Krkonoše National Park

Krkonoše Overview

Krkonoše National Park (in Czech: Krkonošský národní park) is located in the Czechia, along the northern border with Poland, in the Krkonoše Mountains, the highest mountain range in the country. Established in 1963, the park covers an area of approximately 212 square miles (550 square kilometers). It is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its striking alpine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the highest peak in the Czech Republic, Sněžka (5,259 feet / 1,603 meters).

The landscape of Krkonoše National Park is characterized by towering mountains, deep valleys, and glacial cirques. Sněžka, the highest mountain in the park, offers panoramic views of both the Czech Republic and Poland. The park features stunning alpine meadows, peat bogs, and glacial lakes, along with fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls, including the Mumlava Waterfall. The park’s rugged terrain makes it a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities.

The vegetation in Krkonoše National Park is highly diverse, due to the varying altitudes and climates. The lower elevations are covered by dense spruce and beech forests, while higher altitudes feature subalpine meadows and alpine tundra vegetation. Rare plants, such as Edelweiss and Arnica, thrive in the harsh alpine environment. The park’s peat bogs are home to unique plant species, including carnivorous plants like sundews.

The wildlife in Krkonoše National Park is similarly varied, with species adapted to its mountainous terrain. Red deer, roe deer, and wild boars are common, while predators such as lynx and foxes are also present. Bird species, including black grouse, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles, can be found in the park. Krkonoše is also home to the alpine marmotand several endemic species of insects. The park’s combination of dramatic landscapes, rare flora, and diverse fauna makes it one of the most treasured natural areas in the Czech Republic.

Park Map

Krkonoše National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Krkonoše National Park is home to a variety of species that thrive in its alpine meadows, dense forests, and glacial valleys.

Chamois are agile mountain dwellers that navigate the park’s rocky slopes and cliffs, known for their remarkable ability to climb steep, rugged terrain.

Red deer are frequently seen in the park’s forested areas and meadows, especially at dawn and dusk, providing a majestic sight for visitors.

Roe deer are smaller and more elusive, often spotted grazing in the park’s open meadows and forest edges, moving quickly and gracefully through the landscape.

European lynx are elusive predators found in the park’s dense forests, where they hunt deer and smaller mammals, playing a key role in maintaining ecological balance.

Brown bears occasionally roam the park’s remote forests, though rare, their presence adds to the park’s wild and natural character.

Wolves are top predators in Krkonoše, helping to regulate populations of herbivores like deer and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Wild boars forage in the park’s forests, digging for roots, acorns, and small animals, often leaving behind signs of their activity in the soil.

European hares are fast and agile, commonly seen grazing in the park’s open meadows and using their speed to evade predators like foxes and lynx.

Foxes are opportunistic hunters found throughout the park, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects, and often seen during early morning or late evening.

Pine martens are small carnivores that inhabit the park’s woodlands, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects, often spotted darting through trees.

Bird Species

Krkonoše National Park is a birdwatcher’s delight, offering a diverse range of bird species that thrive in its high-altitude forests and open landscapes.

Golden eagles are frequently seen soaring above the park’s mountains, using their keen eyesight to hunt for small mammals and birds in the alpine regions.

Western capercaillies are large, ground-dwelling birds found in the park’s coniferous forests, known for their elaborate courtship displays during the mating season.

Peregrine falcons are fast-flying raptors that nest in the park’s cliffs and rocky outcrops, known for their incredible speed when diving to catch smaller birds.

Eurasian eagle-owls are the largest owls in Krkonoše National Park, often heard calling at night while hunting small mammals and birds in the forests.

Common buzzards are frequently seen soaring above the park’s meadows and forests, using their sharp vision to hunt for small mammals and birds.

Black woodpeckers are large woodpeckers that live in the park’s forests, using their powerful beaks to create nesting cavities and search for insects in trees.

Tengmalm’s owls are small, nocturnal owls that thrive in the park’s high-altitude forests, using their sharp hearing to hunt small mammals in the dark.

Common kestrels are small falcons that hover over the park’s grasslands, using their keen eyesight to spot small mammals and insects from the air.

Woodlarks are melodious birds often seen in the park’s open meadows and forest edges, filling the air with their beautiful song during flight displays.

Black storks are rare and elusive birds that nest in the park’s remote areas, foraging along rivers and wetlands for fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Krkonoše National Park Pictures

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Engaging Krkonose National Park

Hiking

Krkonoše National Park’s most popular attraction is Sněžka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic. Visitors can hike to the summit along well-marked trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The hike is moderately challenging, with options for various routes depending on fitness levels. Reaching the peak rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that stretch across the Czech-Polish border. Along the way, visitors pass through alpine meadows and forests, offering a scenic and rewarding hiking experience.

Explore the Falls

The Mumlava Waterfall, located near Harrachov, is one of the park’s most picturesque natural attractions. Visitors can follow easy trails through dense forest to reach the waterfall, where the Mumlava River cascades over granite boulders.

The area is perfect for nature lovers and photographers, with stunning views of the falls and surrounding landscape. The trail to the waterfall is accessible year-round, and in winter, the frozen falls offer a magical, snowy scene.

Cycling

Cycling enthusiasts will find Krkonoše National Park a perfect destination for mountain biking. The park has a variety of trails that wind through forests, across meadows, and along mountain ridges.

Cyclists can expect a mix of terrain, from easy routes to more challenging mountain paths. The trails provide an adventurous way to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, with opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints, quaint villages, and alpine huts along the way.

Winter Activities

During the winter months, Krkonoše National Park becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. With well-maintained slopes and cross-country trails, visitors can enjoy a range of winter sports.

The resorts of Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou offer modern facilities for downhill skiing, while the park’s snow-covered trails provide a peaceful setting for cross-country skiing. Winter sports in Krkonoše allow visitors to experience the park’s stunning snow-covered landscapes and mountain views.

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Sources

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KRNAP, Krkonose National Park, https://www.krnap.cz/en, retrieved August 2024.
Visit Czechia, Krkonose National Park, https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us/things-to-do/places/nature/protected-areas-and-national-parks/c-krkonose-national-park, retrieved August 2024.
Park Site, Krkonose National Park, https://www.krkonose.eu/en/krkonossky-national-park, retrieved August 2024.
Wikipedia, Krkonose National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krkono%C5%A1e_National_Park, retrieved August 2024.