Medvědín

Medwiedin (Czech: Medvědín) rises directly above Špindlerův Mlýn, on the Czech side of the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), part of the Western Sudetes range. At 1,235 metres above sea level, it's one of the most visited viewpoints in this part of the mountains, largely thanks to a cable car that carries visitors almost to the summit without hours of climbing.

How do you get to the top?

The easiest route up is a four-seater chairlift that opened in 1994, running from Špindlerův Mlýn straight to a station near the Medwiedin summit. The line stretches 1,912 metres, climbs 490 metres in elevation, and takes roughly 13 minutes end to end. Capacity is generous too, up to 2,400 people per hour, so outside peak season queues rarely build up for long. It runs almost year-round, aside from scheduled maintenance breaks, and in summer bikes ride up for free, which makes Medwiedin a popular starting point for mountain-bike routes through the Krkonoše. Walkers can also reach the top on marked trails from Špindlerův Mlýn, a longer option but one that lets you watch the forest landscape change as you climb.

What's waiting at the summit?

The upper cable car station sits almost right at the top, opening onto a wide panorama of the main Krkonoše ridgelines, with the distinctive silhouette of Sněžka visible on the horizon. Right next to the station are two playgrounds built around giant letters spelling out "Medvědín," a favourite with families who get mountain views along with the play equipment. For a longer walk down, two marked trails lead back into the valley: the Bear Trail (Medvědí stezka) and "Spindlman's Mission" (Špindlmanova mise), both winding back toward Špindlerův Mlýn through the forest.

Medwiedin in winter — skiing and snowboarding

The slopes below the summit host a ski area with runs for different skill levels, a snowpark for freestyle riders, a ski school for beginners, and a snowtubing track for younger visitors. The area's standout feature is a recently upgraded red run up to 60 metres wide, among the widest downhill runs in the Czech Republic, which means plenty of room even on busier days. In winter, this is one of the main reasons skiers choose Špindlerův Mlýn as their base in the Krkonoše.

When's the best time to visit?

In summer, Medwiedin works well as a starting point for hiking along the Krkonoše ridges and for mountain biking, made easier by the free bike transport on the cable car. In winter, it's mainly about downhill skiing and snowboarding, backed by modern lift infrastructure and wide runs. Spring and autumn suit visitors after quieter walks and the clearest long-distance views, since summer haze more often blurs the far ridgelines.

At the upper station, the panoramic restaurant "Medvědín 1235" serves food with a view, a convenient stop whether you're on a summer hike or taking a break from a winter ski day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cable car ride to Medwiedin take? About 13 minutes to cover the 1,912-metre route.

Does the Medwiedin cable car run all year? Yes, aside from scheduled maintenance breaks it operates year-round, including free bike transport in summer.

What can you see from the top of Medwiedin? A panorama of the main Krkonoše ridgelines, with Sněžka visible in the distance.

Can you ski at Medwiedin? Yes, there's a ski area with runs for various skill levels, a snowpark, and a snowtubing track, including one of the widest red runs in the Czech Republic.