Riesengebirge

Riesengebirge, known in Czech as Krkonoše and in Polish as Karkonosze, is a mountain range in Central Europe that forms the eastern part of the Sudetes along the border between the Czech Republic and Poland. Its highest peak is Sněžka (Śnieżka), at 1,603 meters, on the Czech side.

Geography and geology: The range runs roughly north–south for about 60 kilometers and up to 20 kilometers wide, separating the Bohemian Basin from the Silesian Lowlands. It comprises predominantly Precambrian granites and metamorphic rocks and features glacially sculpted landscapes, including cirques and moraines. The mountains serve as the headwaters for several rivers, including the Labe (Elbe).

Protected areas: The Czech portion includes Krkonoše National Park (established 1963), while the Polish side contains Karkonosze National Park (established 1959). Both areas protect high-altitude meadows, forests, and numerous endemic and protected species.

Tourism and economy: The Riesengebirge is a major tourist destination offering hiking in summer and winter sports in ski resorts such as Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou in the Czech Republic, and Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba in Poland. Mountain huts, scenic viewpoints and waterfalls, such as Mumlava Falls, are common attractions.

History: The range has long been a cross-border landscape for Czech and Polish communities. After World War II and the subsequent border changes, German-speaking populations largely left, and the area was repopulated by Czechs and Poles. Today it is a symbol of the region’s shared natural heritage.