- Address: Harrachov, Krkonose, Czech Republic
- Area: 385 sq. M. km
- Year of foundation: 1963
- Phone: +420 499 456 111
If you want to get to the Arctic in the center of Europe, then visit the Krkonoše National Park (Krkonoše National Park or Krkonošský národní park). It is a mountain range that stretches from east to west and occupies the northern part of the Czech Republic and the south-west of Poland.
General information
The nature protection zone covers an area of 385 square kilometers. km. It was founded in 1963 and represents an excellent landscape with a unique mountain ecosystem that was formed under the influence of glaciers. The slopes of the rock are covered with alpine meadows and dense forests, crystal clear water bodies and peat bogs. The peak of the Krkonoše National Park reaches a mark of 1602 m and is called Snezka . By the way, this is the highest point in the Czech Republic.
The special commission, which is based in Vrchlabi, manages the nature protection territory. The administration monitors the development of deposits of iron and copper ores, as well as the extraction of hard coal. The main purpose of establishing a national park is the protection of local nature.
Here grows about 1000 plant species, many of them are rare or endemic. In 1992, the park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a biosphere reserve.
Sights of the National Park
The territory of the Giant Mountains is equipped with tourist routes of varying complexity. During the tour of the protected area you will see:
- The source of the Elbe River is located at an altitude of 1387 m above sea level. It is designated by a concrete ring, decorated with the arms of cities, through which the river flows. This symbolic place is very popular among travelers.
- Obří-Dul is a complex, but, nevertheless, the most beautiful road to the top of the mountain range. It has a glacial origin and has long attracted nature lovers.
- Peat is a huge mountain tundra, which has an original natural environment.
- Elbe waterfall - is in the same name valley and has a height of 45 m.
- Girls' and Men's stones are the characteristic shapes of blocks formed from granite under the influence of strong winds.
- Labski Dul is a picturesque rocky gorge that belongs to the most visited places in the park.
- Panchavsky meadow is a vast territory on which peat bogs of the northern type are located. Here the river Panchava takes its source, forming a stepped waterfall. Its height exceeds 140 m. Panchavsky waterfall is considered one of the most impressive in the protected area.
- Harrach stones are isolated granite blocks that rise above a steep slope. They are of natural origin, while their shape resembles a huge bowl called the Great Boiler House.
- Brewery - here you can get acquainted with the production of a foam drink, as well as taste local varieties.
Things to do?
You can visit the Krkonoše at any time of the year. In the summer months, tourists will be able to:
- walk along beech and pine forests, fir and spruce groves;
- to ride a bicycle on tourist routes;
- conquer the summit of the Giant Mountains;
- Visit the ancient castle of Hvoynik;
- enjoy the pristine nature.
Ski resort
In the Krkonoše park there are modern tracks. This resort is considered the best in the Czech Republic and is intended for winter sports. You can go on skiing or snowboarding in the settlements of Spindleruv Mlyn , Petz-Pod-Snezkoy , Janske-Lazne, Harrachov, etc. It is often organized races on sledges, harnessed by dog sleds.
Features of visit
The territory of the Krkonose is equipped with benches, on which you can relax during the excursion. Here, tourists are prohibited from littering, screaming and causing damage to nature, and garbage must be sorted according to the material.
How to get there?
From the capital of the Czech Republic to the Krkonoše, you can get on the roads Nos. 16, 32, D11 D10 / E65. The distance is 150 km.