This mountain resort in northern Czechia has Europe's oldest glass factory, ski jumps dating to 1920, and hiking trails through the Krkonoše mountains.
Harrachov sits at 665 meters in the Giant Mountains of the Czech Republic, 150 kilometers from Prague. This village became a ski destination after Count Harrach introduced Scandinavian-style skiing in the early 20th century. Today, you’ll find ski jumps like Čerťák, cross-country trails, and slopes for all skill levels. Beyond winter sports, Harrachov maintains a 300-year-old glassmaking practice at its historic factory. The Church of Saint Wenceslaus displays a glass altar made by local artisans using techniques passed through generations.
Skiing and Winter Sports
Harrachov has 80 ski instructors providing lessons in Dutch, English, and other languages. Six-day ski or snowboard courses cover 24 hours of instruction for €162, and cross-country skiing lessons cost €113. The Čerťák ski jump holds international competitions where you can observe athletes training or test smaller jumps yourself. Seven marked slopes accommodate beginners and experts, with the longest downhill run stretching 1.2 kilometers. A free ski bus links major slopes, and rental shops near lifts supply equipment.
The Glass Factory and Museum
The Harrachov glassworks has operated since 1712 and still employs 19th-century machinery for grinding and engraving. Guided tours walk you through the production process from molten glass to finished items in a nationally protected building. The museum exhibits historical tools and rare glass pieces, detailing how local methods shaped European styles. Live demonstrations let you watch craftsmen shape glass, and the shop sells handblown vases or ornaments. Seasonal workshops allow visitors to craft personal glass souvenirs—check schedules for availability.
Family Activities and Childcare
Daily childcare runs for four hours with staff dressed as penguins or bears, giving parents time to ski or explore. Gentle slopes near town have magic carpets and obstacle courses designed for younger visitors. Sledding zones and ice-skating rinks stay open all winter, with helmets and gear available for rent. Lodges in the area serve hot chocolate and Czech dishes like svíčková (beef in cream sauce) at moderate prices. Over 3,500 hotel beds include apartments with kitchens and hotels providing board games or movie nights.
Church of Saint Wenceslaus
Constructed between 1822 and 1828, this Neoclassical church replaced older wooden buildings lost to fires. Its interior includes marble pillars and a glass altar produced by the Harrachov glassworks. Stained-glass windows illustrate biblical stories in bold blues and reds against the white exterior walls. Free 30-minute tours describe the church’s connection to local industry, and occasional concerts take advantage of the building’s sound quality. Situated near the main square, it’s easy to visit between skiing and meals.
Transportation and Access
Prague Airport is two hours away by car, with direct winter buses to Harrachov departing twice daily. Trains from Liber or or Poland arrive at Harrachov’s station, a 15-minute walk from ski areas. Drivers should exit at Tanvald and follow the mountain road for 37 kilometers. Parking near Čerťák costs approximately €10 daily. Free shuttles run every 30 minutes between hotels, slopes, and the glass factory.
Annual Events
The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in January fills Čerťák with spectators watching night jumps under bright lights. February’s Harrachov Snow Festival hosts ice sculpture contests, live bands, and instructors skiing down slopes with torches. Summer brings glassblowing exhibitions at the factory. Trail-running races take place on routes once covered by snow. Check town noticeboards for events like vintage ski displays or guided mushroom hikes in Krkonošské National Park, where experts explain forest ecosystems.
