The Giant Mountains

Krkonoše Sněžka

The Giant mountains are the highest and most popular mountains in the Czech republic. They are situated in the north-east of Bohemia on the border between the Czech republic and Poland. They are the favorite target of Czech and foreign tourists, who know them under the Polish name of Karkonosze, under the German name of Riesengebirge, or under the English name of Giant Mountains. Considering their spread, two thirds of Krkonoše Mountains are actually located on the Czech side. The biggest Czech river, the Labe (Elbe) River, heads here as well.. On the border occurs the highest mountain Sněžka (1602 m).

An exceptional scientific value of the Giant mountains caused this most valuable location to be declared the Krkonoše Mountains National Park (KRNAP) in 1963, which is now the highest form of nature protection in the Czech. Along the Czech and Polish border there is a strip with enhanced preservation of the National park. Especially between Harrachov and Malá Úpa, free movement of persons is allowed only on marked trails because the unique Nordic tundra on the mountains crests and rare plant and animal species affects in here.

Thanks to their natural beauty and snow conditions the Giant mountains have become one of the most popular mountains in Czech republic. As a complex, they provide the great background for a number of various recreational activities. In summer there are ideal conditions for trekking, cycling or even paragliding. Tourists can use the well prepared system of tourist ways and many chalets. In winter the Giant mountains offer ideal conditions for skiers. There are many ski centers with many ski tows and downhill courses, but also more than 550km of cross-country skiing trails.

The area of the Giant mountains is largely covered by a cellular phone signal. If you drive to the mountains in winter, do not forget snow chains.