, windproof layers even in summer. Long-distance buses from Prague take about 2.5–3 hours. Plan on 2–4 days. In the national park's core zones you must stay on marked trails, and picking plants is prohibited.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries