Attractions

Saint Peter and Paul’s church

The place half way between Spálený Mlýn and Pomezní Boudy is today called ‘U Kostela’, but its original name was Kegelplan (Kuželiště, Cone plain) named after the shape of log piles. September 1779 was an important date for the development of the place. At the time future Austrian emperor and Czech king Josef II rode his horse through here. He promised to the locals that he will build a church, a cemetery and a school here. And he kept his word. At the time a church in a highest altitude in Czech (975 m) was in 1791 devoted to the patrons Peter and Paul. (today it is in 4th place after the church on Kvilda, Boží Dar and St. Thomas near Lipno) In 1806 the wooden church burned down and few years later (in 1807) a new one was built. Nowadays, regular divine services take place here during the year (except winter). Directly beside the church a magical cemetery is keeping record of the past habitants of Malá Úpa.

Folk architecture – Šímovy chalupy

Malá Úpa is unique by its preserver folk architecture. Absolutely unique is the meadow enclave ‘Šímovy chalupy’ located above Lví Důl. This group of well preserved cottages is a national cultural commemoration and a witness of life of our ancestors. An architectonical unique is so called ‘Maloúpský seníkový vikýř’ (hayloft dormer window of Malá Úpa ) which can today be found only on a few buildings. The best way to Šímovy chalupy is form Spálený Mlýn through Lví Důl.

Rohačky (horny bob-sleigh)

The horny bob-sleigh used to be back in the days a necessary part of inventory of every real highland cottage in Malá Úpa and surroundings. Today, as a historical curiosity, they are still a subject of interest of local population as well as weekend cottagers and hotel guests. It is generally believed that this simple transport of all purpose was known and used already by Gendorf’s lumbermen, who were lead by Mr. Kryštof from the Alps to settle in the Giant Mountains in 16th century. Horny bob-sleighs were used mainly in the winter, but they also often found use in the summer at haymaking on steep slopes. Historically the first record of purely hiking meeting is from the year 1815. It was on a 7 km long trail from the border house on the pass Pomezní Boudy to the tavern Pod Zlatou Hvězdou in Kowary. This attraction lured new favorers. In 1896 it was already prepared for tourists about 3000 horny bob-sleigh and same amount of carriage horses. Winter sleigh downhill run and summer hike on Sněžka belonged to the most popular tourist attractions of the Giant Mountains.

At present time the horny bob-sled are experiencing its renaissance. That is given credit for to enthusiasts from Kowary, Poland and Josef Tylš on the Czech side. Annual horny bob-sleigh downhill runs traditionally take place in Malá Úpa at the end of March.