Bucharova Trail

Bucharova trail connects Jilemnice with the symbolical source of the main Czech river, the Labe (the Elbe). The trail, almost 30 km in length, is marked red in the terrain.

The trail bears the name of the former head teacher in Dolni Stepanice, one of the founders of Czech tourism and skiing in the Krkonose, Jan Buchar (1859–1932). He was actually behind the idea to make this trail. It was built by the Jilemnice branch of the Czech Tourists’ Club with the support of Count Jan Harrach.

It was originally referred to as the “Path across Three Hills” and ended in Horni Misecky. In 1924, to mark Jan Buchar’s 65th birthday, it was extended from Horni Misecky via Spindleruv Mlyn and the southern side of Kozi hrbety ridge to Lucni chalet. The section from Svaty Petr to Lucni chalet is today called the Stara Bucharova cesta (Buchar’s Old Road). Its route differs slightly from its original course.

Trail course

Main square in Jilemnice – Hrabacov – Dolni Stepanice – Benecko – Predni Zaly – Rovinka junction – Harrachova rock – Horni Misecky – Medvedin – Smidova lookout point – Vrbatova chalet – Labska chalet – Sources of the River Labe

Where to stay over night

Wellness hotel Skalka, Benecko - Vrbatova bouda Chalet - Labská bouda Chalet