Explore the Crumbling ‘Map of the Republic’ in the Krkonoše Mountains

On the slope of Studniční hory, there’s a snowfield that takes the shape of the former Czechoslovak Republic and it is the last one to melt in the Krkonoše Mountains. For over twenty years, researchers from the KRNAP Administration have been studying this area using modern GPS technology. They want to learn how the snow cover influences the microclimate around Studniční hora. Many scientists have been intrigued by the Map of the Republic for years. It’s only thanks to advanced technology, careful measurement of both bare ground and areas with snow, and a comparison of both that scientists can gather the most accurate information possible.

The ‘Map of the Republic’ refers to the unique snowfield found on the southern side of Studniční hora. Even though this slope usually melts first, the snow here lasts significantly longer than in other regions of the Krkonoše Mountains. This is due to the terrain and the wind patterns from the Bílý Labe anemoro-orographic system, which consistently deposits large amounts of snow in this location. Consequently, the snow can accumulate to several meters deep.

‘Subcarpathian Rus’ thaws first, while ‘Central Bohemia’ thaws last

As the snow on the field melts, it gradually loses its resemblance to the First Czechoslovak Republic, with Carpathian Ruthenia melting away first, followed by Slovakia, until only Central Bohemia remains. Tourists were quick to notice the unusual shape of the snowfield and started calling it the Map of the Republic.

Since it is located in a peaceful area of the KRNAP, visitors cannot walk right up to it, but it can be clearly seen from various spots like Chalupa na Rozcestí and the path between Výrovka and the Memorial to the Victims of the Mountains or even from the Na Rozcestí snack bar. On clear days, it can be observed from distances of over 100 kilometers.

When was there the most snow and when did the Map of the Republic melt?

• • 1999/2000 — 15.7 m — the snow on the map of the country ultimately melted during the first ten days of August

• • 2000/2001 — 6.1 m — third ten-day period of June

• • 2001/2002 — 13.4 m — second ten days of August

• • 2002/2003 — 7.6 m — third ten-day period of June

• • 2003/2004 — no data available

• • 2004/2005 — 15.4 m — 22 August

• • 2005/2006 — 12.3 m — 22 July

• • 2006/2007 — 12.5 m — 5 July

• • 2007/2008 — 14.1 m — 29 July

• • 2008/2009 — 13.3 m — 17 July

• • 2009/2010 — 8.1 m — 30 June

• • 2010/2011 — 9.6 m — 14 June

• • 2011/2012 — 13.0 m — 4 August

• • 2012/2013 — 8.8 m — 17 June

• • 2013/2014 — 5.4 m — 10 June

• • 2014/2015 — 9.7 m — 4 July

• • 2015/2016 — 7.3 m — 15 June

• • 2016/2017 — 9.5 m — 4 June

• • 2017/2018 — 7.5 m — 28 May

• • 2018/2019 — 14.5 m — 22 July

• • 2019/2020 — 9.5 m — 6 July

• • 2020/2021 — 9.6 m — 13 July

• • 2021/2022 — 11.2 m — 8 July

• • 2022/2023 — 9.7 m — 8 July

• • 2023/2024 — 8.0 m — 6 June

• • 2024/2025 — 7.7 m — 15 June

• • 2025/2026 — 4.8 m