Explore the Krkonoše Cyclobuses: Riding Through September
For 23 years, the Krkonoše cycling buses have been traveling through the highest mountains in the Czech Republic. Over these years, they have gained a lot of popularity among both cyclists and tourists who enjoy hiking in the stunning areas of the Giant Mountains. These services offer you seven bus routes to choose from. In August, the buses run every day, while in September, they operate from Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays.
The Krkonoše cyclobuses run each year from early June to the end of September, with this year’s last day being Sunday, 28 September 2025. Throughout the day, they make trips across the entire Krkonoše Mountains, leaving regularly in both directions—starting in the morning around seven and returning in the evening by roughly five o’clock. The main route, referred to as the backbone line, runs from Harrachov through Rokytnice, Benecko, Vrchlabí, Janské Lázně, Pec pod Sněžkou to the Malá Úpa – Pomezní Boudy.
Where the Krkonoše cyclobuses travel
Line 1: Harrachov – Pomezní Boudy serves as the main line connecting the entire mountain range. As stated earlier, it is the only existing bus line that allows you to travel from one side of the Giant Mountains to the other. The route passes through Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Jilemnice, Vrchlabí, Janské Lázně, Svoboda nad Úpou, and Pec pod Sněžkou. This cyclobus is capable of carrying 20 bicycles.
Line 2: Martinice – Horní Mísečky (for pedestrians) and Jilemnice – Horní Mísečky (for cyclists)
If you’re arriving at the Giant Mountains by train, you can catch a bus right at the Martinice train station that will take you through Jilemnice to Zlaté vrchší, allowing access to higher peaks like Labská bouda and the source of the Elbe. This bus is designed for hikers and families with strollers. The bus that leaves Martinice at 9:05 a.m. and the one departing Horní Mísečky at 6:00 p.m. are for pedestrians only. Cyclist-friendly buses from Jilemnice can take up to 11 bikes and run at 10:20 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. toward Horní Mísečky, returning at 11:00, 3:00, and 3:30 from Mísečky.
Line 3: Špindlerova bouda – Špindlerův Mlýn – Vrchlabí – Kuks – Hradec Králové
Enjoy a hassle-free journey to the peaks of the Giant Mountains from Hradec Králové, with no transfers! Every Saturday and Sunday, as well as every Thursday during holidays, the cyclobus can take you from Hradec to Špindlerova bouda. Alternatively, you can head back down to the foothills, Dvůr, or visit the beautiful Baroque area of Kuks, where you can enjoy an easier stretch along the Elbe cycle route. In Vrchlabí, you can also switch to different lines.
Line 4: Hradec Králové – Trutnov – Malá Úpa, Pomezní Boudy
On weekends, you have the chance to take the morning bus from Hradec Králové to the eastern side of the Krkonoše Mountains. Before ten o’clock, you can arrive in Pec or Pomezní Boudy, where a lovely day cycling awaits you. On weekdays, the service operates only from Trutnov. You can also reach the Krkonoše Mountains from other places like Náchod, Úpice, or Rtyně v Podkrkonoší with your bicycles. Experience the beauty along the Krkonoše ridges or explore the landscapes beneath Sněžka, then return in the afternoon with the cyclobus. The buses have space for 38 bikes.
Line 5: Harrachov – Rokytnice – Horní Mísečky
This bus is for pedestrians only and travels from Harrachov to Rokytnice, then continues via Františkov and Rezek to Vítkovice in the Giant Mountains and onto Horní Mísečky, after a brief stop, it proceeds to Zlaté návrší. This special route, not found in regular schedules, offers unique opportunities for exploration in the western Krkonoše Mountains.
Line 6: Jilemnice – Benecko – Vrchlabí
Are you drawn to the Žalý lookout tower but feeling daunted by the steep hike from Vrchlabí or Jilemnice? Now there’s a new cyclobus line to help you. It takes you to Benecko, from where you can make your way to the lookout tower and then on to Rovinka, Mísečky, or Špindlerův Mlýn. This bus can accommodate 11 bikes.
The regular buses cater exclusively to pedestrians only, taking hikers to Vrbatova bouda on Zlaté návrší. From there, you can explore in any direction along the boundaries of the Krkonoše ridges.
A trip to neighboring areas in Karpacz or Szklarska Poręba
An additional option includes a visit to Poland. In the morning, a bus from Vrchlabí heads to the border crossing at Špindlerova bouda. From that point, you can set off to Szklarska Poręba in Poland and return to the Czech Republic via Harrachov, or travel the other way via Karpacz to Pomezní Boudy. From both locations, you can catch the Krkonoše cycling buses for the ride back in the evening. Additionally, from Szklarska Poręba, there are regular train services to Harrachov, Tanvald, and Liberec throughout the day.
The Krkonoše cyclobuses are a fantastic option for families or groups of friends looking to enjoy a fun-filled day cycling together to create unforgettable memories. The buses are designed to carry between 15 and 35 bicycles. If you’re keen to save some energy or time, you can also take advantage of cable cars that provide free bike transportation, making it easier to get closer to your destination. Plus, the thrill of riding down hills and mountains is sure to be an exciting experience!
