Definitely from Malá Úpa
There are several ways to reach the highest mountain in the Czech Republic—Sněžka. The most beautiful, full of vistas, leads from Horní Malá Úpa. We vouch for it. Malá Úpa is a traditional mountain village with a romantic charm and a unique atmosphere you simply have to experience. Now just pick your transport and go. Parking is ready for you here, and the bus stops right by the border and the junction for the Sněžka trails.
Several routes start here to the highest peak—there’s surely one for you.
Horní Malá Úpa sits at 1,050 m a.s.l., so the ascent to Sněžka is gentler than, say, from Pec pod Sněžkou.
Most hikers choose the red trail—classic, pleasant and easy-going. You won’t go wrong. Another option is the yellow route. It starts along a contour line, followed by a climb. The path is paved—ideal for strollers and cyclists. For hiking Sněžka with children, we recommend both of these routes.
A bit of adventure awaits on the blue trail—the Czech–Polish Friendship Path, passing Čelo, Tabule and Soví sedlo. It’s very friendly walking with few rocks, and offers unusual views over to the Polish side of the range.
All three routes meet at the Jelenka mountain hut, where you can snack from your backpack or try traditional Krkonoše refreshments. Quench your thirst with local Trautenberk beer brewed right in Malá Úpa. Jelenka is the last hut below the summit at 1,260 m a.s.l., and in good weather the views will take your breath away. The classic mountain atmosphere here invites a moment of reflection—a balm for the soul. For strollers and bikes, the trail to Sněžka ends here; beyond this point it’s foot traffic only.
From Jelenka you have two options. Take the blue trail up a steep rise to Svorová hora, and from there it’s a stone’s throw to Sněžka. The second option—also good for the way back—is the green route. From Jelenka turn left and traverse the slope of Sněžka with amazing views, reaching about halfway between Růžová hora and Sněžka. From there it’s just a short climb.
How long does the ascent from Horní Malá Úpa to Sněžka take?
According to mapy.cz, the red route is 7.2 km and takes about 3 hours. The yellow route is 6.6 km and slightly shorter in time.
If your trip takes you to Pec pod Sněžkou, other options include the blue trail via Obří Důl or the green and then yellow routes via Růžohorky.
