Quick Picks for Jeseníky Hiking

Are you looking for a fast recommendation? Jeseníky has trails for every fitness level. Some routes focus on high-altitude views. Others follow rushing mountain streams. Here are our top picks for a quick decision.

• Best Overall: Praděd via the Bílá Opava Valley.
• Best for Families: Rejvíz Moss Lakes nature trail.
• Best for Views: Dlouhé Stráně upper reservoir.
• Best for Solitude: Vozka rock formations.

These picks offer a great introduction to the region. You can find more day trips from Olomouc to suit your interests. Make sure to check the weather before you depart.

10 Best Day Hikes in Jeseníky from Olomouc

The Jeseníky Mountains provide diverse landscapes. Most trails are well-marked with color-coded signs. You can reach these trailheads easily from Olomouc. Here are the top ten experiences for hikers.

1. Name: Praděd Summit Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the highest peak in Moravia with a futuristic tower. Best for: Everyone Where: Central Jeseníky Time: 5-6 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Take the bus from Olomouc to Praděd mountain via Hvězda. Tip: The tower has a restaurant and an observation deck.
2. Name: Bílá Opava Waterfall Trail Type: Nature Why go: This is the most beautiful valley in the range. Best for: Photography lovers Where: Karlova Studánka Time: 3-4 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Direct bus from Olomouc to Karlova Studánka. Tip: Wear waterproof boots as the wooden bridges can be slippery.
3. Name: Dlouhé Stráně Reservoir Type: Experience Why go: A massive pumped-storage plant on a flattened mountain top. Best for: Engineering fans Where: Kouty nad Desnou Time: 4-5 hours Cost: Free (chairlift has a fee) Getting there: Train from Olomouc to Kouty nad Desnou. Tip: Take the chairlift up to save energy for the walk around the lake.
4. Name: Šerák to Keprník Ridge Type: Viewpoint Why go: Offers the best panoramic views of the entire mountain range. Best for: Experienced hikers Where: Ramzová Time: 5 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Direct train from Olomouc to Ramzová station. Tip: Stop at the Chata Jiřího mountain hut for traditional garlic soup.
5. Name: Rejvíz Moss Lakes Type: Nature Why go: Explore the largest peat bog in Moravia on wooden boardwalks. Best for: Families with children Where: Rejvíz Time: 2 hours Cost: Small entry fee for the boardwalk Getting there: Drive 70 minutes or take a bus to Jeseník and transfer. Tip: Visit the local pension to see chairs carved with faces of famous guests.
6. Name: Velká kotlina Type: Nature Why go: A glacial cirque known as the "Botanical Garden of Jeseníky." Best for: Plant enthusiasts Where: Malá Morávka Time: 6 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Bus from Olomouc to Karlov pod Pradědem. Tip: This area is strictly protected; stay on the marked blue trail.
7. Name: Vozka Rock Formations Type: Unique experience Why go: Massive mica-schist rocks that look like a petrified horse and carriage. Best for: Geology fans Where: Near Branná Time: 6 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Train from Olomouc to Branná. Tip: This trail is less crowded than the Praděd routes.
8. Name: Ztracené kameny (Lost Stones) Type: Viewpoint Why go: A quartzite rock field offering views toward the Haná plains. Best for: Sunset seekers Where: Skřítek Time: 3 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Bus from Olomouc toward Šumperk and Skřítek. Tip: The trail starts right at the Skřítek mountain pass restaurant.
9. Name: Petrovy kameny Type: Iconic sight Why go: Mythical rocks where witches were said to gather. Best for: History buffs Where: Near Praděd Time: 1 hour (from Ovčárna) Cost: Free Getting there: Shuttle bus from Hvězda to Ovčárna. Tip: You cannot climb the rocks to protect rare alpine plants.
10. Name: Čertovy kameny (Devil's Stones) Type: Viewpoint Why go: Dramatic rock towers overlooking the town of Jeseník. Best for: Short steep hikes Where: Jeseník Time: 2 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Train from Olomouc to Jeseník. Tip: There is a small metal ladder to reach the very top of the rocks.

Planning Your Jeseníky Mountains Hiking Day Trip

A successful Jeseníky Mountains hiking day trip requires some preparation. Most trails are accessible from May through October. During winter, many paths turn into cross-country ski tracks. You can find more info at the Olomouc Tourism Portal. Always check the mountain rescue website for current conditions.

Public transport is a reliable way to reach the mountains. Trains run frequently from Olomouc to Ramzová or Kouty nad Desnou. Buses are better for reaching Karlova Studánka or Skřítek. If you drive, arrive at parking lots early. They often fill up by 10:00 AM on sunny weekends. Pack layers of clothing, as mountain weather changes quickly.