Holidays with children

Families with children

In winter, Malá Úpa is a ski area, and in summer it becomes a cycling and hiking paradise—especially for families with children. This romantic traditional village on the Polish border is easily accessible by car and bus. Blooming meadows and vast forests invite you to take scenic walks. And there’s plenty to discover!

In the Kingdom of Krakonoš, both little ones and older kids will have a great time—there’s a Fairy Tale Trail, playgrounds and children’s theatre for the youngest visitors, while older kids can enjoy outdoor and indoor sports courts, a nearby aqua park, or a western town in Poland.

Fairy Tale Trail

A great way to enjoy the national park, see beautiful nature and climb a hill or two with kids—while keeping them entertained. Sounds like a fairy tale? Then join our Fairy Tale Trail! Start at the Information Centre in Horní Malá Úpa, where you can buy a booklet for a small fee. The booklet works as a map for the whole route and also as a notebook where children trace raised ornaments from each stop. The trail includes ten fairy-tale stations inspired by author Marie Kubátová.

If your booklet contains all the ornaments, you’ll receive a Maloúpský groš as a reward and souvenir. The route is about 17 km long, so you can spread it over several days. On average, families with children complete it in three days.

Opening hours of the Information Centre are available on the municipality website, and more about the trail plus fairy-tale samples can be found at www.pohadkova-stezka.cz.

Úpáček tourist train

Try a relaxing ride on the sightseeing train through the fairy-tale landscapes of Malá Úpa. Úpáček always departs from Spálený Mlýn, continues towards the church and on to Pomezní Boudy, then returns to Spálený Mlýn. You can get on and off at any marked stop. The train is not only a fun family attraction—you can also arrange a special ride for kindergartens, school trips or events for seniors.

The timetable and current location of the Úpáček train can be found at www.vlacek-upa.cz.

Farm trails

Trip to see farm animals

Bouda Malá Úpa renewed cattle breeding that existed in Malá Úpa as early as 1609. Back then, there were huge herds of up to a thousand animals. Today you can visit an enclosure with Highland Cattle and Suffolk sheep. Rams of this breed can weigh up to 130 kg—that’s a serious sheep! Please keep in mind that feeding the animals is not allowed. However, you can ask the owner, who will gladly provide more information and guide you through the enclosure.

Hořec trail

An easy trail suitable for cyclists or families with strollers. The trail is named after a rare plant found in only two places in the Krkonoše Mountains—Hořeček mnohotvárný český. The route starts at Pomezní Boudy, goes via Rennerovy Boudy, past the Church of St. Peter and Paul, and ends at Spálený Mlýn.

Treetop Walk

The trail is located in the heart of the majestic forests of the Krkonoše National Park. It will show you what makes the nature of the Krkonoše Mountains unique. You’ll explore the forest from its roots all the way to the treetops. You’ll become part of forest life and discover many animals and plants you won’t find elsewhere. More information at www.stezkakrkonose.cz.

Černá hora lookout tower

You can reach the lookout tower on Černá hora on foot or take the gondola lift from Janské Lázně. At the top you’ll find a telescope and a Czech Television camera providing a live broadcast from the Czech mountains. From the viewing platform at 21 metres, after climbing 106 steps, you’ll see the peaks of the Krkonoše Mountains, the Podkrkonoší region, the Orlické Mountains and the Jizera Mountains. In July and August it is open daily from 10:15 to 17:00 and the entrance fee is 10 CZK. Černá hora lift operation.

Playgrounds

Just like you can use the children’s SKiMU Parks in winter, playgrounds are available in summer. The playground at the U Kostela guesthouse, the playground at Permoník guesthouse, and the playground at Rusalka guesthouse can be used by arrangement with the owner.

Chata Borůvka and children’s theatre

About 4 km from Spálený Mlýn you’ll find Chata Borůvka. Here you can enjoy amazing blueberry pancakes and many other treats. The owners keep a flock of sheep, which you may feed with dry bread by arrangement. In the summer months, various theatre performances take place here.

Trips to Poland

Malá Úpa lies right on the Polish border, so it would be a shame to miss this picturesque area. We’ve prepared a few tips on where to go—from an aqua park to a western town and great food spots. Get inspired on the Trips to Poland page.

PECKA Adventure Playground

In nearby Velká Úpa – Portášky, the PECKA adventure playground has been created and is a perfect destination for families with children.

PECKA Adventure Playground is open to all hikers, adventurers, travellers and wanderers who want to experience a family adventure. On the meadow and in the forest, giant Krkonoše animals come to life—salamanders, lynx, deer and a viper. Each giant sculpture has a function you need to explore. Bring a wooden “pecka” with you—it will help you discover everything. From PECKA you can ride down on a scooter, available for rent at the top lift station.

More information HERE