Liščí hora

Liščí hora (Fox Mountain) rises to 1,363 m above sea level right in the middle of the Krkonoše Mountains, its slopes falling within the administrative territory of the Czech village of Strážné. It isn't a peak most hikers set out to "bag" on its own — instead it's a well-known waypoint on the long ridge trail connecting two better-known summits, Studniční hora and Černá hora.

Where exactly is it?

The summit sits roughly 3.5 km west of Pec pod Sněžkou and just under 6 km southwest of Sněžka, the highest point in the whole Krkonoše range. Administratively it belongs to Strážné — the municipality's land stretches from the eastern slope of the Žalský ridge, across the Planina spur, all the way to Liščí hora itself — but in practical hiking terms it's much closer to Pec pod Sněžkou and to the ridge trail running from Janské Lázně toward Luční bouda. The summit itself is broad and flat-topped, covered in dwarf mountain pine and low spruce, and on its northeastern slope lies an avalanche gully known as Liščí jáma ("the fox pit").

How do you get there?

A red-marked ridge trail runs past the peak — part of the well-known Krkonoše "magistrála," the long ridge route linking Černá hora and Luční bouda. It's a hikers-only stretch: supply vehicles and cyclists are allowed only as far as the mountain lodges on Liščí louka, southeast of the summit. The top itself lies in Zone I, the strictest protection zone of the Krkonoše National Park, so walking onto the actual summit isn't permitted — you take it in from the trail, which passes a few dozen metres below the ridge.

The easiest approach starts in Pec pod Sněžkou, heading west along the ridge trail. An alternative is to come up via Černá hora, where a cable car shortens the climb considerably from the valley.

What will you actually see?

Right by the trail near the top there's a rest spot with a viewpoint, opening onto one of the finer panoramas in the Krkonoše — Sněžka and Studniční hora both visible from here on a clear day. Southeast of the peak lies the broad meadow of Liščí louka, home to two sizeable mountain lodges, Lyžařská bouda and Prvosenka. About 700 m further on, at Hnědý vrch, you'll find the upper cable car station from Pec, a lookout tower, and the top of a ski run — a convenient spot to break off a longer ridge walk without a long descent.

The slopes are also botanically notable: several rare high-mountain plant species grow here, which is why the whole area sits inside the national park's protected core. This is a stop for people who want views and untouched alpine terrain rather than a summit to stand on — the top itself stays off-limits.

When's the best time to visit?

In summer and early autumn the ridge trail is fully open on foot, and the views toward Sněžka are at their best on calm, clear days. Winter turns the Hnědý vrch and Liščí louka area into a working ski zone, with a lift, groomed runs, and the Pec cable car cutting the approach from the valley. Because this is high, exposed terrain inside a national park, weather on the ridge can change fast regardless of season — checking the forecast before setting out is worth doing every time.

Frequently asked questions

Can you actually stand on the summit of Liščí hora? No — the top lies within Zone I, the most strictly protected zone of the Krkonoše National Park. You experience it from the ridge trail, which runs a short distance below the actual summit.

What's the easiest way in? From Pec pod Sněžkou, following the ridge trail west, or via Černá hora, using the cable car there to skip most of the climb.

Is there anywhere to stay nearby? Yes — on Liščí louka, southeast of the summit, two mountain lodges operate: Lyžařská bouda and Prvosenka.

Can you cycle this stretch? Not around the summit itself — the ridge trail there is hiking-only, and vehicles or bikes are permitted only as far as the lodges on Liščí louka.