Experience Spring in the Jeseníky Mountains: Majestic Summits, Enigmatic Rocks, and Blooming Meadows

If you’re interested in exploring the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area, begin your journey in Rýmařov. Your route will take you north towards Malé Morávka, then you’ll pass through Andělská Hora to reach Vrbno pod Pradědem. Continue around the Golden Mountains until you arrive at Mikulovice. From the northern edge of the protected area, you’ll make your way back south via Jeseník toward Ostružné, passing through Branna and moving onward to Loučná nad Desnou. You will circle around Sobotín and head back to Rýmařov, covering hundreds of kilometers along the way, while traversing an impressive area of 740 square kilometers. However, keep in mind that this route won’t show you the most breathtaking sights; you’ll need to venture deep into the forests or ascend the mountain peaks to truly experience the beauty.

Ruler of the Praděd Mountains

Standing tall as the fifth highest mountain in the Czech Republic and holding the title of the highest mountain in Moravia and Czech Silesia, Praděd (1,491 m) is the tallest peak of the Hrubý and Nízký Jeseník ranges. Getting here is quite straightforward: the most convenient option is to take a shuttle bus from Hvězda saddle above Karlova Studánka to Ovčárna, and then follow a path past the Barborka cabin right up to the TV transmitter with its observation tower. Alternatively, if traveling from Červenohorské sedlo, you can take a scenic route via the Switzern. The most enchanting path leads from Karlova Studánka Spa and follows a nature trail along the stunning waterfalls of the White Opava River. From the viewing platform at the transmitter on Praděd, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding area, and on a clear day, you might even catch sight of the High Tatras and Malá Fatra in Slovakia, or the majestic Austrian Alps.

Peter’s Stones: the legendary site of witches

If you’re heading to Jeseníky through Velké Losiny, don’t miss the chance to stop by the local Renaissance castle and the Thermal Park featuring natural healing waters. However, this town is also notorious for being the site of witch trials in the 17th century. One of the locations for these trials was believed to be Peter’s Stones, comprising three large rocks weathered by frost, easily visible from Praděd. This area is steeped in legends, said to be named after a young blacksmith who sought refuge here with his girlfriend, the daughter of the administrator of the Sovinec estate. Along with the Great Basin, it serves as one of the most valuable botanical areas in the Czech Republic and is a national nature reserve housing rare plants that have vanished from other regions. For the sake of protecting this sensitive nature, stepping off the designated paths is prohibited, restricting direct access to the rocks.

Long slopes: exploring by foot, bike, skates, or scooter

From Peter’s Stones, you can see the Anteater massif, where the upper reservoir of the Dlouhé Stráně Pumped Storage Power Plant is located. Accessing this site is easy: in the Kouty area, you can ride a cable car to the lookout tower on Medvědí Hora. From there, you can hike, bike, or take a shuttle minibus to the upper reservoir. This spot is also great for roller skating: while cycling and inline skating are not allowed right around the reservoir, a 2.5 km one-way path for skating runs slightly downhill. Rollerblades can be rented at the Helia Sport store. At an altitude of 1,300 meters, you can soak in the spectacular views across the entire Jeseníky mountain range. Plus, there’s a scooter rental service available, allowing you to enjoy a thrilling 17-kilometer downhill ride back from the upper reservoir to the Kouty area.

A magical pond in the woods

Are you searching for enchanting spots with clear mossy pools and mysterious peat bogs that are steeped in folktales of fairies and goblins? The ideal destination for those seeking a bit of magic is Rejvíz, a picturesque mountain village featuring quaint old cottages and a well-known guesthouse adorned with carved chairs. Here begins the trail to Moss Pond, where the final stretch is traversed over marshy ground on wooden walkways. Peer into the dark waters of the pond: folklore suggests that a town once existed here that sank into the swamp as punishment. If you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of a sparkle of light on the church tower and hear the distant echo of the bells that are rumored to have sunk with the town.

Seasonal opening at Jeseník Spa

Each year, Jeseník Spa organizes a special opening of the spa season for the public. This much-anticipated cultural event is set to happen this year from May 16th to 17th, 2025. Visitors to the spa, including guests and local residents, can look forward to activities such as the blessing of the springs, along with performances from artists like Šárka Vaňková, Pavel Callta, and Berenika Kohoutová. Additional entertainment will feature Dixielands, the Yellow Dog Revival, the Jeseník Sports Dance Club, and more. On Sunday, various venues will also be exceptionally open to the public, including significant monuments like the lookout tower at the Sanatorium Priessnitz and the chapel along with the tomb of Vincenzo Priessnitz.

Did you know?

The term protected landscape area pertains solely to the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains, where “Hrubý” means “high” in an older form of Czech. There is also Low Jeseník, a smaller mountain range featuring dense beech forests, known for being one of the least populated areas in the country and a haven for those looking to escape the crowds. Notable sights here include Sovinec Castle, recognized for having the most extensive fortifications of its kind in the Czech Republic, Rešov Waterfalls, and Little and Big Roudny, two unassuming hills above Silesian Harta, which boast a complex volcanic history.

Spring Discoveries in the Jeseníky Mountains

Why Visit in Spring?

As winter thaws and forests awaken, the Jeseníky Mountains transform into a tapestry of emerald ridges, blossoming meadows, and mist-shrouded waterfalls—perfect for both nature lovers and culture seekers.

Natural Highlights

• Forested Ridges & Alpine Meadows
  Wander along trails fringed by fresh greenery and carpets of wildflowers, where the boundary between forest and emerging mountain tundra blurs.

• Springs & Waterfalls
  • Seek out crystalline springs bubbling through rocky outcrops.
  • Marvel at cascades like the waterfalls near Karlova Studánka, still fed by melting snow.

• Stone Seas & Glacial Karas
  Explore vast fields of weathered boulders (“stone seas”) and deep, bowl-shaped glacial lakes carved during the Ice Age.

Iconic Trails & Peaks

• Praděd (1,491 m)
  • By Shuttle + Hike: Take the shuttle to Ovčárna, then follow the ridge trail up.
  • Alternate Route: Climb from Červenohorské sedlo or enjoy the gentle nature path from Karlova Studánka.

• Peter’s Stones
  Perched on a remote outcrop, these jagged pillars are steeped in legend—named for the blacksmith who once sought refuge here with his beloved.

• Dlouhé Stráně
  A high-altitude reservoir turned adventure hub: skate or scooter across the dam’s crest, bike its service roads, and climb the Bear Mountain lookout tower for panoramic views.

• Moss Pond (Mechové jezírko)
  Shrouded in folklore of a drowned city, its dark, glassy surface invites both mystery and reflection.

Cultural & Seasonal Events

• Jeseník Spa Season Opening
  Celebrate with a ceremonial blessing of the springs, live music, and special access to spa pavilions and wellness attractions.

• Local Traditions
  Spring festivals in village squares often feature folk music, craft markets, and hearty mountain cuisine.

Visitor Tips

• Access & Transport:
  – Shuttle buses link major trailheads (Ovčárna, Červenohorské sedlo) with nearby towns.
  – Mountain roads may still have patches of snow—check local trail reports.

• Guided Tours:
  Book a naturalist-led hike to learn about alpine flora, geology, and regional legends.

• Timing:
  Aim for mid-April through June for wildflower blooms and full waterfall flows—early enough to catch the last of the snowmelt, late enough for comfortable hiking.

Enjoy the perfect blend of rugged landscapes, ancient legends, and springtime celebrations in the heart of the Jeseníky Mountains!