*An ascent of Keprník (1423m) from Ramzová via the Šerák viewpoint: a 14 km hike*
- Keprník (1423m) is the fourth highest peak in the Jeseníky mountains and one of the most popular ascents due to the exceptional panoramic views from the summit and from the neighbouring Šerák peak (1351m) whose steep flanks are almost alpine in character.
- There are two trail routes up (or down) Šerák from Ramzová. The classic route follows the broad line of the chairlifts (although at some distance away) on the RED trail. This leads directly to the summit of Šerák, and from there it is a 2 km easy ascent to Keprník. The lower chairlift can be taken if desired to shorten the climbing.
- The alternative route weaves up the northern flank of Šerák, passing the picturesque Obří skály (Giant rocks) formation, a massive frost shattered outcrop with unusual shapes. The (recommended) route shown on the map ascends via the northern side (which has the steeper sections) and descends along the classic route (which has more moderate slopes).
- The total circular route, including the extension to the Keprník peak is 14 km from the chairlift station. There are 700m of ascent-descent on the route. There are some relatively steep sections on the ascent, but none of the paths are difficult. Just below the Šerák peak is the popular (often very busy) mountain restaurant Chata na Šeráku, which offers warm food and refreshment for hikers (and skiers in winter). There are exceptional views into the valley below from the terrace.
Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.
Directions
- Ramzová can be reached by regular bus from the central town of Jeseník. There are large parking areas near the chair lift.
- From the bottom of the chair lift – the Ramzová – lanovka trail signpost – take the GREEN hiking trail towards Šerák
- There are two choices of route on the initial part of the ascent – the GREEN hiking trail, or the slightly easier GREEN marked cycle trail, which follows a mountain track up the hillside. Both reach the Pod Obřími skálami trail junction after approximately 3.2 km
- At the Pod Obřími skálami junction, turn sharp right onto the BLUE trail in the direction of Obří skály. The rocks are reached after 800m
- At Obří skály continue on the BLUE trail for 1.4 km to reach the viewpoint (and mountain restaurant) just below the peak of Šerák
- From the restaurant, continue on the BLUE trail for 700m to reach the junction of Pod Keprníkem and there turn onto the RED trail for the final 1.3 km section to the summit of Keprník
- From Keprník return back along the RED trail towards Šerák after 1.7 km reaching the trail junction marked Šerák, which is just below the summit. Here, turn sharply left, staying on the RED trail and heading in the direction of Ramzová
- Follow the RED trail all the way down the mountain to reach the car park next to the chair lift in 4.8 km
