Krkonošské muzeum Vrchlabí

Krkonošské muzeum Vrchlabí (the Krkonoše Museum in Vrchlabí) is one of the oldest museum institutions in the Czech Giant Mountains, tracing its roots back to 1883. It began life as the Riesengebirgsmuseum, founded by the Austrian, and later German, Krkonoše regional society, and has spent well over a century documenting the history, crafts and everyday mountain life of the region.

Where is the museum located?

The original, historic branch of the museum occupies four heritage houses on Náměstí Míru, the main square in the middle of Vrchlabí. These modest half-timbered and masonry buildings are typical of the foothill architecture found throughout the region and are a heritage attraction in their own right. The same museum institution also runs a second, much more modern site in town: Muzeum Krkonoš, housed in a former Augustinian monastery, which today serves as the main visitor centre of the Krkonoše Mountains National Park (KRNAP).

What can visitors see in the historic houses?

The ground floor of the Náměstí Míru buildings traditionally held an exhibition on the history of Vrchlabí itself — from the town's earliest records through the growth of its crafts and textile industry to the events of the 20th century — alongside a gallery space used for changing temporary exhibitions. Upstairs, visitors could tour a reconstructed cottage room furnished in mid-19th-century rural style, complete with period stove and household items typical of a Krkonoše farmstead. A separate part of the upper floor was devoted to traditional regional crafts, including the well-known hand-carving of wooden figures of Krakonoš, the legendary spirit of the mountains celebrated in both Czech and Polish folklore.

Is the museum open right now?

Since 1 May 2025, the exhibition in the four historic houses has been closed for a thorough reconstruction, with reopening planned for 2027. While the renovation is underway, visitors to Vrchlabí who want to learn about the nature and history of the Krkonoše can head instead to the sister site, Muzeum Krkonoš in the former monastery. Opened in autumn 2023, this modern exhibition traces the story of the mountains from the formation of their oldest rocks to the present day, following the meandering Elbe (Labe) river, exploring facts about Sněžka and the alpine tundra, and featuring historic mine galleries and aquariums with live fish. The visitor centre building itself, designed to evoke a Krkonoše rock outcrop topped with a glass cube, is worth a look on its own.

Who is this attraction for?

The Krkonošské muzeum Vrchlabí appeals mainly to visitors interested in regional history, folk crafts and everyday mountain life — the kind of cultural context that pairs well with a day of hiking in the surrounding hills. Its central location in Vrchlabí makes it easy to combine with a walk around town and a visit to the nearby chateau.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Krkonošské muzeum Vrchlabí currently open to visitors? No. The exhibition in the four historic houses on Náměstí Míru has been closed for reconstruction since May 2025, with reopening planned for 2027.

How does it differ from Muzeum Krkonoš in the former monastery? Both belong to the same museum institution in Vrchlabí. The historic houses on Náměstí Míru focus on the town's history and local crafts, while Muzeum Krkonoš in the monastery is a modern KRNAP visitor centre dedicated to the region's nature and geology.

What were the highlights of the historic branch? A reconstructed mid-19th-century cottage room and a craft collection that includes the traditional carved figures of Krakonoš, the legendary spirit of the Giant Mountains.

When was the museum founded? It was established in 1883 as the Riesengebirgsmuseum, the museum of the German Krkonoše society then active in Vrchlabí.