Czech hut hike - Under Smělcem

This second stage of the Krkonoše ridge crossing begins at the crossroads near Česká budka (1,407m above sea level). From here, a comfortable path climbs to the Violík pyramid

From the road, tourists can see the besieged Elbe spring on the plateau formed by the Labská, Mumlavská and Pančavská meadows. The horizon is dominated by the Bohemian Krkonoše ridge with Kotlo and the slightly lower Lysa mountain.

If you need it, it is possible to run down to the Labská bouda and stay or just have refreshments.

The peak of Violík is a nice rockery. A beaten path leads to it. However, the signs prohibit climbing to the top, so it's up to you whether you respect it or not

From Violík, a gentle descent to a shallow saddle awaits you and an easy ascent to the Vysoká plana (1,497m above sea level) / the actual peak of the Vysoká plana is the Krakonošova katelna crag located already on the Polish side of the border – this peak is considered to be secondary to the Vysoké Kol).

The ascent to Wawel is pleasant and leads through a picturesque landscape, where you have the feeling of crossing a plateau somewhere in the Nordic countries rather than being in the highest parts of the western Giant Mountains. Beyond Violíka, the peak of Szrenica and the Jizera Mountains are starting to peek out on the horizon

Not even after half an hour from Česká budka, you are standing at the top of Vysoké plána. The biggest dominant feature of the peak is the former Wawel tourist hut, which today is unfortunately inaccessible and serves as a transmitter. The Krakonoš pulpit rock is right next to it.

Wawel is always crowded. It's no wonder that here is probably the biggest attraction of the entire western Krkonoše Mountains – the massive Snow pit with lots of viewpoints. Right next to it is the highest peak of the Western Giant Mountains – Vysoké kolo.

There are a number of viewpoints around the Snow Caves, so you can enjoy the views of this dramatic part of the Krkonoše mountains to your heart's content.

At the bottom of the Snow Caves you will also see several lakes. There is also a hiking trail around them, so a possible alternative to the summit walk.

Access to the former road via Vysoké Kolo is prohibited and the official route traverses its northern slope. A large stone sea is crossed and there are distant views of Poland. The hike takes on a completely different character here than on the high-lying meadows a while ago.

The actual stone path is absolutely amazing. Looking back, you can see the Snow Pits and the Wawel

After you have gone around Vysoké Kolo, you can have a nice look at it from this side, it looks more prominent than from Sněžné Jam. The original path is clear. our path now climbs slightly below another peak, Smielec (1,424m above sea level).

The path ascends only a short distance from the Polish peak of Smělec. the highest place on the Czech side of the border is called Velký Šišák (1,410 m above sea level). From here there is a wonderful view of the whole range of Krkonoše peaks.

Now you will descend to a shallow saddle between the daredevil and Mužské kameny, where this stage ends. The path continues along the ridge or you can start to descend to Martin's hut and further to Špindlerův mlýn or to Poland.