Huťský vodopád

Huťský Waterfall is a scenic cascade in the Czech Krkonoše Mountains, tucked into a steep valley of the Huťský stream near Rokytnice nad Jizerou. Water drops here from a height of around 20 metres, with the rocky sill itself measuring between 0.5 and 3 metres wide at a total slope of 30-35 degrees. A dense spruce-beech forest surrounds the valley, offering welcome shade in summer and a colourful backdrop in autumn.

Where does the name come from?

The waterfall and the stream both take their name from the first glassworks in the Krkonoše Mountains, founded on this spot in 1562 by the Schürer family. The glassworks relied on the surrounding forest for the wood needed to fire its furnaces, and once local timber ran out, the works closed for good. The valley's landscape still carries that history in its name today.

What else happened in this valley?

From 1625, with backing from Albrecht von Wallenstein, the area developed a mining industry extracting silver, copper and lead. The waterfall and a nearby lodge were once a favourite destination for locals from Rokytnice, who came here for a restaurant that hosted dances every Sunday. Little remains of that activity today beyond stories passed down by local guides, and the site now mainly serves as a resting point along the trail.

How do you get there?

A marked blue hiking trail leads from Rokytnice nad Jizerou to the waterfall, and the walk itself is short enough to need no special fitness preparation. Drivers can reach a parking spot roughly 300 metres from the waterfall, making the site easy to access even for families with children. The falls also lie about 2.5 kilometres from the Dvoračky mountain lodge, so the visit can be combined with a longer hike along the Krkonoše ridge.

What is there to see on site?

The main draw is naturally the cascade itself, tumbling over rocky steps and looking most dramatic after spring snowmelt or heavy rainfall, when water flow peaks. It's also worth taking in the valley as a whole: the dense spruce-beech forest, damp moss-covered rocks, and quiet distance from the busier Krkonoše trails toward Sněžka create an intimate atmosphere quite different from the more crowded routes nearby.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early summer bring the highest water flow and are generally the best time to visit, though autumn adds extra charm with the colours of the beech forest. In winter, the approach can be tricky due to icy paths, so proper trekking footwear is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the trail to the waterfall? A marked blue trail runs from Rokytnice nad Jizerou, and drivers can also reach a parking area about 300 metres from the waterfall.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby? A restaurant once operated here with Sunday dances, but today the site mainly functions as a scenic stop along the trail.

How high is the waterfall? Water falls from a height of around 20 metres, with the rocky sill itself between 0.5 and 3 metres wide.

Can the visit be combined with a longer hike? Yes, the waterfall is about 2.5 kilometres from the Dvoračky mountain lodge, allowing the walk to be extended along the Krkonoše ridge.