East Bohemia>Králický Sněžník

Králický Sněžník

is one of the Czech Republic’s highest mountains, ranking third after Krkonoše and Hrubý Jeseník. From a tourism perspective, the region is truly virgin territory. There are no chalets in Králický Sněžník and no asphalt roads run through it. The mountain got its name, Sněžník (Snow-covered), from the fact that its peak remains covered in snow on an average of eight months a year.

Although the larger part of these jagged highlands is situated in Poland (Masyw Sniežnika), the Czech side has plenty to offer visitors.

Five massive peaks protrude from the top of Sněžník’s rounded cupola (1424 metres), featuring the dominant Malý Sněžník (1338 metres), Sušiny (1321 metres), Podbělky (1307 metres) and Klepý (1143 metres). On its southern side you will also find a European watershed – rivers that empty their waters into the Baltic (Kladská Nisa), Black (Morava) and North (Quiet Orlice) Seas. Considering the fact that the top passages are bare, they afford beautiful views not only to Poland and the Moravian side (the Rychleb Mountains and Jeseník) but also to the Bohemian side (Suchý vrch, the Orlický Mountains). Thanks to its height, the region of Králický Sněžník is also situated in the Alpine zone. Several species of protected flora and fauna exist in the region’s easternmost and westernmost parts.

The Lichtenstein chalet once stood in Králický Sněžník. In its place today you will find a baby-elephant statue that has become a symbol of these mountains over time. The source of the Morava River is situated slightly under the peak, not far from the baby-elephant, at a height of 1390 metres.

The main point of entry to the region of the Králický Sněžník Massif from the Bohemian side is the town of Králíky (previously Grulich), which has a very well-known pilgrimage monastery on Matka Boží Nové okno (Holy Mother) Mountain as well as a military history museum . From the Moravian side the region can be accessed from the small town of Staré Město pod Sněžníkem, which was once famous as a metallic ore mining town.

The best equipped ski resort Ski centre Sněžník Nové okno under Králický Sněžník, with several slopes, is situated in the village of Horní Morava, only about 10 kilometres from Králíky. There is also good downhill skiing by the Návrší chalet by Staré Město. Throughout the region there are absolutely fantastic conditions for cross-country skiing, especially for those who love the open countryside and prefer to hit the trails alone.