Slamník

Slamník is a 1,233-metre peak rising directly above the village of Dolní Morava, part of the Králický Sněžník massif on the Czech side of the border with Poland. The mountain's older German name, Sauberg (Sau Kuppe, "Pig Hill"), dates back to a time before the region's modern borders were drawn. For decades the summit was a quiet spot known mainly to ridge-walkers, but over the last ten years its slope has become home to one of the most photographed attractions in the Czech mountains.

How do you get to the top?

The easiest way up is the LV Slamník cable car, which runs from the valley station in Dolní Morava almost to the summit — a popular choice in both summer and winter, since the direct footpath up the steep slope can be tiring. Walkers have several route options: a path following the old ski run straight up the hillside, and a longer route with viewpoints that avoids the steepest sections. More ambitious hikers can follow the Mokrý hřbet ridge toward the neighbouring peak of Sušina (1,321 m), which opens up views across the whole Králický Sněžník massif. The trail junction known as "Slamník (u lavičiek)" at 1,140 m is a useful landmark for anyone planning a longer ridge hike.

What is there to see?

The main draw on Slamník's slope is Stezka v oblacích (the Sky Walk), a wood-and-steel viewing structure designed by architect Zdeněk Fránek and opened on 5 December 2015. The barrier-free walkway is 710 metres long, sits at an elevation of 1,116 metres, and ends in a 55-metre viewing tower with a spiral ramp leading to the top. From there the panorama stretches across the Králický Sněžník range and the Jeseníky mountains, and on a clear day as far as Sněžka in the Krkonoše. It is one of the most visited attractions in the Czech mountains, drawing several thousand visitors a day at peak times, so queues at the tower entrance are common. The summit area itself was part of the Králický Sněžník national nature reserve until 2013, when it was excluded to allow construction of ski infrastructure — a decision that drew protest from conservationists at the time. Today the slope combines a winter ski resort with a year-round destination for hikers and cyclists.

When is the best time to visit?

Slamník and the Sky Walk are worth visiting in any season. Summer and early autumn bring comfortable conditions for ridge walking and the clearest views from the tower. In winter the slope turns into a full ski area, with the cable car doubling as a ski lift. If a quiet visit to the viewing platform matters more than the season, it's best to avoid peak summer weekends and aim for a weekday or an early morning slot instead.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the summit of Slamník? The peak stands at 1,233 metres above sea level, while the Sky Walk's viewing tower starts from an elevation of 1,116 metres.

Can you reach the top by cable car? Yes — the LV Slamník cable car runs from Dolní Morava almost to the summit and is the most convenient way to get there.

Is the Sky Walk accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the 710-metre Stezka v oblacích was built as a barrier-free path, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers alike.

How does Slamník differ from the nearby Králický Sněžník? Slamník is the lower peak (1,233 m) on the Podbělský ridge, part of the wider Králický Sněžník massif. The massif's highest point, Sněžník itself at 1,424 m, lies a few kilometres away and requires a separate, longer hike.