Labská Bouda: Your Gateway to Adventure and Relaxation in the Majestic Mountains

The mountain hotel Labská bouda is located in the beautiful western Giant Mountains, overlooking Labská gorge and Navorská pit, perched at a height of 1,340 m n. m.. It’s a popular stop for hikers exploring the highest peaks en route to places like Špindlerův Mlýn, Vosecká bouda, Mísečky, or Rokytnice nad Jizerou. This modern structure, built in 1975, shares its name with a previous inn that tragically burned down in 1965. However, the history of this site dates back to 1830 when a resourceful woman constructed a small hut made of rocks, bark, and brush to sell goat products and liquor to travelers. Over time, this hut expanded into a mountain lodge during 1878-1879, with the support of Count Jan Harrach, turning it into a well-known inn offering accommodation.

Just a short distance from Labská bouda lies the stunning Pančavský waterfall, a spot that has captivated tourists since the 19th century. Here, the so-called rope waterfall was created. In 1859, a reservoir was established to enhance the water flow, making it an even more appealing sight for visitors. This initiative was later embraced by another owner of Labská bouda, Josef Schier, who constructed a sluice and a booth offering refreshments and an observation deck. When enough patrons were present, the string was pulled to release the water, creating the waterfall show. However, this attraction was discontinued in the 1930s due to environmental concerns. A tragic skiing accident took place in 1913 , resulting in the deaths of Bohumil Hanč and Václav Vrbata due to a blizzard during an international ski race.

In 1965, the previous structure burned down, and the current Labská bouda, designed by architect Zdeněk Řihák, was built in 1975. This building has stirred mixed feelings since its inception, as its massive concrete structure contrasts sharply with the natural surroundings, even raising discussions about its demolition. Nevertheless, it remained intact and was renovated after 1989, now providing visitors with comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, and well-equipped rooms to bask in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Additionally, the chalet houses a weather station and solar and ozone observatories from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, lending a scientific significance to the area;

Enjoy an evening on the mountain tops

Labská bouda is an excellent spot for active tourists and adventure seekers—it’s a gateway to some of the most famous and breathtaking summer and winter paths. Spending a night at Labská bouda allows you to venture further during the day or enjoy a mountain getaway. The source of the Elbe River and its waterfall are nearby, so you can awaken each morning to enchanting valley views and the soothing sounds of water as you prepare to explore the ridges and trails.

While accommodations at Labská bouda are simple, they offer clean, cozy, and warm rooms with breathtaking views of the Elbe Valley and the steep cliffs of the High Plain and the Horse Route. You can savor a hearty dinner in the hut and as the day visitors descend from the mountains, you might hear the melodious songs of Krkonoše birds, and if you’re fortunate enough, you might spot a majestic deer alone. The evening sky is free from the obtrusive lights of civilization, allowing the stars to twinkle beautifully. When you wrap yourself in your blankets, the actual dark mountain night creates an unforgettable ambiance. Come morning, a truly delicious breakfast awaits you.

Morning at Labská bouda

In the morning, ideally by ten o’clock, the ridges of the Giant Mountains are almost empty, meaning you and your family or friends can enjoy nature almost in solitude. Before the first tourists arrive, the atmosphere is peaceful and enchanting—the wind whispers and the sound of the Elbe waterfall resonates among the rocks, while deer and foxes roam the slopes and fields, accompanied by the melody of the black-headed warbler.

For those who love longer hikes, the Elbe offers an ideal starting point for day trips over the highest peaks of the western Krkonoše. Along the way, you can discover picturesque waterfalls, unique rock formations, and sprawling summit meadows, listen to the calls of the mountains, and take in the stunning views of the Elbe Valley;

Tips for trips to and from Labská bouda

Labská bouda serves as an excellent base for day hikes and shorter strolls along the ridges of the Giant Mountains. From Labská bouda, you can trek along the red path to the source of the Elbe, from where you can continue to Pančavská louka, then on to Vrbatova bouda, Mísečky, or to Špindlerův Mlýn. Heading in another direction takes you via Martinova bouda at Špindlerovka, from which you can catch a bus down to the valley.

If you’re an experienced hiker, a real mountain challenge awaits at Labský důl. A steep trail cuts down the stone serpentines leading to the waterfall and meanders between rocky walls to the Elbe stream. This trail is only open during the summer season, but it showcases the best of Krkonoše’s natural beauty.

You can also reach Labská bouda from other sides, such as Harrachov, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, or from the Polish Szrenice. Each trail offers its unique charm, whether you choose to climb rocky ridges or meander through meadows with ever-changing views with each step.

The beauty of the Giant Mountains in the vicinity of Labská bouda

For those looking to unwind and take short little trips, there are plenty of lovely spots nearby Labská bouda suitable for a pleasant stroll:

• • The source of the Elbe – a significant location where our longest river begins its journey across the Czech Republic.

• • Pančava Waterfall – this is the highest waterfall in the Czech Republic, providing striking views of the Elbe Mine.

• • Elbe Waterfall – another one of the waterfalls in the Krkonoše range, easily seen from the viewpoint bridge near the lodge.

• • Martinova bouda – a well-loved location for hikers and cross-country skiers, with a history dating back to the 18th century.

• • Snow pits – though they’re not open to the public, they provide an extraordinary view of Poland and the extraordinary glacial basins.

• • Harrach Stones – the tenth highest peak in the Giant Mountains (1421 m), which offers stunning panoramic views. This peak is located above Harrachova Meadow, nestled between Špindlerův Mlýn and Rokytnice nad Jizerou.

• • Vrbatova bouda – This lodge is positioned on the ridges of the Krkonoše Mountains on the Golden Hill at an elevation of 1,400 m above sea level.

• • Rose’s garden – a stone mound shaped like a rose petal on the northern slope of Krkonoše Kotel, standing 1370 m above sea level. The origins of this mound remain a mystery; it could have been used for growing medicinal plants or as a religious site for prehistoric people.