Čertova hora

Čertova hora rises to 1021 metres above sea level right above Harrachov, in the western part of the Krkonoše (Giant) Mountains, and ranks among the town's best-known landmarks. The name translates as "Devil's Mountain," a nod to the rich folklore that surrounds the Krkonoše range on both the Czech and Polish sides, though today the peak is known first and foremost for winter sports — its slopes host one of the largest ski jumping hills in the world alongside a well-developed ski area served by chairlifts.

How do you get to Čertova hora?

The starting point is Harrachov itself, a small resort town close to the Czech-Polish border, reachable by road from Jelenia Góra on the Polish side and from Liberec on the Czech side. A chairlift runs from the centre of Harrachov to the upper slopes, carrying skiers in winter and hikers and mountain bikers in summer — by far the easiest way to gain the elevation without a long climb. Hikers who prefer to walk can follow marked trails leading straight out of the village, with several viewpoints along the way.

What will you see there?

The centrepiece is the ski jumping hill — a structure built for ski flying over very long distances — visible from a distance and effectively the town's unofficial emblem. From the upper lift station and the area around the hill, a wide panorama opens over the Krkonoše range and the foothills on both sides of the border. In winter the terrain below the summit is crossed by downhill runs of varying difficulty; in summer the same slopes turn into a network of hiking paths and downhill mountain bike trails, which makes Čertova hora a year-round destination rather than a purely seasonal one.

When is the best time to visit?

Winter (December to March) is downhill skiing season and also brings ski jumping competitions that regularly draw both athletes and spectators to the area. Summer and early autumn (June to September) turn the mountain into a hiking and cycling destination, with milder temperatures and clearer views from the summit than during the foggier shoulder months. Weather in the Krkonoše can shift quickly regardless of season, so wind- and rain-resistant layers are worth packing whatever time of year you come.

Who is this destination for?

Čertova hora appeals both to winter sports enthusiasts looking for well-groomed runs and to hikers who come mainly for the views and the mountain scenery of the Krkonoše range. Families appreciate the convenience of the chairlift, which removes the need for a long uphill walk, while fans of competitive sport are drawn by the chance to see one of the world's largest ski jumping hills up close, even outside competition days.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Čertova hora? The peak reaches 1021 metres above sea level, in the western part of the Krkonoše range directly above Harrachov.

Can you reach the summit by lift? Yes — a chairlift runs from Harrachov, used by skiers in winter and by hikers and cyclists in summer.

What is the main attraction here? The ski jumping hill on the mountainside, one of the largest in the world, together with the panoramic views over the Krkonoše from the upper slopes.

Is Čertova hora worth visiting in summer? Yes — outside the ski season the area offers hiking and mountain bike trails, and the summit views are often clearer than in winter.