A circuit around Kotel (1435m) a majestic Krkonoše peak, starting in Horní Misečky: 12 km

• Kotel is the highest peak on the western Czech side of the Krkonoše mountains, and at 1435m the 10th highest peak overall in the country. It is a distinctive mountain, with highly asymmetrical slopes dramatically scoured by glacial action. Kotel is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the Czech Republic.
• The summit is not accessible by the public (to protect the ecosystem), but two attractive hiking trails circle completely around it, offering different views of Kotel’s dramatic slopes. A good starting point for the circuit is the ski village of Horní Misečky, situated in the first valley to the west of Špindlerův Mlýn. Horní Misečky has direct bus connections with Prague and several paid parking areas. An alternative starting point, for those staying in Špindlerův Mlýn, is the top station of the Medvědín chair lift.
• At the highest point on the route (1421m) the Harrachovy kameny are an attractive cluster of granite rocks, typically found on the Krkonoše ridges. Near the trail along the ridge are several concrete bunkers set up shortly before WWII as part of the Czech border defence.
• The 11.8 km route is mostly on mountain and forest footpaths, with some steeper sections, but nothing too difficult. There is 480m of height to ascend/descend, when starting from Horní Misečky. The circuit can be taken in either direction, but it is suggested to go anticlockwise as this gives an ascent with the more open views towards Kotel. There are a couple of good refreshment options on the route, with the Vrbatova bouda near the highest point on the ascent, and the Restaurant Štumpovka (with a huge summer terrace area) below the western flank of Kotel. Back in the village, try the usually excellent restaurant Chata Mísečky.

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

• Starting at the trail junction at the top of the village, near the bus stop, join the YELLOW trail (the stará vozová cesta) in the direction of Vrbatova bouda
• Vrbatova bouda is reached after 2.7m. From there join the GREEN trail in the direction of U Růženčiny zahrádky
• The trail leads past the Harrachovy kameny and reaches the U Růženčiny zahrádky junction after 1.4 km
• Here, join the RED trail in the direction of Dvoračky junction, which is reached after 2 km
• Just next to the Dvoračky junction is the hotel and restaurant Štumpovka
• Return back to Horní Misečky along the GREEN trail. The starting point is reached in 5.5 km