The Czech ski resort of Rokytinice nad Jizeroi is located in the western part of the Krkonoše mountains, in the valley of the Jizera River, into which several small streams flow – Rokytinice, Gutsky and Chorny. This place has become popular quite recently. Despite this, the young resort in a short time was able to turn into one of the most attractive ski destinations in the country, where not only experienced skiers and snowboarders, but also beginners will find something to do.
On the territory of Rokitinice nad Jizera, at an altitude of more than 1,300 meters above sea level, the Lysa Gora and Studenov ski centers are open, which do not stop working even in bad weather, as special “snow guns” maintain the perfect condition of the tracks in any weather conditions. The main peak of skiing is in Czech resorts, including in Rokitinice nad Jizera, during the winter months. If during the season the temperature stays around 0 degrees, then the lowest temperatures are usually observed in January, when the thermometer drops to minus 4-5 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, most winter days are sunny, so the cold is practically not felt.
Formation of the resort: history and present
A couple of years ago, Rokytnice nad Jizera was said to be the biggest debtor among the cities of the Czech Republic. Today, this town, hiding in the shadow of the Balsa Mountain, is one of the most visited places in the Krkonose Mountains.
The cable car to Lysa Gora required large financial investments from Rokitnice nad Jizera . The town hall and its residents have long been the target of merciless criticism because of the risky enterprise. The city, which was one of the first to build a cable car to zone 1 of the Krkonoše National Park, was threatened with collapse. Now, after a couple of years, a similar threat is a couple of kilometers away – in Harrachov. And during this time, Rokytnytsia became a very favorite place for skiers, tourists and cyclists. And in the summer, the cable car fulfills its purpose. The controversial investment fully justified itself.
Up in comfort or on your own
The land, infused with mountain air and picturesque nature. The four-passenger cable car or “priblizhovak” – as they call the cable car in Rokytnica, which ended near Lovchenko’s house, also works in the summer. It goes upstairs once an hour. Anyone who has purchased a ticket can use its services – grandparents, dogs, as well as cyclists who take the place of skiers in the summer. The “bike downhill” cycling track in Rokitnitsa leads along the ski track, which is occupied by children and beginners in winter, and then continues directly under the cable car. The track is equipped with many artificial slides, it is also crossed by natural obstacles in the form of roots, stones and everything that can surprise a mountain trail.
Rokytnice nad Jizerou
It is unusual to see mountains whose topography you know like the back of your hand in winter. In summer, they are overgrown with grass and islands of alpine flowers. Ski tracks without snow evoke a pious feeling – the slopes seem steeper, restaurants and SKI bars are quiet and thoughtful. Sea buckthorn takes on a completely different look in summer. The air is filled with silence and the aroma of mountain herbs.
From Rokytnitsa up to the mountains
It is better to go up into the mountains than to wander around the city, which somewhat resembles alpine villages. Stop for a cup of tea in the always full Dvorachki hut, and then go for a walk in Poland, saying hello to the source of the Laba on the way, and admire the mountain monster – LABSK tourist hut.
The source of the Laba
A stop at the source of the Laba can be useful and very informative. Especially for children, who have a highly developed imagination, so that looking at such a nondescript pool of water, they can imagine one of the largest rivers of the republic in all its glory. And some adults look at the source with doubt, not being able to correlate their impressions with school knowledge about one of the most famous Czech rivers. “I thought that here the water would come out of the ground, but there is some kind of well here,” marvels the man of solid age. Then he eats tatranka cookies, takes a photo next to a stone wall with the coats of arms of the cities through which the Laba flows. “We’ll get to LABSK, and then we’ll see,” the pensioner plans his trip for the whole family.
If the LABSK spring may seem boring to some, then the LABSK tourist hut, on the contrary, will delight you more. The traditions of the socialist builders did not betray their followers even here in the mountains. A man-made monster sticks out above the Krkonose peaks – a reinforced concrete and, most likely, immortal LABSK tourist hut. To our surprise, it was open even in the summer. The lady who works at the kiosk does not go on vacation, and keeps the markup on souvenir trinkets at 300%.
Rokitnice nad Jizera is a good place for walks in the wild mountain nature, and in winter, when there were no queues, it would be an ideal place for skiing. Three dozen lifts and two 4-seater cable cars operate here.
Fortunately, Rokytnice has not yet acquired a vividly expressed spirit of commerce, it is cozy here and prices remain at a friendly level for customers. The aborigines treat the guests in the same way – nice and friendly. It seems that Rokytnytsia has safely survived all the troubles and is now moving towards bright prosperity in leaps and bounds.
What tracks
In this Czech ski resort, there are only 18 tracks, which are carefully leveled every morning by special rartraks. There are tracks for both beginner skiers and true virtuosos of this sport. The length of the so-called “black tracks” for experienced athletes is almost 10 kilometers, slightly shorter “red tracks” for beginners and “blue” for those who ride confidently.
One of the slopes, for the convenience of those who ski, is equipped with an evening lighting system and can be skied on it until 21:30, while the other slopes close at 16:00 with the onset of darkness. All available slopes are serviced by rope (towing) and chairlifts. Vacationers are also given the opportunity to use the cable car, but its capacity is several times lower than the lifts and the way to the top of the slope will take more time. For fans of the plains
of them, the ski resort offers special cross-country trails in the “Under Dvorachkami” and “U kaplychki” complexes.
Snowboarders will especially like this resort: a whole system of various jumps, the so-called funpark, was built here especially for them. The number of lifts in the resort allows you not to stand in queues to get to the top of the track, there are 27 of them plus two funicular roads. One is called Gorni Domke and takes everyone from the parking lot directly to the center of the ski complex, and the second – Lysa Gora will help you get to the top of this very mountain.
Rokitnice nad Jizera offers another original entertainment besides skiing and snowboarding. This is snow tubing – riding on an inflatable boat, but not on a river, but on a corridor lined with artificial snow. Both adults and children like this entertainment very much.
Despite the presence of “black tracks” and a special area for snowboarders, in general, this resort is distinguished by its calmness and the absence of aggressive skiing enthusiasts. Mostly, companies of friends and families with children come here.
It has wide slopes. Especially popular among families with children and beginners. There are eight slopes in Rokytnice, the most popular of which is Surmy Domke. There are tracks for every taste: for beginners and advanced. There are enough lifts and snow cannons in case there is not enough natural snow. The resort is equipped with the necessary attributes: a ski school, a sports equipment rental point, a rescue service station, bars and restaurants.
If you have just started skiing and are not yet ready to hit the slopes of Lysaya Gora, head to the center of Studenov. Here you will find wide and comfortable tracks with a total length of 3.5 km, two lifts and instructors who are ready to help if necessary.
How much does it cost
The price of a ticket for a one-day stay at the resort is 520 kroner for adults and 360 kroner for children under 10 years of age. If you buy a weekly pass, it will be cheaper, since the price for adults will be 2970 kroner and 2080 for a child. There is also an opportunity to save by buying one of the family passes: for one child and two adults or for two adults and two children.
The resort offers the possibility of renting all the necessary equipment, which will cost 200 and 150 kroner per set for an adult and a child, respectively. Renting a sledge is even cheaper – only 100 kroner.
Where to live there and what to drive
Despite the fact that Rokytnice nad Jizera is a rather small town, it has hotels that will satisfy the needs of various categories of vacationers. There are also respectable business-class hotels, such as Residence Shanti , with luxurious Thai-style luxury rooms with terraces and a massage parlor on the first floor, a little more modest, like Sporthotel Bohemia , located 20 meters from the lifts and offering guests the services of a fitness center. solarium and saunas, as well as budget options – Chalupa Zuz ánek 50 or Penzion Bonahalf a kilometer from the center of the town, next to the Studenov slope. There is a ski school near the hotel, where experienced instructors will teach even the most “green” beginner how to ski in a few lessons.
Apartment Apartmán Rokytka u sjezdovky 4 star hotel
Apartments Apartmán Rokytka u sjezdovky are located in the Modra Hvezda ski resort, the slopes of which are perfect for children skiing. Free WiFi, garage parking, ski-to-door ski-to-door access, and ski and bike storage are available.
The apartments have a living area with a flat-screen TV and a computer, and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom has a bathtub, equipped with a hairdryer and slippers. The guests also have a basement where they can store skis or bicycles. The apartment offers a view of the mountains.
A grocery store is 100 meters from the apartments, and guests can visit the nearest restaurant and cafe 200 meters away.
Gorni Domke Ski Area is 500 meters from Apartmán Rokytka u sjezdovky. Lovers of active recreation will also be pleased with such facilities as a fitness center with a sauna (200 meters), tennis courts (500 meters) and a bowling alley (1.5 km). The apartments are located at the intersection of hiking routes: the route to the source of the Laba River (4 km) or to the Lodge Labská bouda (4.5 km).
The stop of the free ski bus to the Gorni Domke and Studenovi ski areas, as well as the stop of the local bus from Rokytnice to Gorni, are located 50 meters from the apartments.
Sporthotel Bohemia 3-star hotel
Sporthotel Bohemia is located in Rokytnice nad Jizera in the Ispolin Mountains, just 20 meters from the ski lifts. The hotel has a sauna, solarium and fitness center.
All rooms have a living room, bathroom, cable and satellite TV. Private parking and Wi-Fi are provided free of charge.
Czech cuisine is served a la carte in the Sporthotel Bohemia restaurant. Special dietary menu on request. Guests can order drinks from the hotel bar and admire the mountain view from the terrace.
The hotel offers bowling and billiards. In addition, there is a game room with virtual bowling and pinball, as well as a gift and perfume shop.
The city center and the bus to Gorny Domke are 300 meters from the hotel. The 12-km bobsleigh track is located nearby in Harrahov, 15 minutes away by car.
Chalupa Zuzánek 50
Chalupa Zuzánek 50 is a holiday home with a barbecue, located in Rokytnice nad Jizerou. The distance to the city of Shklyarska Poremba is 25 km. Free Wi-Fi and private parking are available on site.
Featuring a DVD player, the holiday home has a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge, a living room, a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms with a shower. Amenities include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
After a day of hiking or skiing, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge.
Karpacz is 26 km from the holiday home, while Spindleruv Mlyn is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Pardubice Airport, 108 km from Chalupa Zuzánek 50.
Pension Bona
Guest house Bona is located in a central but quiet area only 300 meters from the main square of Rokytnice nad Jizerou . The house is located in the picturesque Krkonoše National Park, where guests can go hiking or skiing. Free Wi-Fi is available on the territory of the guest house.
Each room at Bona Guest House is furnished with wooden furniture and has a private bathroom and a TV. Most of them have a balcony, from the windows of all rooms there is a wonderful view of the forest.
A dining hall serving breakfast and dinner is available to guests. In summer, the terrace and garden are ideal for outdoor dining.
Cycling routes are just 200 meters from Bona Guest House, while Studenov Ski Resort with 7 slopes is 800 meters away.
Tourists mainly move around the resort on foot, since the town is quite compact and everything is nearby, but if walking is no longer a joy, and you want to be on the slopes sooner, then free skibuses that run on several routes and deliver vacationers will come to the rescue to the lifts and back to the hotels.
What to do
You can diversify your winter sports activities in Rokytnica nad Jizera , for example, by going to one (or more) of the local restaurants. In all these establishments, you can taste the same famous Czech beer, the most popular varieties of which are Gambrinus, Bernard, Starobrno, Kozel and Radegast. The average price of a mug of beer in a bar will be 40 kroner on average, in a store a foamy drink is almost twice as cheap – 15-18 kroner for a half-liter bottle or jar.
As for traditional Czech dishes – goulash with potatoes, dumplings and various soups – their cost is also quite affordable – the average bill for a 2-3-course dinner for two is 600-700 kroner.
The majority of vacationers especially liked the Snekolend restaurant and music bar , which offers hot dishes and cold snacks, washed down with drinks from the wine list, which includes more than 150 types of alcoholic beverages. The restaurant always has live music, and in the evenings the tables are moved more compactly to make room for dancing.
After a hearty lunch, it will be especially nice to enjoy the natural beauty. One of the most popular tourist destinations is a visit to the source of the Elbe River, followed by a journey along the mountain ridges in the direction of Snizhka, the highest point of this area.
In almost every hotel, you can rent a car at the reception desk to drive around the nearest towns and villages, to see other routes in the resorts, or to go to Prague, a walk along which will not leave anyone indifferent.
Those who do not like long walks can find activities in the local bowling alley, a special “extreme park” for playing paintball, in the gym for playing football, basketball, volleyball. While parents will enjoy their vacation playing a game of skittles or just another portion of the famous “Becherovka”, little vacationers will find an interesting activity at the specially equipped children’s playground with colorful carousels and many interesting games.
For leisure, the resort offers roller skating, paragliding and admiring the surroundings from the cable car. The latter, by the way, are two: and one of them is the second longest in the Czech Republic. Its total length reaches 2198 meters.
The town has several attractions, such as: City Hall, Lower and Upper Square, St. Michael’s Church, Rokytnice Chapel, “Starý kravín” art gallery. Excursions are organized from here to the nearby Dvoračky chalet, as well as to the Starz hill and the Gutsky waterfall.
In addition, it should be noted that Harrahov is located in the immediate vicinity of Rokytnice (it is only 3 km away). The latter can always provide you with additional opportunities for both skiing and excursion and entertainment properties.
How to get there
Rokitnice nad Jizera is located 160 kilometers from Prague, so it will be more convenient to get there from the capital’s airport. The road takes 2-3 hours, and you can get to the resort either by car, following the route marked on the map, by R / 10, or by one of the buses that depart from the Černý most (Black Bridge) bus station. The ticket will cost about 12-15 euros. In addition, some hotels offer a transfer to the ski resorts from the airport. The price ranges from 100 to 300 euros, depending on the number of people and their ski equipment.