The mountains aren’t just a backdrop. Good preparation can make all the difference to how your trip turns out
You can’t rely on the mountains. Changeable mountain weather, specific conditions and inadequate equipment can quickly alter the course of even a well-planned trip. It is therefore a good idea to regularly remind yourself how to prepare for a mountain hike, what to take with you and how to behave in critical situations.
The Krkonoše Mountains are not a high-altitude mountain range. Nevertheless, they have a specific mountain environment that can take visitors by surprise. The weather here changes from one minute to the next, and its development cannot be reliably predicted. When planning a mountain hike, it is therefore essential to consider all possibilities and not to underestimate the preparation required for any of them.
“It is not our aim to lecture or scare visitors to the Krkonoše Mountains. However, we do try to highlight the fact that you simply cannot rely on the mountains. Those who haven’t experienced it won’t believe it. A biting wind on the ridges can lower the wind chill by up to ten degrees. Fog obscures the views and mobile signal fluctuates. Those who are prepared know what to do in such moments,” says Eva Šulcová, director of the Krkonoše Destination Management Organisation.
Four basic rules for your safety
1. Check the weather, but expect it to change
Even in summer, therefore, you should pack an extra layer of clothing, a headband or hat, and a neck warmer in your rucksack. A raincoat, head torch and first-aid kit should also be added to your basic kit all year round. A mountain hut is a pleasant place to stop, but it’s safer to carry a basic supply of food and drink on your back. The same goes for cash – you can’t always pay by card in the mountains.
2. Familiarise yourself with the route and bear in mind the weakest member of the group
It’s a good idea to be familiar with the route, at least on a map. Before setting off, check key landmarks and any road closures, and prepare alternative routes in case you start to run out of energy or the weather thwarts your plans. The length and difficulty of the route should always be tailored to the weakest member of the group – they too must reach the destination before dark.
“Ideally, you shouldn’t set off into the mountains without a group or family to look out for you. However, if visitors want to enjoy the peace and quiet and have the trails to themselves, it’s a good idea to let their loved ones know where they’re heading. They can also make use of the electronic hiking guide in the Záchranka app,” adds Eva Šulcová.
3. Always keep your phone charged, but don’t rely on it alone
Offline maps, online weather forecasts and the option to share your current location – these are features that can be of great help to visitors. However, signal strength fluctuates in the mountains, so you shouldn’t rely solely on your smartphone. A basic knowledge of the route, a paper map and following the signposts in the terrain are your safety net in case technology fails. An important companion, however, is the Záchranka app, which, at the touch of a button, sends an emergency message containing the sender’s location and simultaneously dials 155. This provides rescue workers with vital information to help them locate the area where assistance is needed more quickly.
4. Observe the rules for visiting the national park
The Krkonoše Mountains are protected by a national park, which sets out basic rules for visiting this sensitive area. Adhering to these rules not only protects the local environment but also the visitors themselves. The most important rule is simple – stay on the paths. This helps to protect the environment whilst keeping you away from areas where walking may be dangerous.
“Explaining the rules is an important part of our work. It’s not enough to say what is and isn’t allowed in the mountains – visitors also need to know why. That’s why, as a destination management organisation, we’re preparing a series of videos that will quickly and clearly show what makes the mountains both unique and dangerous, where we most often underestimate them, and how we harm them. We will be publishing the videos gradually on our YouTube channel and other social media platforms,” concludes Eva Šulcová.
Visitors can find information on preparing for a hike and staying safe in the Krkonoše Mountains, based on recommendations from the Mountain Rescue Service and the KRNAP Administration, at:
