Things to Do in the Giant Mountains in Summer

The Giant Mountains are one of the most beautiful corners of Czechia. In winter, skiers from Czechia, Poland and Germany pour in, but summer is every bit as good. That’s when you hike along green ridges, climb the country’s highest peak and drive past fairy-tale buildings and bizarre rock formations. In this blog we share the best things to do in the Giant Mountains in summer.

Forest River Dam near Dvůr Králové, Czechia

Where are the Giant Mountains?

The Giant Mountains, or Krkonoše in Czech, form the natural border between Czechia and Poland, so you can visit them from either country.

Most of the range lies on the Czech side. Prague is about a two-hour drive away, and a car gives you the most freedom here, as the sights in this blog are spread out across the valleys around the mountains.

Our tip: book your rental car through Discover Cars. It compares all the big rental companies in one go, so you can easily find the best deal.

Where to stay in the Giant Mountains?

You’ll find most places to stay in the ski villages of Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou. In summer they’re a lot quieter, and from the smaller villages in the valleys you’re never far from the lifts and hiking trails either. We rented an apartment in Svoboda nad Úpou, a few minutes’ drive from Pec pod Sněžkou and Janské Lázně. Looking for a holiday home yourself? Take a look on Vrbo, or find hotels in the Giant Mountains here.

The best things to do in the Giant Mountains

#1 The summit of Sněžka

The literal high point of the Giant Mountains is Sněžka, or Śnieżka in Polish. At 1,603 metres it’s the highest mountain in Czechia, and a visit to the area doesn’t really feel complete without a trip to the top. Luckily, you don’t have to break a sweat: a cable car takes you up from Pec pod Sněžkou. Prefer to get there under your own steam? Several hiking trails lead to the summit. Or do what we did: ride the cable car up and walk back down.

→ Discover all the cable cars and hiking trails up Sněžka

#2 The Treetop Walkway

In Janské Lázně you’ll find one of the most popular days out with kids in the Giant Mountains. The Krkonoše Treetop Walkway is a wooden boardwalk that first winds between the trees and then spirals up inside a tower, a little higher with every loop. Along the way you learn all sorts about nature in the mountains. At the top you’re well above the treetops, with views right across the peaks. And they save the best for last: you don’t go back down the stairs, but down a giant slide.

Krkonoše Treetop Walkway, Giant Mountains

#3 Břecštejn castle ruins

Here’s a special spot that hardly anyone visits: Břecštejn castle. Or rather, what’s left of it. Czechia has hundreds of castles, but not many of them are in the Giant Mountains. Břecštejn is the exception, hidden in thick forest on top of a rocky outcrop. The castle was built exactly as big as those rocks, which isn’t very big at all. It dates from the fifteenth century, when it replaced an earlier castle on the same spot. What made it special was how compact it was, and that its upper part was built of wood rather than stone. Unsurprisingly, nothing is left of the wooden part. Only the stone walls still stand, and through the old cellars you can climb into the narrow castle and right up onto the walls.

The castle is 160 metres from the main road, along an unpaved track. There isn’t really a car park, but in a few places there’s just enough verge along the road to leave your car for a while.

#4 Kuks Hospital

One of the best-known sights at the foot of the Giant Mountains is Kuks Hospital. This baroque monument stands in the tiny village of Kuks on the river Elbe and was once part of a spa resort. Count Sporck built the complex around 1700 because of the mineral springs in the river, which were said to have healing powers. As a member of the new nobility, the count felt under pressure to raise his status, so he spared no expense. He didn’t get to enjoy it for long, though: in 1740 a flood swept most of it away. Only the hospital, high up on a hill, survived.

Today you can visit the hospital and wander freely through the lovely gardens. Want to see inside too? Then you’ll need to join a guided tour. Tickets are sold on site or in advance online.

#5 The Forest River Dam

On the Labe (Elbe) river near the town of Dvůr Králové nad Labem stands one of the most unusual structures in Czechia: a dam that looks like it belongs in a theme park. Two gatehouses with pointy turrets guard the dam, and on the banks stand little houses that seem to have stepped straight out of a storybook. The roof tiles are so shiny and red they almost look fake! The dam was built more than a century ago to tame the river and generate electricity. Why it had to look like a fairy-tale castle is anyone’s guess, but the result is gorgeous.

The Forest River Dam is an easy trip from the Giant Mountains. As you drive towards it you’ll see no-entry signs. Do look closely, more closely than we did: the ban only applies to heavy vehicles. In an ordinary car you’re free to drive across.

→ Discover the fairy-tale Forest River Dam

#6 The Adršpach rocks

Just half an hour’s drive from the Giant Mountains lies one of the most beautiful natural spots in Czechia: the Adršpach rocks. A trail leads you between towering sandstone pillars, through narrow gaps and past deep gorges. Calling it a walk is generous, though: expect steps, scrambling and the odd squeeze between the rocks. There are two main routes, a short one around the lake and a longer one right through the tallest rocks. If you have time, do both. That way you get the best rock formations plus the lake, where the rocks are beautifully reflected in the water. There’s even a little boat for visitors. A bit touristy and busy, but still good fun. Tickets for the rocks are sold online in advance for a fixed time slot, together with a parking space, via the official website. On busy days they sell out, and then you won’t get in on the spot either.

Tip: an hour’s drive west of the Giant Mountains you’ll find a similar rock area: the Prachov Rocks in the Bohemian Paradise. If it’s on your route, that’s another one we’d recommend.

Written by Maartje

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