Krkonoše National Park

Krkonoše National Park, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Krkonoše National Park, located in the northern Czech Republic along the Polish border, is the country's oldest and most celebrated national park, established in 1963. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve encompasses the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic, featuring the iconic Sněžka peak at 1,603 meters, dramatic glacial valleys, pristine alpine meadows, and dense spruce forests. The park serves as a year-round destination offering world-class hiking in summer and excellent skiing in winter, with charming mountain towns like Špindlerův Mlýn and Harrachov providing perfect bases for exploration. The region is steeped in folklore and natural wonder, home to the legendary Krakonoš (Rübezahl), the mythical giant guardian of the mountains. Visitors can explore over 600 kilometers of marked trails, discover impressive waterfalls like Pančavský and Mumlavský, and experience the unique subalpine ecosystem that supports rare flora and fauna. The park's diverse landscapes range from gentle foothills perfect for families to challenging alpine terrain for serious mountaineers, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers of all skill levels.

Top Krkonoše National Park

Hiking to Sněžka Peak

Conquer the Czech Republic's highest peak at 1,603 meters, offering panoramic views across the Sudetes mountains and into Poland. The trail from Pec pod Sněžkou takes about 2-3 hours each way through beautiful alpine terrain, passing mountain huts and unique flora. At the summit, you'll find a weather station and can cross into Poland for a unique international mountain experience.

Booking Tip: No booking required for hiking, but consider purchasing a cable car ticket (around 300 CZK) for one-way transport to reduce hiking time. Best attempted in clear weather from May to October, and always check weather conditions at the visitor center before departing.

Exploring Pančavský Waterfall

Visit the tallest waterfall in the Czech Republic, plunging 148 meters in multiple cascades through a dramatic rocky gorge. The easy 30-minute walk from Špindlerův Mlýn makes this accessible to all fitness levels, with viewing platforms offering spectacular photo opportunities. The waterfall is particularly impressive during spring snowmelt and after heavy rains.

Booking Tip: Free to visit with no booking required. Best viewed in spring (April-May) or after rainfall when water flow is strongest. Wear appropriate footwear as paths can be slippery, and visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.

Skiing and Winter Sports

Experience some of Central Europe's best skiing across multiple resorts including Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov, and Pec pod Sněžkou. The region offers over 170 kilometers of ski slopes for all levels, plus excellent cross-country skiing trails through pristine winter landscapes. Harrachov is particularly famous for ski jumping and hosts international competitions.

Booking Tip: Lift tickets cost 800-1200 CZK per day depending on resort and season. Book accommodation and equipment rental in advance during peak season (December-March). Consider multi-day ski passes for better value, and check snow conditions online before traveling.

Glass Making in Harrachov

Discover the centuries-old tradition of Bohemian glassmaking at the historic Harrachov Glassworks, where skilled artisans still create beautiful crystal pieces using traditional methods. Watch live demonstrations of glass blowing and cutting, and browse the extensive showroom featuring everything from delicate ornaments to large decorative pieces. The facility also houses a small museum showcasing the history of glassmaking in the region.

Booking Tip: Factory tours cost around 100-150 CZK per person and run several times daily except Sundays. No advance booking required for standard tours, but call ahead for group visits. Best to visit on weekdays when production is active, and budget extra for purchasing authentic Bohemian crystal souvenirs.

Mountain Hut Experience

Stay overnight in traditional mountain huts (chaty) scattered throughout the park, offering authentic alpine accommodation and hearty Czech mountain cuisine. These rustic refuges provide a unique way to experience the mountains, with many serving as perfect bases for multi-day hiking adventures. Popular huts include Luční bouda, Labská bouda, and Petrova bouda, each with their own character and specialties.

Booking Tip: Reservations essential, especially for weekends and summer months, with prices ranging from 400-800 CZK per person for dormitory beds. Book directly with individual huts or through the park's website. Bring cash as many huts don't accept cards, and expect basic but comfortable accommodations with shared facilities.

Getting There

Krkonoše National Park is easily accessible from Prague (about 2 hours by car) via the D10 and D35 highways, with the main gateway towns being Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov, Pec pod Sněžkou, and Janské Lázně. Regular bus services operate from Prague's Černý Most station to all major towns in the region, with Student Agency and RegioJet offering comfortable connections. The nearest airports are Prague (150km) and Wrocław, Poland (120km), while train connections are available to Trutnov or Vrchlabí, followed by local bus transfers to mountain resorts.

Getting Around

The most convenient way to explore Krkonoše is by car, allowing easy access to trailheads and mountain towns, though parking can be limited at popular spots during peak season. An extensive network of local buses connects all major towns and many trailheads, with day passes available for unlimited travel within the region. Cable cars and chairlifts operate year-round at several locations including Sněžka, Medvědín, and Černá hora, providing easy access to higher elevations and reducing hiking times for those preferring shorter walks.

Where to Stay

Špindlerův Mlýn

Harrachov

Pec pod Sněžkou

Janské Lázně

Vrchlabí

Rokytnice nad Jizerou

Food & Dining

Mountain cuisine in Krkonoše features hearty Czech dishes perfect for refueling after outdoor activities, with specialties including goulash, schnitzel, and traditional dumplings served at cozy mountain restaurants and huts. Many establishments offer game dishes featuring local venison and wild boar, while mountain huts serve simple but satisfying meals like bramboráky (potato pancakes) and homemade soups. Don't miss trying local Krkonoše honey, mountain cheese, and regional beers, with many restaurants offering impressive mountain views alongside their meals. Popular dining spots include Bouda na Zlatém návrší, Restaurant Krakonoš in Špindlerův Mlýn, and the various mountain huts scattered throughout the park.

When to Visit

Summer (June-September) is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and accessible high-altitude trails, though this is also the busiest period requiring advance accommodation bookings. Winter (December-March) transforms the region into a premier skiing destination with reliable snow cover and festive mountain atmosphere, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring (April-May) offers spectacular waterfalls at their peak flow and emerging alpine flowers, while autumn (September-October) provides impressive fall colors, fewer crowds, and excellent hiking conditions, making it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Krkonoše Card for discounts on cable cars, attractions, and accommodations while supporting park conservation efforts

Start hiking early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer and to secure parking at popular trailheads

Pack layers and waterproof clothing as mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer, with temperatures dropping significantly at higher elevations