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Sněžka - Tjeckiens högsta berg

22 June 2022 / 10 Comments

The highest mountain in the Czech Republic - Sněžka in Sudetenland

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The highest mountain in the Czech Republic is called Sněžka and is located in the Krkonoše mountain range in the Sudetes. It has a height of 1603 metres and is shared with Poland. We went up to the top by gondola lift and hiked all the way down.

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Sněžka - the highest mountain in the Czech Republic

Sněžka is not only the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, but also a popular tourist destination. Many people come here to hike or just to enjoy the view. You can get to the top either on foot or by gondola lift.

Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka

Sněžka is located in the Sudetes mountain range, on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. The gondola is on the Czech side, starting in the town of Pec pod Sněžkou.

By motorhome to Pec pod Sněžkou

We are travelling in the Czech Republic by motorhome and set the GPS to the town of Pec pod Sněžkou, where the gondola lift starts. Finding the town was easy, but finding a car park was a bit more tricky.

There are plenty of parking spaces in the city, but most of them are too small for a slightly larger motorhome. However, after some searching we found a place "on the long side", where our motorhome could fit. Then it was time to walk to the lift - a walk of about 800 metres.

Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka gondollift

Lift to the top of the highest mountain in the Czech Republic

The gondola lift that takes you to the top of the Czech Republic's highest mountain Sněžka is from 2014, and feels very modern. For a person afraid of heights like me (Helena), it was also nice that it goes all the way reasonably close to the ground. It was even so that I could enjoy the fantastic views!

There is also an "intermediate station" where you can get off, if you want to hike halfway up or down, for example. However, we took the lift all the way up to the top.

On top of the Czech Republic's highest mountain Sněžka

When we stepped out at the top, we were above the tree line and were met with 11 degrees and chilly winds. Now we realised that we were high up! We were glad that we had brought a jacket and a thicker sweater, even though it was still a real summer heat down in the city (around 25-30 degrees).

Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka

From the top of the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, there are fantastic views in several directions.

Utsikt från Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka

There is food service on the summit, and a variety of buildings. On the Polish side (yes, the summit is shared by the Czech Republic and Poland!) there is a weather station.

There is also the Chapel of St Laurence, built in the 17th century.

Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka - St Laurentiuskapellet

Travelling downwards

After enjoying the view at the top, we started the hike down. At the beginning of the hike, the view was amazing, with mountains and nature in all directions.

Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka

Many more people than us walked down, while others walked up to meet us. We had both water and food with us and stopped here and there for nice breaks.

Break at Děčínská bouda

Halfway down, there was a slightly longer break at the mountain hut Děčínská bouda. What a charming place! Here you can order soup, sausages or a beer while enjoying the view.

For us it was a beer in the sun. A nice break during the hike!

Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka
Tjeckiens högsta berg - Sněžka

Last walk downhill

Finally, it was time for the last hike down, and this we actually experienced as the toughest. Going down is in a way less hard than going up, but at the same time you have to "receive" a lot with your thighs and calves. In addition, the surface was very uneven. It was a very nice hike, but also a bit exhausting. We had training pain in our thighs and calves for several days afterwards!

A film from the Czech Republic's highest mountain Sněžka

Overnight stay at Autocamp Slunečná

So, where did we spend the night with the motorhome? Well, we stayed at Autocamp Slunečná, which is about half an hour's drive from Pec pod Sněžkou. This campsite is relatively simple, but nice.

There is a nice lake and a small restaurant, which was well attended with a great atmosphere. The reception was only open between 18-20 when we were here, but it was possible to roll in earlier and take a seat while waiting to pay.

More to see in the neighbourhood

From the Czech Republic's highest mountain, Sněžka, it's a short distance to Adršpach, which offers stunning rock formations. The beautiful city of Hradec Králové is also not far away. We can also recommend the Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic, which offers glass art, but also local breweries and nature experiences.

All our top tips for the Czech Republic. Click on the image!

Have you been to the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, Sněžka?

Have you been to the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, Sněžka? Or have you climbed any other high mountain? Please tell us!

Facts about Sněžka - the highest mountain in the Czech Republic

  • Country: Czech Republic and Poland
  • Area: Hradec Králové / Lower Silesia Voivodeship
  • Location: The border between the Czech Republic and Poland
  • Nearest town in the Czech Republic: Pec pod Sněžkou
  • Nearest town in Poland: Carpacus
  • Mountainous area: Krkonoše 
  • Mountain range: Sudetenland
  • Height: 1603 metres above sea level
  • Name: Sněžka (Czech) or Śnieżka (Polish), meaning 'snow-covered'. In German, the mountain is called Schneekoppe, which means 'snow head'.

History of the mountain

  • 15th century: Mining for copper, iron and arsenic was carried out on the mountain.
  • 1453: A Venetian merchant climbed the mountain while searching for precious stones.
  • 1668-1681: The St Lawrence Chapel at the top was built by the Schaffgotsch family and originally belonged to the monastery in Warmbrunn.
  • 1790: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe climbed the mountain.
  • 1800: The Prussian royal couple Frederick William III and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz climbed the peak.
  • 19th century: The area became a popular tourist destination, with an inn on top of the mountain.
  • 1900: A weather station was opened at the top.
  • 1946: A lift was built from the Czech town of Pec pod Sněžkou.
  • 2014: The older lift was replaced by a modern gondola.

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22 June 2022 6:00
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6 Comments

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  1. Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:

    The walk downhill doesn't look too pleasant - risk of tripping!
    Do you have good weather?
    Happy Midsummer

    22 June 2022 - 9:11

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      The surface was uneven so you had to check where you put your feet! But very nice hike! 😀👍 And yes, fantastic weather! First we had around 30 degrees, but now it is a little cooler, around 23 degrees and sun!

      22 June 2022 - 16:48

      Reply

  2. bmlarstravellingblog says:

    We would have loved to experience this day; nice views, beautiful weather, nice walk, so delicious!

    22 June 2022 - 16:33

    Reply

  3. BP says:

    What a nice hike. Absolutely worth the training pain in the days after ... considering the nice views.

    22 June 2022 - 20:56

    Reply

4 Pingbacks

  1. Things to do in Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic - 15 tips | FREEDOMtravel
  2. We wish you a very nice midsummer! | FREEDOMtravel
  3. Cool treetop railway in Krkonoše, northern Czech Republic | FREEDOMtravel
  4. Prachovské skály in Bohemian Paradise, Czech Republic | FREEDOMtravel

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