Hiking trails: five sections through the Giant Mountains, near Bohemian Paradise, Czech Republic
Getting there: this hiking-area is easy and quick to get to by the highways of the Netherlands and Germany. Or a flight to Prague and by public transport (direct buses, train) to Turnov.
Maps: You can buy suitable walking maps everywhere in the area. Or: THE MAP 2087 Riesengebirge/Krokonose, Kompass; ISBN 978385026865.
Accommodation: In 1993 finding a place to sleep and eat was no problem at all and thanks to the increasing winter-sports possibilities (Pec p S., Špindlerův Mlýn) it only will become better and better: private pensions, “Zimmer frei”, hotel, B&B’s. If only because of the relative cheapness of everything you need during a holiday like this.......
Easter 1993: a trail in the borderland of Poland and the Czech Republic, among which the ski-resorts of Pec and Špindlerův Mlýn (spinning mill).
On foot a great area to discover. Highest place: the Sněžka mountain (1602 m.), at Easter complete in the snow and high winds and with difficulties in finding the paths and marks! But: there is a post-office! So, bring a compass and wear suitable clothes and shoes!
In the valleys green spring begins.
Day 1: Mala Skala - Semily.........................................................17,0 km
Day 2: Semily - Jablonec nad Jizerou........................................20,0 km
Day 3: Jablonec nad J.- Vyhlidka Straž - Špindlerův Mlýn.......19,5 km
Day 4: Špindlerův Mlýn - Snézka - Pec pod Sněžkou..............23,5 km (!) a snow walk
Day 5: Pec pod Sněžkou - Svoboda nad Úpou........................13,5 km
and by bus and train back to Mala Skala, about 65 km
On trail: a fantastic run to the mountains through green spring colours in the valleys, rare flora in the natural reserve, flowers and brooks, sometimes a farm, silence, a little village. Ruins and chapels. An open landscape. After the (ecological) disaster due to the unlimited industrial emissions there is - reportedly - worked hard to restore this magnificent area.
2019: a new trail is developed in this area - Bohemian Paradise -: the Golden Path of Mladá Boleslav to Jičin. The route is divided into 7 stages and 118 km long.
Read more about a multi day hike in the Giant Mountains Czech Republic.
Below a video with special attention to the "tundra's" with lots of beautiful images about this mountain range.