From Špindlerovka to Moravská bouda (with an optional descent to Spindl): 5 km – 9 km

• The border ridge of the Krkonoše mountain range that separates Poland from northern Bohemia is renowned for its almost arctic climate. Winds can gust at well above 200 km/h, and the winter snow frequently travels horizontally, leaving the ridge scoured and bare. Even the hardy dwarf pine trees are bent sideways by the ferocious weather.
• Yet despite its sometimes inhospitable weather, the ridge attracts visitors in all seasons, and not just those equipped with ropes, crampons or touring skis. Many scenic but undemanding hiking routes, mostly used in summer and autumn, snake their way to the border ridge from the Polish and Czech villages lying in the valleys below. Indeed, this guide includes a number of spectacular walks from the valley to the ridge, including the superb granite cliffs and tors hike.
• However, for those without the appetite or time for a lengthy hike up the mountain, there is a convenient way to access the ridge directly – by taking the bus or taxi from Špindlerův Mlýn to the border post of Špindlerovka, where the large mountain hotel of Špindlerova bouda is situated. A mountain road winds its way up from the Czech Republic’s largest ski resort and tops out at the Špindlerovka saddle at around 1200m altitude. From July 2020 it has also been possible to drive a private car up the road, but only if the car park at the top is not already full.
• From Špindlerovka, hiking and winter trails fan out in all directions; some heading towards the highest Czech peak (Sněžka – 1603m) , some into Poland, some back to Spindl, and one gently heads north west along the ridge on a broad and almost flat track. This latter trail offers an excellent introduction to the spectacular views available walking along the ridge, and is navigable in normal hiking boots in all seasons. On a calm, sunny winter’s day the views are majestic and the shapes of the snow covered dwarf pines quite photogenic!
• The easiest walk from Špindlerovka takes the ridge path for 1.5 km and then turns off on a flat nature trail through the forest for 1 km to reach the mountain hotel/restaurant Moravská bouda. This is good spot for refreshments. The open meadow below the hotel was probably created during the period when the Krkonoše forests were being cut to support the mines and furnaces of northern Bohemia in the 17th century . Alpine logging specialists were invited to Krkonoše at that time and brought with them their unique architecture and approach to farming the high pastures.
• From Moravská bouda there is an option to descend to Špindlerův Mlýn on foot on a paved mountain road (around 6 km and 500m of descent) . The road is quite steep in places but is not a difficult path. Alternatively, return back to Špindlerovka on the outbound route and take the bus back down to the village.

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Directions

• Start from the car park at Špindlerova bouda hotel. This can be reached by bus from Špindlerův Mlýn or by private car – note if the car park is full it is necessary to drive back down the mountain, as parking on the road is not permitted
• Take the red trail along the ridge in the direction of Pod Petrovou boudou, which is reached after 1.5 km
• At the Pod Petrovou boudou signpost, turn left onto the GREEN trail in the direction of Moravská bouda (refreshment options), which is reached after 850m
• At Moravská bouda if wanting to return to Špindlerův Mlýn on foot take the YELLOW trail on the mountain road in the direction of Pod Davidovými boudami. This bus stop, situated on the main road up to Špindlerovka is reached after 2.5km of descent
• At Pod Davidovými boudami cross the road and continue downhill on YELLOW trail, which is now an unpaved forest track, to reach the trail junction of U Dívčí lávky after 900m
• At U Dívčí lávky join the BLUE trail and follow the Labe river to reach Špindlerův Mlýn village centre in 2.3 km