Mountains in Czech Republic

Czechia is not exactly a mountainous country, but almost everywhere there are hills and low mountains. I have already written about Czechia’s ski resorts – now it’s time to learn about summer mountain recreation.

This article will help you find interesting routes and places for easy hikes in the mountains, as well as accommodation options nearby – where to stay in hotels or apartments. You can easily organize a wonderful weekend trip to nature on your own. Moreover, Czechia has good roads and excellent transport, especially the railway, through which you can reach almost every corner of the country.

I recommend reading: The Most Beautiful Rocky Mountains of Czechia – Active Weekend Recreation

Vlašim Hills – the Closest Mountains to Prague

Let’s put it this way – these are not really mountains, so you won’t find Vlašimská pahorkatina in the standard list of Czechia’s ski resorts. But why not pay attention to it, if you would like to ski or simply stroll on slopes for the weekend. Moreover, these are the closest mountains to Prague (just over an hour by car), where you can have a great time both in winter and summer.

Nature Trails of Blaník Mountain

Take a walk on the 4-kilometer educational trail “With a Knight to Blaník.” There are 14 stops with information panels, and children are awaited by 17 stations with various tasks: from studying leaves to a jumping contest where they compare their skills with animals.

The nature trail is not circular, it begins on one side of the hill and ends on the other near the parking lot. The parking lot above the village of Lunovice-pod-Blanikem is free, while the other near the village Kondrac is paid. You can return to your car via the same route, or take a partially unmarked path around the hill and partially retrace the main path.

At the top of Blaník stands a 30-meter lookout tower. The entrance fee is symbolic (adults – 30 Kč, children (3-14 years) – 20 Kč). From October to March it is open only on weekends and holidays, from April to September it is open every day except Monday. There is a snack bar and souvenir shop on the first floor of the lookout tower.

Accommodation near Blaník Mountain:

Hotel Monínec – Depandance Nová Javorka≫ – an ideal location on a hill with a view of the valley. Excellent location if you are planning to ski or visit the pool. Very convenient. A wonderful playground and heated pool with the same view create a relaxing atmosphere. Large and delicious buffet breakfast.
Pension Merano≫ – Nice apartment, clean and stylish. Very comfortable super king-size bed. Loved the wood stove and heated floors! Walking distance to the start of mountain trails.
Hotel Monínec≫ – wonderful location on the mountain with a beautiful view from the restaurant terrace and rooms facing that side, on a hot day the hotel pool is very cool and clean, and the playground is suitable for small children and can be seen from the restaurant terrace, breakfast is not included in the hotel price, but it is good.

Krkonoše Massif

It is in the Krkonoše massif that the highest peak of Czechia – Sněžka is located. There is also a dense network of marked trails that you can walk any time of the year. What exactly to do in the Krkonoše on a short weekend – that’s a puzzle with a star. Because here there’s an incredible amount of things for active recreation. In summer, hiking Sněžka is very popular, so if you plan this for the weekend – book your accommodation in advance.

Sněžka is the highest mountain in the Czech Republic. You might have learned that its height is 1602 meters, but recent measurements have shown that Sněžka is 1603 meters tall. Together with the source of the Elbe, it is definitely the most visited place in Krkonoše National Park. At the top, besides magnificent views, you will find the Chapel of St. Lawrence, the oldest building on the mountain, as well as the Polish Hut and the Czech post office “Anežka.” Here, you can not only admire the landscape, but also have a drink and eat something delicious.

Also, in the Krkonoše mountains begins the largest Czech river, the Elbe (in Czech Labe). You can get almost to the stream where the river originates (150 meters from its source) and see a metal plate with the coats of arms of 26 Czech towns, through which the Elbe flows.

How to get to Sněžka? On Foot or by Cable Car

There are several trails to Sněžka that can be done only on foot by children and adults. If you are going up the mountain with infants, take a baby carrier. Or go up with them by cable car, which can transport baby strollers.

Whether you reach 1603 m above sea level on your own or take the cable car to Růžová hora, the view of the surrounding landscape will compensate all your effort and the money spent on the ticket. The panorama is really breathtaking, especially if you get up and find yourself there at sunrise.

Several Options for Climbing Sněžka

Route from Pomezní Budějovice to Horní Malá Úpa: this route is considered the easiest. You will face the smallest elevation gain, but it still won’t be easy. You are in for a decent hike across the Giant’s Ridge. The route starts in Horní Malá Úpa near Pomezní Boudy, where there is also a large paid parking lot. From there, follow the red or yellow markers.

Route from Pec pod Sněžkou through the Růžohorky mountain hut is about 6 km and goes first along a green and then a yellow trail. There is a restaurant in the hut, so you can have a snack before the main hike. If you feel you can’t walk the entire route, take the cable car at the intermediate station Růžohorky.

Route from Pec pod Sněžkou through the Giant Mine: the most demanding and also the most beautiful, the climb to Sněžka is via Obří Důl. The start is in Pec, from where you continue following the blue trail to the Obří Sedlo intersection. There you join the red trail of Czech-Polish Friendship, where you face the final climb via the so-called chain road. This is a tough ascent, the trail is narrow, steep, and rocky. However, the stones are fixed, so they won’t roll under your feet. The route from Pec to the summit of Sněžka is about 7 km, and a special highlight is Kovárna mine, which recalls the history of local mining.

Good to know: The chain trail is one-way. You need to descend either by the yellow trail towards Růžohorky or circle Sněžka via the blue Jubilee Route, which is an easy paved path.

Pay attention to the Children’s Attraction in the town of Pec pod Sněžkou, called “Pecka.” This is a large, freely accessible playground made from wooden sculptures you can climb through. Children can literally run through a viper, climb into the mouth of a lynx, inspect the skeleton of a fallen deer, or climb on ant larvae.

Hotels and Apartments in Pec pod Sněžkou:

Grand Hotel Hradec – Very convenient hotel location. The rooms are modern, very clean, and the view from the windows is just incredible. The hotel is perfect for active recreation: right under the hotel is the lift to Sněžka.
Residence Riverside – close to the center, warm rooms and very clean, and the whole apartment looks new. Many walks and activities in the city.
Apartmán U Setra – Exceptional location with an amazing view of the mountains. And very close to the hiking trail to the summit.

Špindlerův Mlýn

The Medanek playground on Medvědín Mountain in Špindlerův Mlýn. This is the highest-altitude playground in the Czech Republic (1235 m), and, luckily, it can be reached by cable car. Its main feature is the large Medvědín sign. Children can play directly on its letters. There are also children’s pavilions, slides, climbing walls, swings, a bouncy castle, and other play elements.

Špindlerův Mlýn Aquapark. After walks in the fresh air, a well-deserved rest at the aquapark in Špindlerův Mlýn will come in handy. Under one roof, you’ll find pools, water slides, hydromassage tubs, various massage jets and bubble beds where you’ll almost melt from pleasure. The local wellness center will tempt you to stay for a sauna, infrared sauna, or salt cave.

Hotels and Apartments in Špindlerův Mlýn:

SYNEK Pension≫ – located in the center, not far from the bus station. There is a store next to the hotel where you can buy food or anything else. The pension has been recently renovated, is clean and in very good condition with rooms that have lots of sunlight and all necessary amenities.
Hotel Olympie≫ – hotel with its own spa and pools; there is also its own restaurant with delicious dinners.
Pension Slunečnice & Restaurace Farma≫ – pension located slightly away from the city in a beautiful location on the mountain. Large comfortable rooms with a wonderful view of the mountains.

Šumava Mountains

Šumava is a real breath of fresh air. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for nature full of mountains and tall trees, head to Šumava.

Treetop Walking Trail in Lipno nad Vltavou

The first such trail in the Czech Republic was built near Lake Lipno. This is one of the most interesting attractions, which, in addition to a beautiful view, offers visitors educational stops, adrenaline experiences for adults and children, and one of the longest dry slides in Czechia.

For children, there are 11 adrenaline sections. These are interactive didactic stops and one of the longest dry toboggans in the Czech Republic. The incredible view of Lake Lipno, Šumava’s nature, Novohradské Mountains, and the distant peaks of the Austrian Alps – all this will be your reward for climbing the 675-meter trail up to 40 meters high. Tickets to the trail can be purchased on the official website.

Devil’s Lake and Modrava

Devil’s Lake is located near the Špičák resort. The valley in which this body of water lies is especially beautiful at sunset. Access to Devil’s Lake is not quite easy and is completely unsuitable for cyclists. From Černé Lake you can climb a steep rocky trail about 1 km long, but you can also start from Železná Ruda along the blue and then red trail, or pass through Špičák and reach the lake via the yellow trail (both routes are about 5.5 km).

Modrava is a former forest settlement located at the confluence of the Modravský, Roklanský and Filipohuťský streams. No matter in which direction you go, you will arrive at one of the popular tourist destinations. The Modravský stream will lead you to the Luzenská Valley, the Roklanský stream – to Tříjezerní slat, and the Klostermann nature trail will also take you around these wonderful natural places.

In Modrava you can also visit the woodworking visitor center with many interactive games. There are several guesthouses and mountain lodges in Modrava, you can enjoy beer from the Lyer brewery and test your fitness at the rope center. There is a children’s rope park with play obstacles for kids, and both children’s and adult’s routes end with a zipline descent.

Ore Mountains

Ore Mountains – unlike the more challenging Krkonoše mountains, you’ll encounter far fewer tourists here. Enjoy the beautiful nature of the Bezruč Valley, near Rotava Organ or walks on the Boží Dar peat bog. And then discover the Ježíšek Trail. Try a hike from Klínovec to Petříns, or a descent on the longest stream trails in Europe will lift your spirits. For romance, head to Duchcov, where Casanova spent his last moments.

Boží Dar

Through the Boží Dar peat bog runs a route of wooden paths called the Ježíšek (Jesus) trails. The clear dominant feature of the bog is Mount Špičák, rising to 1115 meters and composed of Mesozoic and younger Tertiary basalt. Along the route, you will find a total of 12 information panels that tell about the history of peat extraction in the Ore Mountains, the bog environment, and various interesting facts.

After all, here he has his own post office and museum, where you can see, among other things, impressions of all the stamps he used at Christmas. Let me remind you, it is not Santa who brings gifts at Christmas in Czechia, but Ježíšek. So you could say that Ježíšek’s residence is at the Boží Dar peat bogs.

Tip: after your walks, I recommend spending the night in Karlovy Vary, which is located 30 km away. In the evening, you can go to the spa, relax in pools and saunas.
More information: Karlovy Vary – What to See and Where to Enjoy a Spa Holiday

Where to Stay at the Boží Dar resort:

Apartmány Engadin≫ – Great spot for a stay in Boží Dar. There is a pool and wellness area. Apartment is clean and spacious, with a nice kitchen. It’s great to go to the pool after skiing. You can always get and buy drinks at the bar. Outside there is a playground (basketball, tennis), pleasant for walking.
Pension Barborka≫ – Ideal location, close to all amenities, ski resort, wonderful walks, quality café, restaurants, all within 3 minutes walking distance. Nevertheless, a quiet environment, beautiful views, heated floors, a modern and impeccably clean apartment, and a capsule coffee machine.

Jeseníky Mountains

Jeseníky are wonderful, easy mountains to visit in summer. Conquer Praděd Mountain and descend via the picturesque Bílá Opava valley. Go on a route to Dlouhá Stráň, and then enjoy a visit to Velké Losiny with a castle, a hand-made paper factory, and thermal pools. In Dolní Morava, you will find the Sky Walk, which has no analogues in the Czech Republic.

Ramzová, Šerák, and Keprník

Difficult but beautiful – that’s how you could describe the trail from Ramzová to Šerák, and from there a bit higher up to Keprník Mountain. What’s more, a significant stretch of the trail runs through forest, along slippery pebbles, requires steep uphill walks – you get out of breath, and the summits are nowhere to be seen. All hardships are rewarded not only with a photo by the chamois statue, but also with amazing views.

But there’s an alternative – just take the cable car and enjoy the mountain views without any effort.

Dlouhé Straně

The pumped-storage power plant “Dlouhé Straně” is the third largest power plant of its type in the world, and the largest hydroelectric power station in Czechia. In 2005 it was included among the 7 greatest wonders of the Czech Republic. Most of the buildings are located underground, while surface buildings are carefully integrated into the surrounding nature and together create a harmonious effect. In addition, it is an impressive construction that combines the functionality of electricity generation with the striking elegance of a truncated mound.

You can only admire everything from outside, or book a tour. You can get to the upper reservoir by chairlift from the neighboring Kouty ski resort, which starts from the lower station 4.5 km below the upper reservoir. Guided tours are available. You can also visit the information center at Dlouhé Straně, where you can watch a film about this unique water facility, get information about the surrounding nature, and see a model of the underground power plant with a cross-section.

Sky Walk

Visit the amazing Sky Walk — an extraordinary structure, a super-cool observation tower, from which you can admire the surrounding views. It is located in a large natural complex where, in addition to this tower, there is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, ski slopes, a toboggan, a water park for children, a climbing wall, and plenty of hiking and cycling paths. It’s just a super place for lots of fun and bright emotions.

Plan no less than 3 hours for your visit. I recommend buying tickets online, they’re a bit cheaper there. You get up the mountain by ski lift, and for the way down I recommend the toboggan. The track is long enough, and it’s worth it! Google coordinates.

Where to Stay in Velké Losiny:

Tip: It’s more convenient to stay in the town of Velké Losiny – here are thermal parks where you can relax after a day of hiking.

Penzion u lázní≫ – pension by the thermal park – located 200 meters away.
Chaty Čapák≫ – very nice private hotel 10 minutes’ walk from the park.
Privat Pod Skalkou≫ – great cottage with family rooms.

Useful Articles and Links:

Green Card and Travel Health Insurance for your journey abroad – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel bookings and apartments – Booking.com
Car rental – I search for affordable options at DiscoverCars

Mountains in the Czech Republic – where to spend an active weekend in nature