The Czech ski resort Rokytnice nad Jizerou is located in the western part of the Krkonoše Mountains, in the valley of the Jizera River, into which several small streams flow – Rokytnice, Gutský and Černý. This place has become popular quite recently. Despite this, the young resort has been able to turn into one of the most attractive ski destinations in the country in a short time, where not only experienced skiers and snowboarders, but also beginners will find something to do.

On the territory of Rokitinice nad Jizerou, at an altitude of over 1,300 meters above sea level, the Lysa Hora and Studenov ski resorts are open, which do not stop working even in bad weather, as special “snow cannons” maintain the perfect condition of the slopes in any weather conditions. The main peak of skiing falls on Czech resorts, including Rokitinice nad Jizerou, in 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.

The formation of the resort: history and present

A couple of years ago, Rokitnice nad Jizerou was spoken of as the biggest debtor among the cities of the Czech Republic. Today, this town, hidden in the shadow of Lysa Mountain, is one of the most visited places in the Giant Mountains.

The cable car to Lysa Hora required large financial investments from Rokitnice nad Jizerou. The town hall and its residents have long been the target of merciless criticism because of the risky venture. The town, which was one of the first to build a cable car to Zone 1 of the Krkonoše National Park, was threatened with collapse. Now, a couple of years later, a similar threat is a couple of kilometers away – in Harrachov. And Rokitnice has become a very popular place for skiers, tourists and cyclists during this time. And in the summer the cable car fulfills its purpose. The controversial investment has fully justified itself.

Up in comfort or on your own

A land filled with mountain air and picturesque nature. The four-seater cable car or “priblizhovak” – as the cable car in Rokytnice is called, which ended near the Lovchenko hut, also operates in summer. It goes up 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 Rokytnice “bike downhill” cycle path leads along the ski slope, 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, and natural obstacles in the form of roots, stones and everything that a mountain trail can surprise with.

Rokytnice nad Jizerou

It is unusual to see mountains whose relief you know like the back of your hand in winter. In summer, they are overgrown with grass with islands of high-altitude flowers. Ski slopes without snow evoke a reverent feeling – the slopes seem steeper, restaurants and SKI bars are quiet and pensive. Rokytnice takes on a completely different appearance in summer. The air is filled with silence and the aroma of mountain herbs.

From Rokytnice up – to the mountains

Rather than wandering around the city, which somewhat resembles an Alpine village, it is better to go up, to the mountains. Stop for a cup of tea in the always crowded Dvorachka hut, and then go for a walk to Poland, saying hello to the source of the Labe on the way, and admire the mountain monster – the LABSK tourist hut.

The Labe River

A stop at the source of the Labe can be useful and very informative. Especially for children, who have a highly developed imagination, who, looking at such an inconspicuous puddle of water, imagine one of the largest rivers in the republic in all its glory. And some adults look at the spring with doubt, not knowing how to correlate their impressions with school knowledge about one of the most famous Czech rivers. “I thought that water would bubble up from under the ground here, but here is some kind of well,” – a man of solid age is surprised. Then he eats a Tatranska cookie, takes a picture near a stone wall with the coats of arms of the cities through which the Labe flows. “We’ll get to LABSK, and then we’ll see,” – a pensioner is planning his trip for the whole family.

If the LABSK spring may seem boring to someone, then the LABSK tourist hut, on the contrary, will rather amuse. The traditions of socialist builders have not betrayed their followers here in the mountains. A man-made monster sticks out above the Krkonoše peaks – a reinforced concrete and, most likely, immortal LABSK tourist hut. To our surprise, it turned out to be open in the summer. The lady who works at the kiosk does not go on vacation, and keeps the markups on souvenir trinkets at 300%.

Rokitnice nad Jizerou is a beautiful place for walks among the wild mountain nature, and in winter, if there were no queues, it would be an ideal place for skiing. There are three dozen lifts and two 4-seater cable cars.

Fortunately, Rokytnice has not yet acquired a pronounced commercial spirit, it is cozy here and prices remain at a customer-friendly level. The locals also treat guests in the same way – nice and friendly. It seems that Rokytnice has safely survived all the troubles and is now walking towards bright prosperity with leaps and bounds.

What are the slopes

This Czech ski resort has a total of 18 slopes, which are carefully leveled every morning by special skiers. There are slopes for both beginner skiers and true virtuosos of this sport. The length of the so-called “black runs” for experienced athletes is almost 10 kilometers, slightly shorter than the “red runs” for beginners and the “blue” for those who ski confidently.

One of the runs, for the convenience of those who ski, is equipped with an evening lighting system and you can ski on it until 21:30, while the other slopes close at 16:00 with the onset of darkness. All available slopes are served by tow (tow) and chair lifts. 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 lovers of plain

skiing, the resort offers special cross-country trails in the complexes “Under the Dvorachka” and “At the Chapels”.

Snowboarders will especially like this resort: especially for them here built a whole system of various ski jumps, the so-called funpark. The number of lifts at the resort allows you not to stand in queues to climb to the top of the track, there are 27 of them here plus two funiculars. One is called Horní Domke, and takes everyone from the parking lot directly to the center of the ski complex, and the second – Lysa Hora will help you get to the top of this very mountain.

Rokitnice nad Jizerou offers another original entertainment, in addition to skiing and snowboarding. This is snowtubing – riding an inflatable boat, but not on the river, but along a corridor lined with artificial snow. This entertainment is very popular with both adults and children.

Despite the presence of “black runs” and a special area for snowboarders, in general this resort is distinguished by its calmness and the absence of fans of aggressive skiing. Mostly groups of friends and families with children come here.

It is distinguished by its wide slopes. It is especially popular among families with children and beginners. There are eight slopes in Rokytnice, the most popular of which is Surmy Domke. There are trails for every taste: for beginners and advanced. There are enough lifts and snow cannons in case natural snowfall is not enough. 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 go out onto the slopes of Lysa Hora, head to the center of Studenov. Here you will find wide and comfortable slopes with a total length of 3.5 km, two lifts and instructors ready to help if necessary.

How much does it cost

The cost of a ticket for one day at the resort is 520 CZK for adults and 360 CZK for children under 10 years old. If you buy a weekly pass, it will be cheaper, as the price for adults will be 2970 CZK 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 CZK per set for an adult and a child, respectively. Renting a sled is even cheaper – only 100 CZK.

Where to live there and what to ride

Despite the fact that Rokitnice nad Jizerou is a fairly small town, it has hotels that will satisfy the needs of a wide variety of categories of vacationers. There are also respectable business-class hotels, such as Residence Shanti, with luxurious Thai-style suites with terraces and a massage parlor on the ground floor, a little more modest, like Sporthotel Bohemia, located 20 meters from the ski lifts and offering guests a fitness center, solarium and sauna, and budget options – Chalupa Zuzánek 50 or Penzion Bona half a kilometer from the town center, next to the Studenová slope. There is a ski school near the hotel, where experienced instructors will teach even the greenest beginner to ski in a few lessons.

Apartments Apartmán Rokytka u sjezdovky 4 star hotel

Apartmán Rokytka u sjezdovky is located in the Modra Hvezda ski resort, which is ideal for children. It offers free WiFi, garage parking, ski-to-door access, and a storage room for skis and bicycles.

The apartments feature a living area with a flat-screen TV and a computer, and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom comes with a bathtub and a hairdryer. There is also a cellar where you can store skis or bicycles. The apartments offer mountain views.

A grocery shop is 100 metres from the apartment, while the nearest restaurant and café are 200 metres away.

The Gorní Domke Ski Area is 500 metres from Apartmán Rokytka u sjezdovky. Active holidaymakers will also be pleased with the sports infrastructure, such as a fitness center with a sauna (200 meters), tennis courts (500 meters) and bowling (1.5 km). The apartments are located at the intersection of hiking trails: the trail to the source of the Labe River (4 km) or to the Labská bouda Lodge (4.5 km).

The stop of the free ski bus to the Gorní Domke and Studenový ski areas, as well as the stop of the local bus, which runs on the Rokytnice – Gorní route, are located 50 meters from the apartments.

Sporthotel Bohemia 3-star hotel

The Sporthotel Bohemia is located in Rokitnice nad Jizerou in the Ispolín Mountains, just 20 metres from the ski lifts. The hotel features a sauna, solarium and fitness centre.

All rooms have a living room, a bathroom, cable and satellite TV. Private parking and Wi-Fi are free.

The Sporthotel Bohemia’s restaurant serves Czech cuisine à la carte. Special diet menus are available on request. Guests can enjoy a drink at the hotel’s bar and admire the mountain views from the terrace.

The hotel offers bowling and billiards. There is also a games room with virtual bowling and pinball, as well as a souvenir and perfume shop.

The city centre and the bus to Horní Domka are 300 metres away. A 12 km bobsleigh track is located nearby in Harrachov, a 15-minute drive away.

Chalupa Zuzánek 50

House for Chalupa Zuzánek 50 is a holiday home with a barbecue, located in Rokytnice nad Jizerou. Szklarska Poreba is 25 km from the property. Free WiFi is available and private parking is 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. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is available.

After a day of hiking or skiing, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.

Karpacz is 26 km from the holiday home, while Špindlerův Mlýn is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Pardubice Airport, 108 km from Chalupa Zuzánek 50.

Penzion Bona

Bona Guest House is located in a central yet quiet area, just 300 meters from the main square of the city Rokitnice 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 site.

Each room at the Bona guest house is furnished with wooden furniture and has a private bathroom and a TV. Most of them have a balcony, and all rooms offer a wonderful view of the forest.

A dining room is available for breakfast and dinner. In summer, the terrace and garden are ideal for al fresco dining.

Cycling trails start just 200 metres from the Bona guest house, and the Studenov Ski Resort with 7 slopes is 800 metres away.

В основному по території курорту туристи пересуваються пішки, так як містечко досить компактне і все знаходиться поруч, але якщо прогулянки вже не в радість, а на схилі хочеться опинитися скоріше, то на допомогу прийдуть безкоштовні skibus, що курсують по декількох маршрутах, і доставляють відпочиваючих до витягів і назад до готелів.

Чим займатися

Урізноманітнити заняття зимовими видами спорту в Рокітніце над Йізерою можна, наприклад, походом в один (або не один) з місцевих ресторанів. У всіх цих закладах можна продегустувати то саме прославлене чеське пиво, найпопулярнішими сортами якого є Gambrinus, Bernard, Starobrno, Kozel і Radegast. Середня вартість кухля пива в барі складе в середньому 40 крон, в магазині пінний напій коштує практично в два рази дешевше – 15-18 крон за півлітрову пляшку або баночку.

Що стосується традиційних чеських страв – гуляшу з картоплею, кнедликів і різноманітних супів, то їх вартість теж цілком доступна – середній чек за вечерю з 2-3 страв на двох становить 600-700 крон.

Особливо полюбився більшості відпочиваючих ресторан і музичний бар Snekolend, що пропонує скуштувати гарячі страви і холодні закуски, запивши їх напоями з винної карти, що включає більше, ніж 150 найменувань алкогольних напоїв. У ресторані завжди звучить жива музика, а вечорами столики зсуваються більш компактно, щоб звільнити місце для танців.

Після ситного обіду, буде особливо приємно насолоджуватися природною красою. Одним з найбільш улюблених туристичних напрямків є відвідування джерела річки Ельби з подальшою подорожжю уздовж гірських гребенів у напрямку Сніжки – найвищої точки цієї місцевості.

Майже в кожному готелі на ресепшені можна орендувати автомобіль, щоб покататися по найближчих містечках і селах, подивившись інші траси на курортах, або відправитися в Прагу, прогулянка по якій нікого не залишить байдужим.

Ті, кому не до душі далекі прогулянки, може знайти собі заняття в місцевому боулінгу, особливому «екстремальному парку» для гри в пейнтбол, в спортзалі за грою в футбол, баскетбол, волейбол. Пока батьки будуть насолоджуватися відпочинком за грою в кеглі або просто за порцією-іншою знаменитої «Бехеровки», маленькі відпочивальники знайдуть собі цікаве заняття на спеціально обладнаному дитячому майданчику з різнокольоровими каруселями і безліччю цікавих ігор.

Як дозвілля курорт пропонує катання на ватрушках, параглайдінг і милування околицями з канатної дороги. Останніх, до речі, дві: і одна з них є другою за довжиною в Чехії. Її загальна протяжність досягає 2198 метрів.

Містечко володіє декількома пам’ятками, як-то: міська Ратуша, Нижня і Верхня площа, костел Св. Михайла, каплиця Рокитніце, художня галерея «Starý kravín». Звідси організовуються екскурсії в шале «Dvoračky», що знаходяться неподалік, а також до пагорба Страж і до Гутьского водоспаду.

Крім того, слід зазначити, що в безпосередній близькості від Рокитніце розташований Гаррахов (до нього всього 3 км). Останній завжди може надати вам додаткові можливості як гірськолижних, так і екскурсійних та розважальних властивостей.

Як туди потрапити

Рокітніце над Йізерою розташований в 160 кілометрах від Праги, тому добиратися буде зручніше від столичного аеропорту. Дорога займає 2-3 години, і потрапити на курорт можна, як на автомобілі, рухаючись по трасі, позначеної на карті, як R / 10, так і на одному з автобусів, які відправляються від автобусної станції Černý most (Чорний міст). Квиток обійдеться приблизно в 12-15 євро. Крім того, деякі готелі пропонують трансфер до гірськолижних комплексів від аеропорту. Вартість складає від 100 до 300 євро залежно від кількості осіб і наявності у них гірськолижного спорядження.