- Address: 793 36 Mala Moravka, Czech Republic
- Elevation above sea level: 1491 m
One of the most popular ski resorts in the Czech Republic is Mount Praded (Praděd or Altvater). It belongs to the Jesenik ridge, is its highest point and is famous for its picturesque landscapes, rich history and numerous legends.
What is famous for?
The top of Mount Praded reaches 1491 meters above sea level. By its size, it takes the 5th place in the country. The rock is located on the border of two regions: Czech Silesia and Moravia. In 1955, this territory was declared a national nature conservation reserve.
At the top of the Praded mountain there is a television tower, which reaches 162 m. It was erected in the 60s of the XX century. It was a wooden structure with numerous transmitters. In 1968, a modern tower was built here. To do this, from the village of Ovcharna to the top of the rock paved an asphalt road.
The official opening of the television tower was held in 1983. The entrance is $ 3.5. Today in the building there is a restaurant with traditional Czech cuisine and an observation deck with a high-speed elevator. Its form it resembles a spaceship and is located at an altitude of 80 m. From here in clear weather you can see:
- Austrian Alps;
- High Tatras (peak called Malaya Fatra) of Slovakia;
- Bald mountain and the surrounding countryside.
Legends associated with Mount Praded
Local people believe that at the top of the rock is inhabited by a just and powerful ruler of the mountains, called Praded. According to legend, he is a good old man who helps travelers and mountaineers who are in trouble, as well as poor people who do not have a livelihood. It is assumed that his residence is located near the television tower.
Near the top of the mountain are the Petrov stones. Indigenous people say that in olden times, witches were arranged on this place by wicked covenants. Today boulders are notorious.
Sights of Praded Mountain
This area is famous for its picturesque nature and healing air. There are crystal clear mountain lakes and dense coniferous forests. In addition, tourists can see:
- Sculpture of the lord of the mountains. This is the tallest wooden statue in the Czech Republic. She was carved from a poplar by a local carver named Jiří Galózka.
- Altwaterturn is a stone tower erected by the Moravian-Silesian Sudeten Tourism Association at the beginning of the 20th century. The structure is decorated in a Gothic style. After the end of World War II, the building was abandoned, and over time it fell into decay. Currently, you can see the remains of the building, on its background are amazing photos.
Things to do?
If you decide to visit Mount Praded in the summer, then you will pass along one of the tourist routes. They diverge from the top of the rock in all directions. You can move on foot, by bike or scooter. In winter you can visit the ski resort. On the northern slopes are funiculars, which meet international environmental protection requirements. Trails start at an altitude of 1300 m. The season lasts from November to May.
On Mount Praded there are training schools, playgrounds, equipment rental and instructors' help. At the resort you can skate, ski and snowboard at any time of the day. There are equipped trails of various complexity, in the evenings they are illuminated with millions of lights.
How to get there?
You can climb to the top of the mountain by a special bus or on foot. To the peak leads a simple asphalt road, the length of which is about 4 km. From Prague you will reach by car on the road number 35 and D11. The distance is 250 km.