Where to go for an autumn trip? The Jeseníky Mountains for sure!

Did the summer heat of the past few days wring you out? Come with us to air out in nature and recharge your batteries in the fresh mountain air. We have some tips for day trips to the Jeseníky Mountains. Celebrate World Hiking Day on 27 September with a long weekend in the mountains!

What is the best way to start autumn? According to social media, we should snuggle up in a blanket with candles, a Harry Potter book in one hand and a pumpkin spice latte in the other. The department stores say we should start the hunt for Christmas presents in September. But we know it's all nonsense.

Autumn is at its best in the mountains! And since one of the Rigad stores is located in Olomouc and it is just a stone's throw to Jeseníky from there, we will look at this location this time. We already took a look at them in our article about Czech and Slovak treks. By the way, in the Jeseníky Mountains you can find great places for bivouacking away from the tourist destinations. But everyone has to find them on their own...

1. Petrovy kameny (Peter's stones) from the shelter on the ridge

The rock formations shrouded in witches' myths are actually a side peak of Vysoké Hole (1 465 m above sea level), the second highest peak of Hrubý Jeseník and the second highest peak of Moravia. Thanks to the unique flora, the Peter's stones are inaccessible, but you can admire them from the ridge leading from the Skřítek saddle to the Praděd peak (1 492 m above sea level). On the way, take a break in the stone emergency shelter Jelení studánka, which is located at the crossroads of hiking trails, just a short distance from the source of the Stříbrný potok (Silver creek). It is still maintained in good condition and you can spend the night there.

Entry directly to Peter's Stones is forbidden. However, you can get a good view of them from the ridge between Skřítek and Praděd (1 492 m above sea level).

2. Čertovy kameny (Devil's stones) and Jeseník in the palm of your hand

The Devil's stones lookout is located on the northern slope of the Zlatý Chlum mountain, about 3 km from Jeseník. This rock formation is 100 metres long and 40 metres high and from there you can see not only the town of Jeseník, but also the Rychlebské hory or Otmuchovské jezero (lake). And if the panoramas were not enough, there is a stone lookout tower from 1899 at the top of the Zlatý chlum (891 m above sea level).

Not far from the Devil's Stones lookout there is a cottage of the same name where you can refresh yourself. It is possible to reach the hut by car, but that would be a pity. This location is great for hiking and cycling. If you are still drawn to civilization around Jeseník, visit the Adrenalin Park or Fauna Park.

From the Devil's Stones you can see Jeseník like in the palm of your hand.

3. Wild waterfalls of the Bílá Opava

Wild rapids, cascades and waterfalls. The canyon of the Bílá Opava River lies directly under the southeastern slopes of Praděd and is one of the hidden treasures of the Jeseníky Mountains, full of beautiful corners. Along the way you will have to cross a few ladders and walkways, sometimes holding on to chains.

A 5 km long nature trail runs along the canyon, where you can learn all about the local sights. It starts in the spa town of Karlova Studánka (760 m above sea level), which is worth a visit in itself, and ends under Praděd at the Barborka Chalet (1 310 m above sea level). Beware - consider the elevation and prepare a massage gel for your strained leg muscles.

At Bílá Opava river you will climb over walkways, ladders and a fair amount of elevation gain.

4. Rejvíz and Mechové jezírko

The easy nature trail leads through the peatland along a plank path to the Mechové jezírko. This peatland was formed approximately 7-8 thousand years ago. Along the way, you will pass, for example, inconspicuous trees that are up to 150 years old, inconspicuous carnivorous sundews or a representative of an Arctic insect species that flies past your head. The circular route starts at the Rejvíz guesthouse and a symbolic fee is collected here for trail maintenance.

5. From Rysí skála to the Dlouhé stráně pumped storage power plant

The Kouty nad Desnou area is not just about winter skiing and a summer bike park.100 metres above the top station of the cable car (where it is of course worth climbing the 500 metres on foot) is the Rysí skála lookout point with two simple shelters and a breathtaking view into the confined deep below you.

Opposite, you can already see the typically cut hill of the Dlouhé stráně pumped storage power plant, situated at an altitude of 1 350 m above sea level. You can reach it via the saddle below Mravenečník and climb another 200 metres. It is possible to arrange an excursion to the power station in advance.

Arrange an excursion to the Dlouhé stráně power plant in advance.

6. Forest bar as a reward for the honest

On the way from Horní Lipová to the border peak of Smrk (1 125 m above sea level), there is a surprise for all honest cyclists and hikers - a self-service forest bar where you can prepare coffee, tea or have a bite to eat and drop money into the money box. 900 metres further on is the Upper Bar with a forest shower and views of Ramzová, Keprník (1 423 m) and Šerák (1 351 m).

You can spend a whole day at Sovinec or trek around the area.

7. Sovinec and Rešovské vodopády (Rešov waterfalls)

In the southern part of the Nízký Jeseník, 13 km from the town of Rýmařov, lies Sovinec, the largest castle complex in Moravia from the beginning of the 14th century. Despite the fact that the castle has been gradually decaying and losing its military significance since the 17th century, today its courtyard is lively. Cultural and historical events are held here, you can take a guided tour or just wander around on your own and discover the castle's nooks and crannies.

Sovinec can become the destination of your trip filled with a rich day program. Or a starting point for a trip to another interesting place, e.g. the popular and romantic Řešov waterfall.