Luční hora

Łączna Góra (Czech: Luční hora) rises above Szpindlerowy Młyn on the Czech side of the Karkonosze mountains. Visible from the resort's valley, its broad, gently rounded dome makes it one of the natural hiking destinations for visitors staying in the town.

What makes this peak notable?

Łączna Góra is the second-highest summit in the entire Karkonosze range and, at the same time, the highest point in the Czech Republic after Sněžka. Unlike Sněžka, whose summit sits right on the Polish-Czech border, Łączna Góra lies entirely within Czech territory. Its name — literally "Meadow Mountain" — refers to the wide, treeless upper slopes covered in alpine grasses and dwarf mountain pine that are typical of the highest parts of the Karkonosze.

The mountain is part of the Krkonoše National Park (KRNAP) on the Czech side and sits right next to Sněžka, connected to it by the Sněžná Rovina ridge — one of the most recognizable stretches of the main Karkonosze ridgeline.

How do you get there from Szpindlerowy Młyn?

Reaching the summit is a full-day mountain hike. From Szpindlerowy Młyn, hikers typically follow the main Karkonosze ridge trail, often combining the climb with an ascent of Sněžka before continuing along the ridge toward Łączna Góra. An alternative approach starts from Pec pod Sněžkou or other villages closer to the massif itself.

The route runs above the tree line for long stretches, so it's worth timing the hike for a day with good visibility — fog and strong wind can appear suddenly at this altitude, and much of the trail offers no natural shelter.

What will you see along the way and from the top?

The main draw is the panorama: the ridge offers views over both the Polish and Czech sides of the Karkonosze, including the valley around Szpindlerowy Młyn, Sněžka itself, and the wider Sudetes ranges beyond. The alpine meadows and dwarf pine cover characteristic of this part of the mountains contrast sharply with the dense forest lower down the slopes.

It's also a good spot to notice the high-altitude vegetation typical of the Karkonosze's upper reaches — rare alpine species protected within the national park. Because of the elevation and exposed terrain, weather conditions can change quickly even in summer.

When should you visit?

Late spring through summer (May–September) is the best window, when trails are clear and summit temperatures are moderate. Autumn hikes can be just as rewarding visually, but days are shorter and weather turns more quickly. Winter ascents require experience and proper gear, since the terrain above the tree line is fully exposed to wind and snow — in that season Szpindlerowy Młyn functions primarily as a ski resort rather than a starting point for high-mountain hiking.

Frequently asked questions

Is Łączna Góra in Poland or in the Czech Republic? The entire summit lies in Czech territory, within the Czech part of the Karkonosze mountains, inside the Krkonoše National Park (KRNAP).

Is it the highest peak in the Karkonosze? No — that's Sněžka. Łączna Góra is the second-highest summit in the whole range and the highest point located entirely within the Czech Republic.

How long does the hike from Szpindlerowy Młyn take? It's a full-day mountain hike, usually combined with a route over Sněžka and along the Sněžná Rovina ridge — plan for a full day and an early start.

Is the trail technically difficult? No climbing gear is needed, but the route crosses long, exposed stretches above the tree line, so checking the weather forecast before setting out is essential.