About Malá Úpa

The community of Malá Úpa is located in the national park (KRNAP) near Sněžka on the Polish border. It is a typically highland community with preserved vegetation, fresh meadows and pastures, rich forests, fresh air and crystal water. The highest point is 1602 m (Sněžka), the lowest 702 m (Spálený Mlýn).

Malá Úpa was found by lumbermen from Tyrol, Carinthia and Styria in 16th century. In 1609 the mining commission of Kutná Hora had to stop the logging in the Giant Mountains, because a majority of forests had been logged over. Some of the lumbermen became colonists, whose main activity and living baser on rearing of cattle and goats. Another established source of living in Malá Úpa was smuggling. An important event for the locals was the visit of the emperor Joseph II. in 1779, who inspired them to build the beautiful highland church of Sts. Peter and Paul. This church is the 4th highest in altitude in the Czech Republic after Kvilda, Boží Dar and St. Thomas near Lipno.

Besides the beautiful nature, Malá Úpa has to show its characteristic cottages. Architectonically unique is the traditional Maloúpský seníkový vikýř (hayloft dormer window of Malá Úpa). Currently there are 18 cottages in evidence among protected national commemorations. The meadow enclave 'Simovy chalupy' is among them.