Discover the most beautiful cycling trails in the Krkonose Mountains
The Association of Towns and Municipalities of the Giant Mountains, along with the KRNAP Administration, is developing a network of cycling paths that extend from the Giant Mountains into the Podkrkonoší area. There are numerous options available for cyclists looking to cover long distances, featuring stunning spots in both the mountains and the surrounding foothills.
Across nearly 400 kilometres of cycle paths inside the national park, along with additional routes around towns and villages like Hostinné, Jilemnice, Trutnov, Vrchlabí, Žacléř, and others in the foothill regions, there is an impressive total of about 300 kilometers. The longest cycling route in this region is the Krkonoše Diagonal that starts in Harrachov and ends in Žacléř.
Pay tribute to Europe’s great river and follow the Elbe Trail to the source of the Elbe
The Elbe Trail ranks among the most popular long-distance cycling paths in Europe and is integrated into the EuroVelo network, a collection of cycling routes spanning the continent. If you wish to reach the source of the Elbe, be sure to plan a trip from Vrchlabí to Herlíkovice, as this is where the Elbe Trail/cycle route No. 2 concludes. It ends right by the chairlift (lower station) to Žalý. Take the cable car up to Žalý (1,019 m above sea level, which accommodates bicycles) and then follow the K10 route toward Benecko, afterwards continuing on the K13 route to Třídomí. From this location, descend via K11 to Špindlerův Mlýn. After reaching Špindlerův Mlýn, take the chairlift up to Medvědín (which also transports bicycles).
From Medvědín, follow the K13A route to connect with Masaryk road (K13), leading you toward Vrbatova bouda, and subsequently to Labská bouda. Here, you can securely store your bike and take a short walk of 500 meters to the source of the Elbe (1,386 m above sea level) along a designated trail. To return to Vrchlabí, you can take the downhill route via Horní Mísečky to Benecko, following the Krkonoše cycling route K13 and afterward navigating through Křížovky back to Vrchlabí. Throughout the main tourist season (June to September), cyclists also have the option of using the Krkonoše cyclobus (green line) to travel between Vrchlabí and Špindlerův Mlýn.
The first cycling trail in the Giant Mountains can be found near Černá Hora
If you are interested in biking in the mountains but would rather avoid strenuous uphill rides, this trail is ideal for you. It is a relaxing path that is manageable even for children. To make your ascent easier, you can utilize the cable car, which will transport your bike to the summit of Černá Hora without charge, treating it as luggage. The best starting point is the upper station of the Janské Lázně – Černá hora cable car, allowing you to bypass the difficult climb. Along the route, there are nine thematic information boards placed, where cyclists can discover fascinating details about the Krkonoše Mountains’ nature and history, as well as insights into life in the mountains.
The easy path stretches 16 km and can be easily managed by families with children. More experienced cyclists may wish to ascend to the nature trail through biking tracks from Pec pod Sněžkou, Horní Maršov, Janské Lázně, or Velká Úpa. These cyclists can easily return to nearby mountain resorts via the same routes. This trail is open from June 1 to October 15.
Cycle trip from Pec to Vrchlabí: gentle start and long downhill from Hnědý vrch
This is a journey for everyone who appreciates leisurely rides through beautiful nature without pushing hard for distance. The route beginning in Pec pod Sněžkou and concluding in Vrchlabí is 21 kilometers long, ideal for cyclists and families alike. The starting point for this adventure is accessible via a cyclobus, which typically operates from late May until the end of September.
Let the cable car transport you to the Brown Hill, and then continue along the cycle path to Lesní bouda via cycle path No. K1B. At the Kotelský brook, turn onto K1D to head to Dolní Dvůr. The Journey continues to Lánov and further to Vrchlabi.
The Terex road in Harrachov or over the Three Hills to enjoy breathtaking nature
A cycling trip around Harrachov is perfect for those who admire nature. This route is not overly challenging, making it suitable for children as well. This path measures 23 km and is paved for the most part, meandering alongside the Mumlava River, passing Krakonoš’s breakfast spot, and then leading toward Vosecká bouda. After some time, it diverges onto the Terex road, also known as Janouškova or The path over three hills – this route features gentle climbs interspersed with brief downhill sections.
The name Terex is reminiscent of a dozer (a machine with a movable plough) that was utilized in constructing the road, proving its effectiveness. Oldřich Janoušek, a worker from the forestry establishment and an expert on the Krkonoše Mountains, was a well-loved storyteller and a respected figure associated with Krakonoš in Harrachov. The trail boasts magnificent views of the western sections of the Krkonoše Mountains as it wraps around the contours of White and Dead Hill. Above the Alfredka hunting lodge, it continues across the slopes of Jakšín, Kamenec, and Luboch. The route concludes at the main E3 road, which runs from Harrachov to the customs office. From the customs, cyclists can then ride downhill all the way back to Harrachov.
A cycling adventure for views on both sides of the Jizera River
This easy outing is tailored for nature lovers who appreciate the beauty of unspoiled landscapes. You will start from Harrachov’s train station. The path runs along the contour line, staying mostly level at a height above the Jizera River. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of the Czech side of the mountains. Gradually descending leads you to the mountain village of Orle, the only settlement for miles. After catching your breath here, you will turn back toward the Czech side.
The path descends along a rocky forest trail bringing you closer to the impressive Jizera River. Soon, you’ll reach a point where you encounter a wooden bridge, which has always existed at this location, serving as a link between the village of Jizerka and the Polish side of the mountains. From the border bridge, climb about 1.5 km to reach the village of Jizerka, where you can refuel before the next ascent around Bukovec mountain, following the red trail to the Jizerka – Mořina crossroads. Here, turn left onto the red tourist sign and the cycle path No. 3020. From this point on, enjoy a gentle descent through the valley of the Jizera River for 6.5 km until you reach the Martin Valley. At the conclusion of your adventure, prepare to tackle another short climb to the Harrachov Glade.
Cycling along the Krakonoš route from Vrchlabí to Pec
A ride around Krakonoš Manor is quite challenging, with an elevation of 1775 m, and the route spans 60 km. You will kick off your journey from Vrchlabí, climbing up to Na Rozcestí Cottage, and then continuing a bit further to Výrovka Cottage, which sits at an altitude of 1357, the highest point of this route. Following this, prepare for a delightful descent down the Devil’s Stairs to Pec pod Sněžkou, then take road No. 296 toward Velká Úpa’s beginning.
From that point, there is another ascent, this time around Černá hora near Janské Lázně, leading to the local Wenceslas Square. You can stop by the Friendship Fountain, located at the second-highest point of the route, at 1164 m. From this spot, make your way back to Vrchlabí while following K1B through the Čistá valley and then on the Mountain Road. This route will navigate you towards the Luisa Valley and Dolní Dvůr. Finally, take the Postal Route to return to Vrchlabí.
For breathtaking views from the valley to the peaks of the Giant Mountains
Our route begins in Špindlerův Mlýn. From here, you will exit the center on the K 11 cycling path heading toward Labská and Bedřichov. This will lead you to the popular Rovinka crossroads, where you can find seasonal refreshments along a lovely contour road. Continue along the K10A cycling route uphill to the Přední Žalý lookout tower, which provides a fantastic vantage point. You can take the red hiking trail further up to the Benecko-Zlatá vyhlídka crossroads, where your path will connect back to the road leading you once again to Rovinka crossroads.
At this point, make a left turn onto the K10 route and keep going until reaching the main road 286, which wraps you around the Jizera river, guiding you to Horní Mísečky. Here is where the steepest climb awaits, leading up to Vratova bouda, above which lies the memorial cairn honoring Hanč and Vrbata. The red tourist trail from Horní Mísečky will guide you back to Špindlerův Mlýn via the K1A cycling route. Be cautious on this rocky road, especially during the steep descent!
Off-road MTB trails in the vicinity of Trutnov
The Trutnov Trails currently offer approximately 37 km of natural single trails that vary in difficulty. The trails are designed to be engaging for all types of bikers. Starting points include Trailcentrum Lhota u Trutnova, Bohuslavice, Markoušovice, and the parking lot at Pod Sedmidomím.
Set against the rolling landscape of the eastern foothills of our tallest mountains, surrounded by nature filled with boulders, rocks, and stunning forests, this area is ideal for mountain biking. You can also enhance your experience with fantastic biking excursions into the nearby Krkonoše Mountains, Adršpach, Babiččina údolí, Žacléřsko, or Broumovsko to enjoy several amazing days here.
Cycle path in Hořice
The bike path in Hořice stretches over four kilometers and connects the town with the area of the Art Nouveau natural swimming pool Dachovy. This path leads effortlessly to the St. Joseph’s quarry, where sculptures have been created for more than 40 years as part of the famous sculpture symposiums.
This cycle path also represents the first construction of its kind in the Hořice region. Beyond just cyclists, the smooth asphalt surface can be used by skilled inline skaters, pedestrians, or wheelchair users alike.
Bike Parks in the Giant Mountains
For an exciting mountain racing experience in the Giant Mountains, you can visit the Bike Park located in the Svatý Petr Ski Resort (which features 5 tracks), Bikepark in Rokytnice nad Jizerou (with 2 tracks), Bikepark Mladé Buky (offering 3 tracks), and the Downhill MTB track Hnědý vrch in Pec pod Sněžkou.
MTB parks are conveniently situated near cable cars that will transport you and your bike up the hill, allowing you to undertake thrilling rides down various trails featuring obstacles of differing levels of difficulty.
