Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Established in 1963, Krkonoše National Park covers the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic, the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), which form part of the Sudetes along the Czech-Polish border. The park spans approximately 55,000 acres, encompassing alpine meadows, subalpine forests, peat bogs, and glacial cirques, dominated by the massif of Sněžka, the tallest peak at 1,603 meters (5,259 feet). This diverse ecology supports numerous protected species including the endemic Krkonoše bellflower and rare animals such as the alpine salamander and capercaillie. The landscape was shaped by intense glacial processes, leaving behind unique geomorphological formations.
The park is a year-round outdoor destination: in summer, it offers over 400 kilometers (250 miles) of hiking trails ranging from gentle forest walks to challenging mountain ascents, including the famous Main Ridge Trail covering the Czech-Polish border. In winter, the area becomes a hub for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Visitors explore traditional mountain villages, historic mountain chalets, and engaging visitor centers like the Info Center in Pec pod Sněžkou. Krkonoše’s combination of natural beauty, well-maintained infrastructure, and cultural heritage attracts nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike.
