Discover Our Timeless Hiking Trails: Your Escape from Boredom!

The oldest hiking map shows the Jeseníky Mountains

The idea of hiking emerged towards the close of the 19th century. This period saw the creation of the first hiking paths, accompanying maps, and guides. The earliest map of its kind in our country is the Tourist map of the Jeseníky Mountains, printed by the Moravian-Silesian Sudeten Mountain Association in 1881. The map’s creator was retired lieutenant Johann Ripper, who was related to the famous Vincenzo Priessnitz. This map illustrated the entire Hrubý Jeseník range, stretching from Ramzovský sedlo, through key locations like Šerák and Červenohorské sedlo, all the way to Praděd and Skřítek. It featured 100 kilometers of marked hiking trails, which enabled adventurers to explore 11 extended routes. However, unlike the organized markings we see today, these trails were simply indicated by basic information signs.

The map is scaled at 1:75000 and came with a pamphlet that provided details on essential services available in the surrounding area. For instance, tourists could enjoy donkey rides offered by Franz Neugebauer in Grefenberg, which is now known as Jeseník Spa. You can still trace the steps of the early hikers on The Jesenická magistrála, a route that passes through many of the same spots as those in the original map.

The oldest marked hiking trail of the KČT

Czech enthusiasts didn’t lag behind; in June 1888, a group of patriots, led by Vojta Náprstek, established the Czech Tourist Club. This club was immediately proactive in marking a comprehensive network of hiking trails all over the country. The very first official tourist trail of the KČT was inaugurated on May 11, 1889, connecting Štěchovice to St. John’s Streams. Currently, the part of the trail not submerged by the Štěchovice and Slapy reservoirs has been restored to include the original signage along with replicas of historical signposts and added information panels. You can hike the section starting from Štěchovice’s Na Buku Street and return from Třebenice via the popular Svatojánské Streams nature path.

To Karlštejn with Vojta Náprstek

The second oldest marked hiking trail is known as Vojta Náprstek’s journey, spanning thirteen kilometers. This trail was marked by the Czech Tourist Club in June 1889, just a year after the club was founded, and was named in honor of its founder. It starts from Beroun and winds through Svatý Jan pod Skalou, past the Bubovice waterfalls and the Oak of Seven Brothers, leading to the historic Karlštejn Castle. This route presents a more challenging trek, taking you through rugged landscapes, dense forests featuring rare flora, karst springs, dramatic rock canyons, scenic secluded spots, and areas rich in ancient history. Be ready for a challenging adventure that includes steep ascents…

The third and fourth oldest KČT routes to Skalka and Radeč

If you are residing nearby Brdy, a visit to Skalka is a must. This location has been a favorite for a long time, which is why the third oldest route of the KČT was established, starting from Řevnice along the Berounka River, leading up over the Babka peak to the Brda ridge, ultimately reaching the pilgrimage site Skalka. Although the original route hasn’t entirely remained intact, it is still possible to follow it. You can start at the blue marker from the Řevnický les crossroads and follow the green path along the Babský potok until you arrive at Skalka.
The fourth oldest KČT trail, also established in 1889, is the red-marked route in Rokycany, connecting Holoubkov, Těškov, and Radeč Castle (originally Rač). This route, approximately 8.5 km long, is still easily accessible today.

Franz Josef-Weg, also known as Krakonošova cesta

Another contender for the title of oldest hiking trail is the Franz Josef-Weg, or Krakonoš’s Way, created by the KČT between 1889 and 1894. It welcomed hikers on September 19, 1894. Today, you can still hike along this path, which is a 15 km long green-marked route starting from Špindlerův Mlýn (Bedřichov). It takes you through Dvoračky to Ručičky, proceeding along Ryzímu potok, and ending at the parking area in Rýžoviště near Harrachov. The Franz Josef-Weg was known by that name until 1918, when it was renamed for patriotic reasons to Krakonošova.

A journey in the footsteps of Count Harrach

The hiking path, which partially follows the Elbe River, is named after its founder – the Harrachova cesta. Count Jan Nepomuk František Harrach oversaw the construction of the original Harrach Route, which stretches about 16 kilometers and was developed from 1876 to 1879. His passion for the beautiful mountainous regions of our country contributed to advancements in forestry and he played a significant role in building roads in the Krkonoše area and even helped create the train line connecting Martinice and Rokytnice nad Jizerou. Furthermore, he initiated numerous hiking trails that were marked in both German and Czech languages. In 1889, he was instrumental in founding the Czech Tourist Club in Jilemnice and received the title of Honorary Member. Moreover, in 1904, he established the first nature reserve in the Krkonoše region, located in Labský důl.
If you wish to follow the path of Count Harrach, you can start in Špindlerův Mlýn, where you would take the blue trail alongside the Elbe River through the Labský důl. This route will take you upward through the Elbe Gorge to Labská bouda. From there, navigate through Pančavská meadow to Krakonoš’s breakfast spot and continue along the Mumlava River, passing by its remarkable waterfalls until you reach Harrachov. However, be aware that during winter the path is unsuitable for cross-country skiing—Labský důl is not accessible in winter and the blue trail heading from Pančavská louka to Krakonoš’s breakfast is completely impassable.

Jizera Mountains were under the thumb of the German Mountain Association

While the Czech Tourist Club became well-established in the highest mountains, the Jizera Mountains came under the jurisdiction of the German Mountain Association for the Ještěd and Jizera Mountains. Founded in 1884 with permission from the then-owner of the Jizera Mountains estate, Count Clam-Gallas, this association began constructing a network of hiking paths that are still in use today. For instance, the Kammweg (or The Ridge), which connects Sněžka, Ještěd, and Růžový vrch, was initiated by members of the association alongside their colleagues from the Krkonoše and Lusatia regions in 1902. The routes were typically marked with metal plates shaped like a certain symbol. In more recent decades, the original Ridgeway has been revamped, and it is now possible to hike it via two branches.

At the height of its popularity, this route extended from Blankenstein above Saale in Germany, through the Krušné hory, Czechoslovakian Switzerland, the Lusatian, Ještěd, and Jizera Mountains, the Krkonoše, Broumov, the Orlické Mountains, and Sněžník, finally reaching Praděd. The trail crossed the border in many locations and generally followed the primary ridge along the mountains. The modern Hřebenovka continues the tradition of this historical trail.

Long-distance hiking routes: news, attractions, and tips for a more diverse vacation

Romantic routes around Jizera and Kamenice

The story of the Rieger’s Trail dates back to 1900 when the Czech Tourist Club constructed the so-called old section of the trail from Železný Brod to the point where the Kamenice and Jizera rivers meet. In 1901, there were plans to extend this trail to Semily, but the designers faced resistance from the then landowner. Consequently, the entire trail was not completed until 1909, by which time the section from Podspálov to Semily had finally been finished. The total length of the trail is less than 4 km.
Another equally stunning trail is the Palacký Trail, marked in red and winding through the Tanvaldská Kamenice valley. Beginning at the Spálov train station, it traverses through Návarov, Haratice, and Velké Hamry towards Tanvald. This trail was developed by the Czech Tourist Club during the years 1911-1913. The entire length of the Palacký Trail is quite short but beautiful.

7 things you may not know about… Czech hiking trails

Other popular trails and routes or did you know…?

• • Have you ever hiked the Silesian Trail in the Giant Mountains? It is a historical trade route that connects Vrchlabí over the ridges of the Krkonoše Mountains to the town of Karpacz. The Silesian Route is one of the most ancient documented Krkonoše trails, and its detailed description can be found in Hüttel’s 16th-century chronicle. Today’s route resembles the Silesian Trail, which extends from Strážný (Jelení domky) right to the saddle leading to Výrovka.

• • The first network of marked hiking trails in the Czech territories was established in 1884 by Pohorská jednota Radhošť in Beskydy. These paths were located around Radhoště and were marked with distinctive symbols. The first long-distance hiking route in the Czech Republic ran through Brdy to Šumava and was marked by the Czech Tourist Club in 1912.

• • If you’re familiar with the famous Posázava Trail, the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts, this trail was established in 1920 when the KČT marked a section along the Sázava River, connecting Pikovice, Třebsín, and Žampach. The main portion of this trail is highlighted in red as Route No. 0001, indicating it as a significant hiking path.

• • The oldest hiking trail in the Eagle Mountains has been Jirásekova cesta since 1921. This marked route runs along the ridge of these charming mountains.

• • The Golden Trail of the Bohemian Paradise has successfully connected the most stunning and significant locations in this region for many decades now. Spanning 119 km, it navigates from Mladá Boleslav to Jičín, traversing valleys, rock formations, hills, streams, and even medieval castles and lush pine forests. The name and concept of this trail emerged back in 1937, with a promotional film highlighting its beauty before the war ensued.

• • Cinibulk’s nature trail, established in 1946, kicks off at the Municipal Spa in Mšeno and takes you on a 9 km journey through the stunning Kokořín countryside, returning back to Mšeno at the end. It typically requires around 3 hours to walk the Cinibulka Nature Trail, which can be quite challenging.

• • Kögler Nature Trail in Krásnolipsko stands as the oldest scientific natural history trail in Bohemia. This trail was established as early as 1941 and takes you through some of the most beautiful locations within the Lusatian Mountains, Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and the Czech Switzerland National Park.

• • Bear Trail is recognized as the oldest nature trail in South Bohemia and the second oldest across the Czech Republic, running through the Šumava Protected Landscape Area. This adventurous trail leads to the site where the last bear of Šumava lived and was ultimately shot, established in 1967.

Tourist Marking in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is renowned for having one of the best systems for marking hiking paths in the world. This section explores the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the nation’s hiking trails.

Historical Evolution of Hiking Trails

• Early Maps and Markings:

  • The evolution of hiking trails in the Czech Republic began with the very first maps.

  • The oldest hiking map of the Jeseníky Mountains was created in 1881 and depicted 100 kilometers of marked trails.

  • Early trails were indicated on simple maps and featured minimal markings on site, often just informational boards.

• Pioneering Efforts in Tourist Marking:

  • The first marked tourist route was completed on May 11, 1889 by the Czech Tourist Club, connecting Štěchovice with the Svatojánské streams.

  • These early efforts laid the groundwork for the detailed and standardized marking system used today.

Iconic Trails and Landmarks

• Jeseníky Mountains:

  • Visitors can still traverse the Jesenická magistrála, following many of the same paths early tourists explored as indicated on the original 1881 map.

• Vojta Náprstek Trail:

  • Spanning thirteen kilometers, this trail takes hikers from Beroun through Svatý Jan pod Skalou to Karlštejn Castle.

  • Vojtěch Náprstek’s contributions helped in popularizing Karlštejn Castle by establishing an associated hiking route.

• Harrachova cesta:

  • For enthusiasts of the Jeseníky Mountains, the Harrachova cesta is a notable path that follows the Elbe River and offers a scenic hiking experience.

Notable Contributions

• Franz Neugebauer:

  • Known for providing donkey rides in Grefenberg, adding a unique historical touch to early tourism experiences.

• Count Jan Nepomuk František Harrach:

  • Played a significant role in promoting tourism, forestry, and road construction in the Krkonoše Mountains, leaving a lasting impact on the development of Czech outdoor recreation.