Žalý

Žalý is a peak in the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše) rising directly above the village of Mrklov, part of the municipality of Benecko. The mountain has two summits — Přední Žalý (1,019 m) and Zadní Žalý (1,036 m) — located at the end of the so-called Žalský Ridge. It's one of the most visited viewpoints in this part of the range, known mainly for the stone lookout tower standing on the Přední Žalý summit.

What will you see there?

The main draw is an 18-metre stone observation tower — the only masonry lookout tower anywhere in the Krkonoše Mountains. The current structure, the third tower built on this spot, was completed in 1892 at the initiative of Count Jan Nepomuk Harrach. Climbing to the top on a clear day rewards visitors with views not only of the Krkonoše's main peaks — Kotel, Sněžka, Luční hora, and Černá hora — but also of distant towns including Hradec Králové and Turnov, and, in exceptionally good visibility, even Prague. The panorama is often ranked among the finest in the whole of Bohemia.

Right next to the tower, a restaurant opened in 2009, built as a faithful replica of a timbered chalet from 1890. It's a convenient stop for a meal or rest after the climb, especially on cooler days.

How to get to Žalý?

The easiest way up is the four-seat chairlift running from the lower station at Skiareál Herlíkovice (592 m) to the upper station just below the tower (1,008 m). Hikers who prefer walking can choose from marked trails starting in Benecko, Mrklov, Špindlerův Mlýn, or Pec pod Sněžkou — all popular starting points for both short walks and longer ridge hikes toward Žalý.

When should you visit?

The tower and surrounding trails are accessible year-round, but spring and autumn tend to offer the most reliable visibility along with comfortable temperatures for longer walks. Summer is the busiest season thanks to the easy chairlift access and the option to combine the hike with a meal at the nearby restaurant. In winter, the area attracts skiers using the Skiareál Herlíkovice slopes, though the tower's views depend heavily on weather conditions — it's worth checking visibility on site before committing to the climb.

Who is this place for?

Žalý works well both for families with children, who can ride the chairlift and skip the long ascent, and for more demanding hikers looking for ridge routes along the Žalský Ridge. The view from the tower — combining the Krkonoše skyline with the lowlands of Bohemia — is one of the reasons this spot regularly appears on lists of the region's best viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Žalý lookout tower? The stone tower stands 18 metres tall and sits on the Přední Žalý summit at 1,019 metres above sea level.

Can you reach the top without hiking? Yes — a four-seat chairlift runs from the lower station at Skiareál Herlíkovice almost all the way to the tower.

What can you see from the tower on a clear day? Besides the main Krkonoše peaks (Kotel, Sněžka, Luční hora, Černá hora), good visibility reveals Hradec Králové, Turnov, and even Prague.

Is there somewhere to eat near the tower? Yes, a restaurant built in 2009 as a replica of an 1890 timbered chalet stands right next to the tower.