The Krkonoše Mountains: hiking, skiing and the roof of Czechia

For many Czechs, "the mountains" means the Krkonoše. They form a long ridge on the border with Poland in north-eastern Bohemia, with rounded tops, open plateaux, peat bogs and, in summer, dwarf pine and wide views. Their highest point, Sněžka, is the highest in all of Czechia.

They are in reach of a weekend from Prague, and they work in all seasons.

What to know about the range

The Krkonoše, known in English as the Giant Mountains, are Czechia's highest range. Sněžka rises to 1,603 metres and sits on the border; you can stand on the summit with one foot in each country. The Czech side of the range is protected as the Krkonoše National Park (KRNAP), established in 1963, and a Polish national park covers the other side of the border.

The Elbe (Labe) rises here, and its spring is marked by a monument. Czech folklore gives the mountains a guardian, Krakonoš (Rübezahl in German), a mountain spirit who can be generous or mischievous depending on how you behave. You will see him on signs, souvenirs and hotel names.

Getting there

From Prague, you can reach the main resorts in roughly two to three hours. Trains run towards Vrchlabí and Trutnov, with onward buses to Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou and other resorts. Some direct buses serve the main resorts too. Services change by season, so check the national timetable at idos.cz and the Czech Railways site (cd.cz).

By car the roads are good, but winter conditions and traffic on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons can add hours. Winter tyres are required from 1 November to 31 March when winter conditions apply or a sign says so (as of 2026; check the Ministry of Transport). Our winter weather guide shows what to pack.

Summer hiking

The Krkonoše offer hundreds of kilometres of signed paths, run on the Czech Tourist Club's coloured markings. Easy routes follow valley paths and forest tracks. Harder ones climb to the ridge for views, with exposed sections and steep climbs.

Sněžka. The classic goal. You can climb from Pec pod Sněžkou on foot, and lifts cover part of the way; check what is running before you rely on them. The summit has a chapel, a weather observatory and a restaurant, and the weather up there can be harsh.

Špindlerův Mlýn. The biggest resort, in the Elbe valley. It has trails to the Elbe spring and along the ridge, plus cable cars and chair lifts.

The ridge path. Long walks along the main ridge give open views, especially on clear days. Plan a day with a clear start and finish, and check the weather before you start.

Winter skiing

The Krkonoše are Czechia's best-known ski area. Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou, Harrachov and other resorts offer downhill runs, cross-country tracks and ski schools. The season depends on snow, and resorts use artificial snow to extend it. Check snow reports and lift status on the resorts' websites before you go.

Ski passes and rental prices vary by resort, day and season, so we quote none. Book accommodation early for school holidays and weekends. Cross-country skiing is popular on the ridge plateaus.

If you are new to skiing, take lessons rather than learning from a friend; slopes at the main resorts can be busy and fast.

Weather and safety

Mountain weather changes quickly. The ridge can be cloudy and cold when the valleys are clear, and storms build in summer afternoons. Check the forecast, take warm layers, waterproofs, a map and water, and tell someone your route. The Czech Mountain Rescue Service (Horská služba) operates in the Krkonoše, and the European emergency number is 112; see our emergency numbers guide for more on how it works.

In the national park, stay on marked paths, particularly in the upper zones, where plants and soils are fragile. Expect dogs to be on a lead and restricted in some zones, and camping and fires to be off limits. Check KRNAP's rules before you go.

Food, rest and the mountain hut tradition

Mountain huts (boudy) are a Czech institution: wooden buildings with simple rooms, hearty food and beer, often at remote spots. Some are open for day visitors and some offer rooms. Book ahead for overnight stays. Menus are traditional: goulash, dumplings, garlic soup. Our Czech food guide and guide to soups explain the dishes. For a hot drink after a cold walk, read about mulled wine and hot drinks.

Combine with other trips

The Krkonoše lie near Český ráj and the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, so a road trip can take in all three. For a very different mountain landscape, see Šumava in the south-west.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Sněžka?

1,603 metres, the highest point in Czechia, on the border with Poland.

How long does it take to get from Prague to the Krkonoše?

Roughly two to three hours, depending on the resort and the connection. Check the timetable on idos.cz.

When is the ski season?

It depends on snow, so check resort websites for lift status.

Can I hike to Sněžka without a cable car?

Yes. Several marked paths lead to the summit, from easy to demanding. Allow most of a day.

Is the Krkonoše National Park free to enter?

There is no general entry fee for the park, but lifts, huts and some attractions charge. Check KRNAP and the operators.