This summer hits all records in Czechia concerning the temperature. The really hot weather this year around all Europe. Even not possible to buy a ventilator, because everything is sold out. Eventually, I have decided to move to some place, where I could feel some fresh cool air and freely breath, at least during a weekend. So, I am heading to the north of Chechia, into the mountains.
I travel from Prague with Flixbus, witch is actually has such a long route, from Germany to Poland through the whole Czechia. So, I was lucky enough to book a free seat on the bus. But my part of journey took only 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Harrachov is a famous mountain resort town located in the western part of the Krkonose Mountains in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic, right next to the Polish border. It is home to roughly 1400 residents.
First of all, Harrachov is famous for its skiing infrastructure, centered on the slopes of Certova hora (Devil's Mountain). But in summer, Harrachov transforms into a vibrant green playground ideal for hikers, cyclists and families. The roaring ski slopes become lush mountain paths, and the town's focus shifts from snow sports to outdoor adrenaline, mountain biking and relaxed pine-forest exploration.
So, my first impression is fabulous. All these fir-trees, green grass and cozy simple-looking wooden houses. The only thing which is missing for an ideal picture in my eyes is the sheep.
The center revolves around a singular main street stretch (running alongside the main town road). You can easily walk across the core commercial area on foot within 10 to 15 minutes. The area in general has a classic alpine atmosphere.
And now I can see the main mountain of this place. Certova Hora, 1022 metres above sea level. There is a functioning cableway (with open four-seater benches), which would deliver you to the top station in just 9 minutes. I am a bit scared of height, so most probably I would skip such experience. Maybe, they have a walking path to the peak.
I arrived to the city a bit earlier that the time of check-in at my hotel. But luckily, they told me that my room is ready. Very good indeed.
I almost never recommend the hotels. But this one is very good, and definitely worth staying at. Especially, if you book the room on the upper floor with a good view from a balcony. In general, I love OREA chain, and probably I was disappointed only once about their hotels, while I was staying in Marianske Lazne. But still, it was not a complete disaster, it was just a strange feeling of some "forgotten" grandeur, however, it was quite unusual experience in a quite unique hotel.
At my hotel Sklar they also offer a swimming pool with a whirlpool, and saunas! Free unlimited access for the quests of the hotel. Sauna in a such hot weather sounds weird for someone, but I love it at any time. And of course I am going to use it during a day several times (it is kind of "free").
I looked out of the balcony, enjoying the picturesque view, which will be mine for the next 2 nights, and left the hotel in search of another remarkable spots of the place.
Actually, I am heading to the Mumlava Waterfall, one of the main reasons why people are coming here (if not for skiing). And there are many tours specifically for this waterfall. Very popular, indeed.
On the way, I have noticed a grandma with her grandson were looking something in a grass. I was curious, and then I realized they might be looking for mushrooms or berries. So, I have "stolen" some strawberry under their noses. Sorry, guys, but it is a public place.
Honestly, I have already seen this waterfall some years ago, when I was traveling with some organized tour by bus. And 2.5 kilometres from my hotel on foot is nothing, because I know what beauty awaits me there.
So, the Mumlava Waterfall is a 10-meter-tall (and 10 meters in width) cascading waterfall located on the Mumlava River, which is 12.6 kilometres long. And the water falls straight down a massive, single block of granite that was formed millions of years ago.
Below the falls, the roaring water has carved deep, circular holes into the rock bed called "Devil's Eyes" with some measuring up to 6 meters wide and 3 meters deep.
They say, that during the winter, the rushing water completely freezes over to form a spectacular, 10-meter-high ice wall. Definitely, I would love to see it with my own eyes!
There are two things in life, which you can admire forever, first is the falling water, and second the doggy playing in water.
Indeed, it is the most picturesque waterfall I have ever seen in my life. Unfortunately, I have not seen many, but this one is the best, so far. And what is very important, this place is quite easy to access.
I am back to hotel and starving. The buffet is very rich, but I need to be careful and very selective, because I want to stay slim.
After big food, of course, I need to have a walk.
I started thinking about obtaining such village cottage for summer :-)
The modern technologies came even to this small town. In front of the city's letters I was able to make a nice selfie, using this pedestal and timer on my smartphone.
At the hotel from the balcony I was watching the beautiful sunset. I feel, I am quite satisfied with such an eventful day.
But tomorrow I want to explore another part of the area. I will set off in search of more waterfalls, hidden somewhere in the forests, where organized groups of tourists do not go.
