Velká Úpa: Hiking, mountain culture and a ski area

Velká Úpa offers several clearly distinct highlights to consider when planning a trip: hiking trails, historic buildings and a smaller ski area. You can decide how much each will shape your stay based on the season and your interests. The hiking routes differ in their starting points, courses and themes; the historic sites offer a different focus from the skiing options.

Hiking trails with different starting points

The Cesta horských nosičů starts at the valley station of the Portášky cable car in Velká Úpa. Along the Cesta horských nosičů, information boards explain the history of the mountain porters. Údolím Šramlu also starts in Velká Úpa and follows a yellow-marked hiking trail to Portášky. These are two distinct options for finding your way: the first route is marked by its valley station and the history of the mountain porters, while the second is defined by its yellow-marked trail and Portášky as its destination.

Another option is Krakonošova zpovědnice. Krakonošova zpovědnice follows an easy route from Pec pod Sněžkou to Velká Úpa and includes seven play stations, including stops along the Old Road and in the center of Velká Úpa. This sets the route apart from those that start in Velká Úpa: it connects two named places and adds several play stations along the way.

Herní krajina Pecka, a collection of interactive wooden sculptures and objects featuring motifs of the Krkonoše fauna, is located at the upper station of the Portášky cable car. The animal motifs give this attraction a different focus from the information boards about the history of the mountain porters or the play stations on Krakonošova zpovědnice.

Buildings and history

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Velká Úpa is a spacious Neoclassical brick building. Construction began in 1788, and the first mass was celebrated there in 1789. These two dates trace the building's early history and provide a specific historical context for visiting the site.

Velké Tippeltovy Boudy are among the best-preserved ensembles of folk architecture in the Krkonoše Mountains. They were designated a village conservation area in 2005. While the church is a single Neoclassical building, the Tippeltovy Boudy are an ensemble of folk architecture—two distinct aspects of the region's built heritage.

A hiking route to Velká Úpa also passes a Catholic chapel dating from 1877. The chapel is another historic landmark along the route.

Skiing and excursions

Skiareál Velká Úpa is a smaller ski area with a ski slope featuring a large vertical drop. If skiing is the main focus of your trip, bear in mind that seasonal operating conditions may change. Check the latest information about the ski area before your visit.

The valley station of the Portášky cable car houses a ski school office, a rental shop, a test center and the SkiResort Live service. If you plan to use any of these services, check their current availability before your trip.

Another recommended excursion is the walk from Velká Úpa to Sněžka. The trip is manageable with children if you use a cable car at least once. Keep this condition in mind when planning the trip and choosing your excursion.

When considering specific hotel offers, check whether each location and its amenities suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Velky Vrestov, Kralovec, Dolni Kalna, Lanzov, Jivka, Černý Důl, Dvůr Králové Nad Labem, Horní Kalná

For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.