Praděd (1,491 m) is the highest mountain in Moravia and it is close to Malá Morávka. The Hvězda car park above Karlova Studánka is about 8 minutes (7 km) by car from our apartments. The easiest way up is the bus to Ovčárna followed by a 3.5 km walk. Keen hikers choose the romantic Bílá Opava valley with its waterfalls, about 9 km uphill.
Route A: Bus to Ovčárna and walk to the summit (for small children and pushchairs)
- Start: Hvězda car park (paid; in 2026 CZK 50 per hour, CZK 130 per day).
- Bus: line 885 runs from Hvězda to Ovčárna roughly every hour in season, returning from Ovčárna at half past. Tickets in the ODIS system; in 2026 about CZK 50 for adults and CZK 25 for children. Check the timetable on IDOS before you go.
- On foot from Ovčárna: 3.5 km on a paved road, less than 200 m of climbing, about an hour's walk. Suitable for small children and pushchairs.
- The road to Ovčárna is restricted, so the bus is the easiest option for most visitors.
Route B: Through the Bílá Opava valley past the waterfalls (for keen hikers)
- Start: Karlova Studánka (6 km from us, 9 minutes by car).
- Length: 8.4–8.9 km depending on the route, about 690 m of climbing, 3–4 hours. The best-known is the yellow trail through the Bílá Opava canyon with waterfalls, ladders and footbridges.
- Who for: fit hikers and older children. Sturdy shoes are essential on ladders and wet rocks. Not recommended in snow or ice.
- Back: on foot, or by bus from Ovčárna to Hvězda.
Route C: Family option via the Barborka hut with a scooter ride down
- From Karlova Studánka follow the blue trail to the Barborka hut, a gentler path than the canyon.
- In summer you can ride off-road scooters from the summit of Praděd down to Ovčárna (about 3.2 km) and take the bus from there. Check the rental's opening and prices in advance.
At the summit
The Praděd TV tower has a viewing platform 73 m up, reached by lift. In 2026 the platform was closed for renovation, so please check before your trip (tel. +420 776 001 492).
Practical tips
- It is often colder and windier on the ridge than in the valley. Bring a jacket even in summer.
- After your hike, relax in our Finnish sauna (included for apartment guests) or in the natural spa by the stream.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Praděd from Malá Morávka?
About 7 km (8 minutes by car) to the Hvězda car park, then by bus to Ovčárna and 3.5 km on foot.
Can you drive up Praděd?
No, regular visitors take the bus from Hvězda to Ovčárna and walk from there.
Is the hike suitable for children?
The route from Ovčárna is. The Bílá Opava valley is only suitable for older, fit children.
How long does the climb take?
About an hour from Ovčárna, 3–4 hours from Karlova Studánka through the Bílá Opava valley.
Information checked on 29 October 2026 (jesenik.cz, tic-vrbno.cz, kudyznudy.cz). Prices and timetables may change.
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