Harrachova cesta Road
Harrachova cesta (in German Harrach Weg or Harrachweg) is one of the oldest marked hiking routes in the Giant Mountains. Its creation is closely linked to the activities of Count Jan Harrach, who decided in the 1980s to mark it and make it available to the public. The trail consists of two main parts: a more frequently frequent part in the Elbe Valley from the White Bridge in Špindlerův Mlýn to the Elbe hut and less visited routes from Harrachov Valley to Mumlava. Both parts are connected by a blue marked tourist route 1801 to the Czech Tourist Club.
In the early days of its establishment, still in the 1880s, the trail was marked in German and Czech and a toll of two tailors was collected for its use. Hrabě Jan Harrach also worked on the equipment of the route - bought the Elbe hut and converted it into a popular tourist hostel with an inn. In 1903 he also founded a botanical garden, which he moved to Martin's hut after two years due to adverse weather conditions. She wrote herself even more significantly in the history of natural protection: in 1904, the Count set up a first natural reserve in the Labské Dole of 60 hectares, which is considered the beginning of the future Giant National Park.
The Elbe part of the route reaches a length of 8.7 kilometres with a height of 520 metres and leads the beautiful landscape of the valley. It starts in the centre of Spindleruv Mlýn and leads the blue path to the Girls' Attractions, from there it continues to the Dvorsky stream, where at the time the glacier forming the Elbe Mine ended. The road then rises along the Elbe and gradually surpasses various remarkable points - visible morena, the confluence with the Bear Creek. From the confluence with the Dvorského creek to Pudlava leads under the Strmá strástí, the oldest Krkonoše reserve created in 1904. The part from Pudlava to the Elbe hut is accessible only in the summer months because of the presence of eleven avalanche tracks (the largest concentration in the whole Giant Mountains). The road passes through the Three Labs - Harrachov, Panchava and Navorska - leading to the Elbe Gorge. In the Panchava Pit there is immediately recognizable 150 meters high Panchava waterfall and Schustler garden. Here also the route enters the most strictly protected 1st zone of the Giant National Park. At the Labské bouda, the visitor meets the Labské waterfall, with a system of stops from 1859 designed to regulate its intensity.
The Mumlava section leads from the Czech way through the valley of the Grand Mumlava to the Mumlava waterfall and then turns on the yellow mark towards Harrachov. Due to the frequent closure of the Elbe part in winter and the avalanche danger, Harrachova cesta is mainly a summer domain. It is important for the visit to monitor seasonal conditions and the state of openness of mountain parts. Its historical value associated with the beginnings of nature conservation in the Giant Mountains makes it a place for those interested in both the history of tourism and the natural beauty of the Czech mountains.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1879
- The establishment of Harrach's journey by Count John Harrach, including the toll with its use.
- 1903
- Establishment of a botanical garden near the Elbe Shack, which was later moved.
- 1904
- Establishment of the first natural reserve in the Labské dole (60 ha), an important step for nature conservation.
- 1904
- Introducing the protection of the Strmé Strana as the first Giant Reservation.
Architectural development
The road was originally marked in German and Czech and led by the asphalt from Špindlerův Mlýn to the Elbe hut. The lab shed was converted into a tourist hostel with an inn. Nature conservation features such as the Elbe Mine (reservation) have been created in the surroundings. The trail was gradually integrated into the tourist system Giant Mountains, including connections with other marked routes.
Historical events
- 1879
- Setting up the trip by Count Jan Harrach, collecting tolls using it (2 tailors).
- 1903
- The creation of a botanical garden at the Elbe Shack, later moved to Martin's Shack.
- 1904
- Establishment of the first natural reserve in the Labské dole (60 ha), predecessor of the Giant National Park.
Owners
- 1879- 1904
- after 1904
Points of interest
- The trail was marked in both Czech and German in the 1980s, and a toll of two tailors was collected for its use.
- Hrabě Jan Harrach bought and rebuilt the Elbe kennel into a tourist hostel with an inn and established a botanical garden here in 1903.
- In 1904, the Count set up a first nature reservation in the Elbe mine of 60 hectares, which is considered the beginning of the Giant National Park.
- The Elbe part of the route is 8,7 kilometers long with a height of 520 metres and passes through the three Elbe pits, including the Panchava Pits with 150 meters high waterfall.
- The part from Pudlava to the Elbe Shack is closed in winter because of eleven avalanches.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Harrachova cesta is the oldest hiking trail in the Krkonoše Mountains. Its main section leads through the Elbe valley from Bílý most in Špindlerův Mlýn to Labská bouda. It was established by Count Jan Harrach in 1879. It measures 8.7 kilometers and overcomes an elevation gain of 520 meters.
The trail was marked in both German and Czech at that time, and a toll of two kreutzers was charged for its use. Count Harrach also purchased Labská bouda and rebuilt it into a renowned tourist accommodation with an inn. In 1903, he established a botanical garden next to it. However, due to harsh weather, he relocated it to Martinova bouda after just two years. In 1904, he established the first nature reserve in Labský důl, covering an area of 60 hectares. This is considered the first seed of the future Krkonoše National Park.
The path begins in the center of Špindlerův Mlýn and leads along asphalt to Dívčí lávky and further to Dvorský potok. It was precisely here where a glacier once ended, which shaped Labský důl. Then it ascends along the Elbe, passing the confluence with Medvědí potok, where a moraine is visible, and crosses to the left bank of the river. A long section runs below Strmá strání, that is, below that oldest Krkonoše reserve.
From Pudlava to Labská bouda, the path is only accessible in summer. There are eleven avalanche paths here, the most in all of the Krkonoše Mountains, so the section is closed in winter. The trail passes through three Labské jamy, Harrachovská, Pančavská, and Navorská. In Pančavská jáma, the 150-meter-high Pančavský waterfall plunges, and Schustlerova zahrádka is also located there. The path enters the first zone of the national park here, which is the most strictly protected part of the Krkonoše. Finally, it climbs steeply along a winding footpath to Labská bouda. At the bouda is Labský waterfall with a system of sluice gates from 1859, which were used to regulate its force.
Count Harrach is also credited with a second trail that runs from Harrachov through the Mumlavský valley. From Labská bouda it continues across Pančavská louka to the junction U Čtyř pánů on Česká cesta. From there it descends into the valley of Velká Mumlavský, passing the junction Krakonošova snídaně and reaching Mumlavský waterfall. Then it continues along the hillside above Harrachov via Kamenice to Huťská strouha. Both sections of Harrachova cesta are today followed and connected by a blue-marked hiking route.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
We have not verified whether this monument is accessible. Please ask the owner or operator, or the local municipal office.
Where is the monument?
Location: Královéhradecký kraj, Liberecký kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
For kids
Imagine going back 147 years, until the Giant Mountains were still very mysterious and unfamiliar. Harrachova cesta was only an idea at the time, but today it is the oldest tourist path in the whole mountain range.
It's like time stopped when you look at old pictures. The Golden Mountain, where the Elbe Shack stands today, was still full of forests and wild animals. Who lived here? Man imagines there were hunters, shepherds and lumberjacks. What happened here? There were puzzles with forests, hunting and collecting wood.
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Nearby
- A tourist hostel with a historic inn, originally rebuilt by Count Jan Harrach.
- The first Krkonose Reservation founded in 1904, protecting a unique natural environment.
- 150 meters high waterfall, which is one of the most significant natural phenomena in the area.
- The first nature reserve in Giant Mountains, founded in 1904, with rich flora and fauna.
- A historic city with a rich tourist infrastructure and the starting point of Harracha's trip.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Harrachova cesta and its natural and cultural surroundings
1. Lab Shack * Type: * Historical tourist shed with inn. * Why visit? * It is one of the oldest Krkonoše kennel, originally rebuilt by Count Jan Harrache. It offers accommodation, regional meals and picturesque surroundings near the Elbe creek, ideal for relaxing after a hike.
Harrachova cesta * Type: * Forest hiking trail. * Why visit? * A unique journey built by Count Jan Harrach in the 19th century for forestry and tourism purposes. There are picturesque views of the Giant Mountains and preserved natural surroundings.
3. The steep side * Type: * Natural reservation. * Why visit? * First protected area in Giant Mountains, founded already in 1904. Reservations preserve rare plant and animal species, typical of mountain forests, and offer a quiet environment for natural observations.
* The route is designed to combine cultural heritage with the natural beauty of the region, all stops connected with each other by short forest or field paths. *
Seasonal recommendations
Spring Harrachova cesta offers a unique atmosphere of awakening nature in the spring months, when snow caps of the tops of the Erzgebirge Mountains slowly turn into green forests and mountain meadows. There is a particular rich flowering of mountain plants, such as the May Finger or the Burst, which brighten the sides and create contrast with freshly melted streams. Light is softer than summer, but already strong enough to illuminate the journey until late afternoon. It is recommended to visit in April or early May to avoid the largest crowds of tourists who often come in June and July because of warm weather. Comfortable shoes and layered clothes are suitable - the morning and evening can be cold while the sun warms pleasantly at noon. The ideal time is early morning, when the air is clean and the journey is still calm.
Summer In the summer months, Harrachova cesta will turn into a popular tourist route, where it dominates sunlight and the lively colour of mountain vegetation. In July and August nature is in full power - mountain flowers bloom, forests smell of pine trees, and the air is clean, although it sometimes brings warmer wet days. There is also special evening lighting, where the journey becomes a popular place for walking after sunset. A visit is recommended in June when the weather is more stable and fewer people than in the main summer season. Suitable is light but protective clothing against the sun, hat and plenty of water. The best time is early in the morning to avoid the crowds that pile up at noon and afternoon at the views.
Autumn Autumn Harrachova cesta is enchanted by its golden and red garment of leafy trees that are reflected in calm waters of the streams and create a magical atmosphere. There is also a specific changing weather - sunny days change rainy days, and the air is often colder and fresher. In September and October, the road becomes quieter, as many tourists leave with the onset of winter. A visit is recommended in October, when the leaf colour is the most intense and temperatures still allow pleasant walks. Suitable is warm but not too heavy clothes, waterproof jackets and comfortable shoes. The best time is the afternoon when the sun still lights the way, but the crowds are less than summer.
Winter Winter Harrachova cesta offers a unique atmosphere of snowy landscape, where the road turns into a picturesque winter scenery with white tree caps and ice crusts on the streams. Specific is the long daylight in December and January, which creates a calm, almost fairy-tale mood, and also the possibility to observe the winter sun at its shortest angle. In winter the journey is often quieter, as many tourists prefer a warmer period. A visit is recommended in January or February, when snow is the most stable and landscape the most picturesque. Hot, laminated clothing, waterproof shoes and possibly skis or snowmobiles are suitable for driving along the surrounding slopes. The best time is the afternoon, when the light is sufficient and the temperatures are still tolerable.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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