ACTIVITIES

The Czech Republic's rolling hills and low mountains are perfect for hiking, especially in the Sumava or western and southern Bohemia and the Krkonose mountains in northern Bohemia. Climbers should head to the Sandstone Rocks of the Labe in northern Bohemia and cavers should check out the Moravian Karst area north of Brno. The prime boating river is the scenic, but unfortunately polluted Sazava.

Winter sport

Downhill skiing is plentiful, popular and relatively cheap in the Czech Republic, though facilities are not up to Western European standards and queues are long. Hired gear is generally of poor quality, so it's best to bring your own equipment. The country's best downhill skiing can be found at Spindleruv mlyn in the Krkonose between January and early April; Sumava has the best cross-country skiing trails.

The Krkonose (Giant Mountains/Riesengebirge) is the highest and most often visited range of mountains in the Czech Republic. It lies 125 km to the north of Prague, at the Polish border. This protected nature area covers the region from Harrachov in the north-western part up to the place called Zacler in the east.

The town Vrchlabi, which has several ski lifts and downhill runs, is regarded as an entrance gate to the Krkonose.

In Herlickovice, which is situated at the edge of Vrchlabi, you can ski down the mountain Zaly. Spindleruv Mlyn is the most well-known place because of the good skiing facilities.

Harrachov can well compete with it because of nice atmosphere and wide downhill runs. Rokytnice nad Jizerou is comparable to Spindleruv Mlyn because of the variety, quality and length of pistes.

Furthermore Pec pod Snezkou, Janske Lazne and Benecko belong to the 6 biggest ski areas of that region.

The charming mountain village Svoboda nad Upou is situated close to Pec pod Snezkou and Janske Lazne. You can find 2 ski areas there which offer exceedingly good possibilities for beginners and children.

Besides these ski areas there are still others in the area which are provided with one or more ski lifts and are very charming to visit.
The Krkonose is one of the loveliest and the most famous winter sports centres in Eastern Europe . This status is derived from outstanding quality and variety of the tourist service.