Free Krkonoše Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Krkonoše with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Krkonoše
Krkonoše photo 2
Krkonoše photo 3
All photos

Explore Krkonoše in Czechia for Sněžka, high mountain trails, spa towns, winter sports and distinctive Bohemian mountain culture.

Krkonoše, known in English as the Giant Mountains, form Czechia’s highest mountain range along the country’s northern frontier with Poland. The Czech side is protected by Krkonoše National Park, a landscape of rounded summits, glacial cirques, high meadows, peat bogs, spruce forests and steep river valleys. Its highest point, Sněžka at 1,603 metres, rises above the eastern part of the range and is a popular but weather-exposed walking destination.
Read more about Krkonoše
The region is not a single town but a chain of mountain communities with distinct characters. Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou are major bases for hiking and winter sports, while Harrachov is associated with glassmaking, ski jumping and the Mumlava valley. Janské Lázně combines mountain recreation with a long-established spa tradition, and Rokytnice nad Jizerou offers access to broad valleys and high ridges. Vrchlabí, at the southern edge of the mountains, is an important gateway with museums, historic buildings and transport connections.
Krkonoše landscapes change markedly with altitude. Lower slopes are wooded and dotted with pasture, villages and traditional mountain buildings; higher ground opens into windswept ridges, alpine meadows and rare subarctic habitats. Marked trails lead through the Labský důl and Obří důl valleys, past waterfalls and viewpoints, although exposed ridge walks can become difficult quickly in mist, wind or winter snow. The boundary with Poland is open to walkers in normal conditions, but visitors should remember that some paths cross into another country.
Human history is equally visible. Timber houses, former agricultural settlements, mountain huts, glassworks and mining traces reflect centuries of work in a demanding environment. Local folklore centres on Krakonoš, the mountain spirit traditionally regarded as guardian of the range. Food is robust and seasonal, with dishes such as Krkonošské kyselo, a sourdough soup, alongside blueberry cakes, potato-based meals, game and products from small regional producers.
Winter brings downhill skiing, cross-country routes and snowshoeing, while summer and autumn are suited to hiking, cycling on permitted roads and spa stays. Conditions and access rules vary within the national park, especially around fragile alpine habitats and peat bogs. Krkonoše rewards visitors who allow time for weather changes, elevation and the considerable distances between valleys rather than treating the range as a collection of easily interchangeable resorts.

When is the best time to visit Krkonoše?

Best: June–August · 18–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January050
February140
March550
April950
May1570
June (best)1880
July (best)2090
August (best)1990
September1670
October1160
November550
December150

Getting to and around Krkonoše

How to get there

Most visitors reach Krkonoše from Czechia’s major cities by road or public transport. Vrchlabí, Trutnov and Jilemnice are useful gateway towns, while regional bus services continue towards Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou, Janské Lázně, Rokytnice nad Jizerou and Harrachov. There is no major commercial airport within the mountains; Prague Airport is the principal international gateway, with onward travel by train, bus or hire car. Some visitors also use airports in neighbouring Poland, but onward connections and border crossings should be checked before booking.

Transportation

Buses connect the main resorts and many valley communities, while railway lines reach gateway towns and lower settlements rather than the high mountain centres. A car is convenient for linking different valleys, but parking can be limited and regulated in busy resorts and near national-park trailheads. Walking is the principal way to explore the high ridges, and cycling is permitted only on designated routes. Cable cars and chairlifts operate in some resort areas, particularly for ski and summer access, but services are seasonal and weather-dependent.

Destinations in Krkonoše

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Krkonoše

Krkonoše’s attractions combine protected mountain scenery with the heritage of long-settled valleys. Krkonoše National Park provides the central experience: marked trails lead towards Sněžka, the source area of the Elbe, the Labský důl valley, Obří důl and high meadows shaped by glacial and subalpine conditions. Waterfalls include Pančavský waterfall in the high mountains and Mumlava waterfall near Harrachov. Ski areas around Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou, Janské Lázně and Rokytnice nad Jizerou become hiking and cycling bases in warmer months. Harrachov’s glassmaking heritage, Vrchlabí’s regional museums and historic buildings, and Janské Lázně’s spa facilities add cultural and indoor alternatives. Mountain huts, traditional settlements and viewpoints provide insight into life at altitude, while cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and guided nature walks extend the seasonal range. The most rewarding itineraries balance a major summit or valley walk with time in the lower communities, where the region’s craft, folklore and architectural history are easier to appreciate.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Krkonoše

Sněžka is Krkonoše’s defining natural landmark and the highest mountain in Czechia, rising above the eastern range with broad views when weather permits. Its exposed summit and distinctive summit buildings make it instantly recognisable, although wind, cloud and winter conditions can be severe. The high valleys provide other important landscape landmarks: Obří důl is a dramatic glacial valley below Sněžka, while Labský důl cuts through the central mountains towards the headwaters of the Elbe. Near Harrachov, the Mumlava waterfall is a notable granite-river feature reached by a well-known valley route. Human landmarks include the historic mountain huts scattered along the ridges, the spa architecture of Janské Lázně and Harrachov’s glassmaking complex. Vrchlabí’s historic centre and former Augustinian monastery reflect the region’s role as a southern administrative gateway. Together these places show that Krkonoše is defined not only by summits, but also by valleys, working settlements and the infrastructure created for forestry, pilgrimage, health travel and mountain tourism.

Show more landmarks

Explore Krkonoše on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Krkonoše

Dining in Krkonoše is shaped by hearty mountain cooking and the practical traditions of Bohemia’s northern borderlands. Look for Krkonošské kyselo, a sourdough soup often made with mushrooms and potatoes, as well as potato dishes, dumplings, soups, game and meals using local dairy or forest produce. Blueberry pastries and other fruit desserts are particularly associated with mountain refreshment stops. Resorts offer a broad range of Czech and international food, while village restaurants, traditional inns and mountain huts tend to focus on filling dishes suited to walkers and skiers. Janské Lázně retains a spa-town café culture, and larger resorts have contemporary restaurants alongside dependable Czech cooking. Regional beer is widely available, and non-alcoholic fruit drinks or herbal teas are common after outdoor activities. At high-altitude huts, menus and supplies are necessarily simpler, so visitors should not expect the same choice found in the main towns.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Krkonoše

Evening life in Krkonoše is centred on traditional pubs, hotel bars, cafés and après-ski venues rather than a continuous nightclub scene. Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou have the widest choice, with bars and restaurants serving visitors after skiing or hiking, while Harrachov combines resort nightlife with long-established pubs and places associated with its glassmaking and sporting culture. Janské Lázně is generally quieter and more spa-oriented. In smaller villages, evenings tend to revolve around local pubs, dining rooms and occasional live music rather than late-night entertainment. Seasonal demand is strongest during winter and summer holidays, so the atmosphere can change substantially outside those periods. Visitors can also find Czech beer, regional spirits, hot drinks and non-alcoholic options without treating drinking as the defining feature of mountain culture.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Krkonoše

Evening life in Krkonoše is centred on traditional pubs, hotel bars, cafés and après-ski venues rather than a continuous nightclub scene. Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou have the widest choice, with bars and restaurants serving visitors after skiing or hiking, while Harrachov combines resort nightlife with long-established pubs and places associated with its glassmaking and sporting culture. Janské Lázně is generally quieter and more spa-oriented. In smaller villages, evenings tend to revolve around local pubs, dining rooms and occasional live music rather than late-night entertainment. Seasonal demand is strongest during winter and summer holidays, so the atmosphere can change substantially outside those periods. Visitors can also find Czech beer, regional spirits, hot drinks and non-alcoholic options without treating drinking as the defining feature of mountain culture.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Krkonoše

Shopping in Krkonoše is concentrated in resort high streets, gateway towns and traditional market communities rather than large urban retail centres. Harrachov is the strongest place to look for locally associated glass, including decorative pieces and practical tableware from its long-established glassmaking tradition. Across the region, independent shops sell wooden goods, woollen items, mountain-themed crafts, postcards and outdoor equipment. Food products make useful souvenirs: regional honey, jams, herbal preparations, biscuits, blueberry products and Czech beer or spirits are widely available, although labelling and provenance vary by shop. Farmers’ markets and seasonal stalls appear in some towns and resorts, particularly during busier months. Vrchlabí offers the broadest everyday shopping among the mountain gateways, while smaller settlements are better for specialist outdoor supplies and locally themed gifts. Visitors should distinguish genuine regional craft from mass-produced souvenirs, especially in the busiest resort centres.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Krkonoše, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Krkonoše essentials

Currency and Payment
Krkonoše uses the Czech koruna, currency code CZK, like the rest of Czechia. Cards and contactless payments are common in hotels, larger restaurants, shops and ski-service businesses, but cash remains useful at mountain huts, small regional establishments, parking machines and rural accommodation. Carry Czech koruna for remote areas and do not assume that prices displayed in euros represent the best exchange rate. Polish złoty may be accepted near the frontier, but this is not universal.
Safety
The main risks are environmental rather than urban: rapidly changing weather, icy paths, deep snow, high winds, navigation difficulties and fatigue on long ridge routes. Stay on marked trails, check conditions before setting out and use proper footwear. In winter, avalanche information and official route advice matter in steep valleys and exposed terrain. Take care on roads in snow and ice, and respect restrictions around peat bogs, wildlife habitats and forestry operations. Keep valuables secure in busy resort areas and never rely solely on mobile coverage in remote valleys.
Emergency Situations
In Czechia, call 112 for the integrated emergency service, 150 for the fire service, 155 for an ambulance and 158 for the police. Mountain Rescue Service can be reached on 1210; give a precise location, trail marker, hut, summit or map reference if possible. The same national arrangements apply on the Czech side of Krkonoše. If an incident occurs across the border in Poland, use the local emergency arrangements and state clearly which country and route you are in.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths, close gates, take litter away and follow national-park instructions, particularly in high-altitude meadows and peatland. Do not pick protected plants, camp informally, light fires or use drones where restrictions apply. On shared trails, give way considerately and expect walkers, cyclists, skiers and service vehicles. In mountain huts and restaurants, queue patiently and check whether cash is required. Czechia’s normal tipping custom applies: rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary but not compulsory.
Local Tips
Distances on maps can be misleading because steep gradients and weather make ridge routes slower than they appear. Start early for Sněžka and other popular high points, especially during summer and holiday periods. Consider visiting the valleys and museums in poorer weather rather than forcing a high-level walk. Harrachov is a useful base for western Krkonoše, while Pec pod Sněžkou provides access to the eastern high mountains. Spa facilities in Janské Lázně offer a quieter alternative to the largest ski resorts.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeSbohem[sbohem]
YesAno[ah-no]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[pro-seem]
Thank youDěkuji[dyeh-koo-yee]
Excuse me/SorryOmlouvám se[om-loo-vam seh]
How are you?Jak se máš?[yak seh maash]
Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?[dob-zheh. ah tee]
Do you speak English?Mluvíš anglicky?[mloo-veesh ang-lits-kee]
I don't understandNerozumím[neh-roh-zoo-meem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím[kht-yel bikh vid-yet meh-noo, pro-seem]
I don't eat meatNejím maso[ney-eem mah-so]
Cheers!Na zdraví![nah zdrah-vee]
I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím[kht-yel bikh zah-plah-teet, pro-seem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![poh-mots]
Go away!Jdi pryč![yee preech]
Call the Police!Zavolejte policii![zah-vo-lay-teh poh-li-tsi-ee]
Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora![zah-vo-lay-teh dok-toh-rah]
I'm lostZtratil jsem se[ztra-til ysem seh]
I'm illJsem nemocný[ysem neh-mots-nee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...[kht-yel bikh koh-pit...]
I'm just lookingJen se dívám[yen seh dee-vahm]
How much is it?Kolik to stojí?[koh-lik toh stoh-yee]
That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé[toh yeh pree-leesh drah-heh]
Can you lower the price?Můžeš snížit cenu?[moo-zheesh snee-zit tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kolik je hodin?[koh-lik yeh ho-deen]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[ye yed-na ho-dee-na]
Half past (10)Půl (10)[pool (10)]
MorningRáno[rah-no]
AfternoonOdpoledne[od-po-led-neh]
EveningVečer[veh-cher]
YesterdayVčera[v-cheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZítra[zee-trah]
11[one]
22[two]
33[three]
44[four]
55[five]
66[six]
77[seven]
88[eight]
99[nine]
1010[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...?[kde yeh...?]
What's the address?Jaká je adresa?[ya-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Můžeš mi ukázat (na mapě)?[moo-zheesh mee oo-kah-zat (nah mah-peh)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kdy pojede další (autobus)?[kdee poh-yeh-deh dal-shi (ow-to-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Jeden lístek (do ...)[yeh-den lees-tek (doh ...)]

History of Krkonoše

Medieval Settlement and Mountain Colonisation

The lower valleys of Krkonoše were settled gradually during the medieval period, while more intensive colonisation expanded from the late Middle Ages into the early modern era. Lords, monasteries and estate owners encouraged forestry, farming and the development of routes across the mountains. Settlements such as Vrchlabí, originally known as Hohenelbe, became administrative and trading centres at the southern foot of the range. Above the villages, seasonal mountain farming created meadows and pasture clearings whose patterns remain visible in parts of the landscape.

Mining, Forestry and Glassmaking

From the early modern period, the mountains supported a varied extractive economy. Mining for ores and other materials took place in several valleys, while extensive forests supplied timber and fuel. Glassmaking became especially important in the western Krkonoše, where Harrachov developed a long-standing glass tradition. These industries connected remote communities to wider markets but also altered forests and river valleys. Former workshops, industrial collections and mountain settlements preserve evidence of an economy that preceded modern tourism.

Krakonoš and Mountain Folklore

The figure of Krakonoš, known in German as Rübezahl, emerged from the cultural world of the Bohemian and Silesian mountains. Stories portray him as a powerful and unpredictable spirit associated with the weather, forests and moral justice. The legend crossed linguistic and political boundaries and became part of the region’s shared folklore. Today Krakonoš appears in local museums, festivals, signs and family attractions, although the tradition reflects the mixed Czech- and German-speaking history of the historical borderlands rather than a single modern identity.

The Rise of Mountain Tourism

Tourism expanded during the nineteenth century as improved roads, railways and growing interest in mountain scenery brought visitors to settlements such as Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov and Janské Lázně. Hotels, mountain huts and marked walking routes developed alongside spa facilities. Winter recreation gained importance in the early twentieth century, establishing the foundations of the ski economy visible today. The region’s tourism heritage is therefore older than modern resort development and includes both health travel and organised walking in addition to skiing.

War, Borders and Post-war Transformation

Krkonoše lay in a politically sensitive borderland during the twentieth century. The Second World War and its aftermath brought major demographic change, including the departure of much of the German-speaking population from the Czechoslovak borderlands and the resettlement of villages. The post-war Czech-Polish border also shaped movement through the mountains. Many communities subsequently adapted from forestry, farming and small industry towards recreation, while historic buildings and settlement patterns continued to reflect the region’s earlier multilingual past.

National Park Protection and Modern Recreation

Krkonoše National Park was established on the Czech side in 1963 to protect the range’s distinctive high-altitude habitats, forests, peat bogs, streams and rare plants. The park forms part of a wider protected mountain landscape with Poland’s Karkonosze National Park across the frontier, and Krkonoše is recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Modern tourism now operates within this conservation framework. Trail management, visitor restrictions and seasonal measures seek to reconcile skiing, hiking and local livelihoods with the protection of sensitive mountain environments.

Krkonoše in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Krkonoše

The closest regions to Krkonoše, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Czechia
More of the region

Explore more of Czechia

Discover Czechia: A European gem with historic towns, stunning landscapes, and cultural delights. Perfect for travelers seeking charm, history, and adventure.

Explore Czechia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Krkonoše

Discover the best of Krkonoše with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering all top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Plan your perfect trip to Krkonoše with Evendo, your free travel guide packed with detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Krkonoše and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Imagine embarking on an unforgettable journey to Krkonoše, Czechia, with the ultimate travel companion by your side. Evendo is your all-in-one travel guide, designed to make your visit seamless and enriching. Explore iconic landmarks like Sněžka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic, or the majestic Mumlava Waterfalls. Dive into local culture with visits to charming towns like Vrchlabí and Špindlerův Mlýn, offering picturesque views and unique experiences.

Indulge in delectable local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as Restaurace Pivovarská Bašta, known for its traditional Czech dishes, or the modern and cozy Hospoda na Peci. With Evendo, you can effortlessly find and book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring you don't miss out on any must-see spots or activities.

Evendo's rich information database includes images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easier than ever to plan and organize your trip. The app's 'Near Me' feature allows you to discover attractions, shops, bars, and nightclubs around you, ensuring you always know what's nearby. Plus, curated local tips help you experience Krkonoše like a true local.

Whether you're hiking through the Krkonoše National Park, skiing in the winter wonderland, or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery, Evendo enhances every moment of your journey. Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your Krkonoše adventure—all for free!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.