Travel concept
A mountain hiking trip between Poland and Czechia, with the night train, mountain huts and the Giant Mountains as your backdrop.
Route feeling
This trip takes you by night train to Prague and onwards to the Giant Mountains, where you hike several days along the Friendship Trail between Poland and Czechia. Along the way, you pass waterfalls, rock formations, border markers, mountain huts and Snezka, the highest mountain in Czechia. Ideal for travellers who love active trips, mountain scenery and conscious travel by public transport.
Day 1
In the late afternoon, you board the European Sleeper in Brussels-South or Antwerp-Central. The train takes you via Amsterdam and Berlin all the way to Prague. No transfers needed: you simply spend the night on the train. A relaxed and sustainable start to your trip.
Stay: European Sleeper
Day 2
After arriving in Prague, take a little time to briefly explore the city. Afterwards, you travel by Flixbus to Harrachov, a ski village at the foot of the Giant Mountains. Here you enjoy your first taste of mountain air and a cosy evening in one of the restaurants on the main road.
Stay: Harrachov
Day 3
Today the walking finally begins. You leave Harrachov behind and head into the mountains. You climb around 450 metres, but you can take it easy: the ascent is spread across 19 kilometres. Along the way, you pass streams, waterfalls and beautiful views. At the end of the day, you are rewarded with a stay high up on Szrenica, overlooking Poland and Czechia.
Stay: Szrenica hut in Poland
Day 4
This second walking day really takes you along the Friendship Trail between Poland and Czechia. Border markers appear regularly along the way. After yesterday’s longer day, today is a little gentler, with time to enjoy the views and rock formations. You walk around 10 kilometres and end the day back in Czechia.
Stay: Moravska Bouda hut in Czechia
Day 5
Today you keep moving back and forth across the border. The views over Poland are especially impressive. Soon you get your first sight of Snezka, the highest mountain in Czechia. You do not reach the summit just yet, but spend the night in one of the huts by the lake.
Stay: Samotnia or Strzecha Akademicka
Day 6
Today you finally head for Snezka. A steady climb takes you to the striking building on top of the mountain, visible from far away. At the summit, you can send a postcard from the highest post office in Czechia, have something to eat or take the cable car down. Your plan mainly says: walk down. You descend around 16 kilometres through varied scenery to Spindleruv Mlyn, a picturesque mountain village at about 780 metres altitude. If you want to walk longer, you can extend the route from Snezka.
Stay: Spindleruv Mlyn
Day 7
Today you take time to enjoy Spindleruv Mlyn at a slow pace. Go for a short walk by the water, browse the sports shops or simply soak up the mountain village atmosphere. Afterwards, you travel by bus back towards Prague. At the station, you can pick up dinner before boarding the night train again. On the route from Prague to Dresden, you pass the beautiful Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Stay: European Sleeper
Day 8
After a night on the train, and perhaps breakfast along the way, you arrive back in Antwerp or Brussels-South. Time to return to daily life with fresh mountain air still in your head.
Stay: /
Practical
City break in Prague, Dresden or Berlin.
Hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Ready to go?
Would you like the Friendship Trail planned around your own pace? I will gladly look at the best route, stays and possible extensions for you.
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