4.7
(24)
592
hikers
12
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Npr Rašeliniště Skřítek traverse a unique landscape characterized by a preserved transitional peat bog with a tundra-like appearance. The region features wet areas, small pools, and springs, interspersed with peat bog spruce forests and meadows. The Skřítek saddle, at 877 meters above sea level, serves as a key starting point for trails that explore the surrounding Hrubý Jeseník and Hraběšice Highlands. This area offers a distinctive natural environment for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
62
hikers
21.4km
06:32
710m
710m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
15.2km
04:55
650m
650m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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11
hikers
8.18km
02:31
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
9
hikers
11.5km
03:34
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Unfortunately, the lodge fell victim to the flames. Guests are welcome in the new building on weekends.
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Beautiful place with clear spring water and a rustic overnight hut.
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Almost everyone who passes by on cross-country skis stops here. You can find something to eat and drink here.
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Stand at Alfrédka: https://www.alfredka.cz/
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A beautiful wooden shelter on the route Under the Lost Stones - Former Alfédka cottage. It will serve in any season and not only in bad weather for a short rest.
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The original cottage burned down, but Stánek u Alfrédka has been built here for tourists. https://www.alfredka.cz/
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Alfréd's cottage (also Alfrédka) was a hunting lodge and later a mountain lodge, which stood at the foot of Jelenka, near the springs of the Silver Brook, in Hrubé Jeseník. The hunting lodge was built at the end of the 19th century by Count Alfréd Harrach, who owned the Janovice estate in the years 1884-1914. Earlier, in the 80s of the same century at the latest, a hunting lodge was built a little lower (at an altitude of 1078 m). The popularity of the place for tourists (in contrast to the rest of the places in the southern part of the main Jeseníky ridge) is evidenced by both the preserved views and, above all, the request of the Rýmařovská tourist section to mark the tourist route from Stará Ves to the cottage and on to Jelení studánka. Count Harrach had the route marked out in 1891. However, as the capacity of the cottage gradually ceased to satisfy, the count had a much more spacious hunting lodge built a little higher in 1898 at the latest, which he called Waidmannsheil (Hunting success in Czech) and to which the name Alfréd's cottage was later transferred. The castle was used only by the count, his guests and staff, the former hunting lodge was left for tourists to use. This division lasted until the 1930s, when Count Harrach lost the Janovice estate as part of the so-called forest reform. Apparently, in 1931, the castle with the cottage was confiscated by the state. Although Alfrédka was heavily promoted in the Czech tourist press, her workload was very low. Czech tourists often skipped this part of the Jeseníky Mountains, while Germans boycotted it. Therefore, a number of modifications were made and a new use of the cottage was sought (e.g. organizing school trips). In 1934, the ski route Alfrédova chata – Vysoká hole – Praděd was marked, and in the spring of 1935 the road from Stará Ves to the chalet was completed. After the war, the cottage returned to the property of the KČST, Mr. Vavrečka from Olomouc became the tenant. The cottage continued to suffer from low attendance, but this time it was not the only one in Jeseníky. The newly arrived settlers of the area had quite different concerns and had no relation to the landscape at all, and the transport did not work properly either, so tourists from the interior had difficulty getting here. In 1948, however, the KČST lost the cottage and it fell to the Czech municipality of Sokolská, and after its abolition, to the property of Tourist Praha. He entrusted the Šumperk Restaurant and Dining Room with its operation. Due to the bureaucratic complexity of accommodating tourists, the cottage switched over to restaurant operation. Since its operation was subsidized by the state, it lasted until 1962, when it burned down due to the carelessness of one of the vacationers. After the fire, the Bruntál district national committee decided to roof the shelter at Jeléní studánka, in which they invested 70,000 crowns. The shelter thus became the only protective object between Skrítek and Barborka. Although at the same time discussions began about restoring Alfrédka, nothing happened for many years. There was a lack of money, plans and above all there was no organization. In the end, Kovohutě Břidličná took over the foundations of the cottage and in 1971 they built a new and slightly smaller cottage here. It had 46 beds and a dining room serving as a social hall. Later, a covered porch was added to it, and the entrance staircase was roofed. The cottage later served primarily as a corporate recreation center, where tourists could find refreshments and, exceptionally, even spend the night. After 1989, it was privatized and since July 1, 1991 it was rented by Vlastimil Novák, the cottage continued to function as a tourist hostel and the tenant ensured its year-round operation. There were 43 beds in 3-4 bedded rooms with shared showers and sanitary facilities in the corridor. The dining room also served as a social hall with satellite television. The dining room itself had a capacity of 55 seats, another 50 visitors could fit in the neighboring restaurant. For skiers, there was a ski storage room and a boot drying room. Nearby there was a training meadow with a 250 m long lift. A parking lot was also set up right next to the cottage, where guests were allowed to arrive from Rýmařov and Stará Ves. On the night of March 24-25, 2002, the cottage burned down again. At that time, a snowstorm swept over the Jeseníky Mountains, leaving only charred foundations for the firefighters. Three marked tourist routes lead through the place where the hunting lodge stood. The red sign leads from Jelení studánky to Žďárský Potok, the green one from Karlov pod Pradědem also to Žďárské Potok. The third tourist sign is the yellow one, which leads from Jelení studánka towards Skřítek.
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Npr Rašeliniště Skřítek offers a unique natural environment with a distinctive tundra-like peat bog landscape. While direct access into the core reserve is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem, marked trails lead around its periphery. A notable 3 km educational trail to the Great Moss Lake is particularly ideal for family excursions, introducing visitors to the diverse flora and fauna of the peat meadows with gentle terrain.
Yes, there are routes designed with families in mind. For a moderate, shorter option, consider the Motorest Skřítek loop from NPR Rašeliniště Skřítek, which is just over 8 km long and offers a pleasant walk through the area.
You'll encounter the unique landscape of a preserved transitional peat bog, characterized by wet areas, small tarns, and peat bog spruce forests. The vegetation includes rare species like marsh Andromeda and bog cranberry. Keep an eye out for the distinctive tundra-like appearance, especially along the educational trail that highlights the area's natural wonders.
Many of the trails in the region are designed as loops, which are great for families as you don't retrace your steps. A moderate option is the Ztracené Kameny – Deer Spring Shelter loop from NPR Rašeliniště Skřítek, offering a rewarding circular experience.
The Skřítek saddle (877 m above sea level) serves as a crucial starting point for many trails and typically offers parking facilities. It's a convenient base to begin your family-friendly hiking adventure around the reserve.
Beyond the unique peat bog itself, you can explore several nearby attractions. These include the distinctive rock formation of Ztracené kameny (Lost Rocks), offering scenic views. For a historical touch, the Wooden Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Klepáčov is a charming site. While not directly on the family trails, these offer additional exploration opportunities in the broader region.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique natural environment, the well-marked paths, and the opportunity to experience a distinctive landscape that feels like a northern tundra forest.
Generally, dogs are welcome on marked hiking trails in the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area, which surrounds Npr Rašeliniště Skřítek. However, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially given the sensitive ecosystem of the peat bog and the presence of diverse wildlife. Please respect local signage regarding pet access.
For families with older children or those seeking a longer adventure, the Motorest Skřítek – Pod Ztracenými Kameny Shelter loop from NPR Rašeliniště Skřítek offers a more extensive hike. This route covers a greater distance and elevation, providing a good challenge while still exploring the beautiful surroundings.
The Skřítek saddle, a primary starting point for many trails, is generally accessible by public transport, particularly buses, which connect it to nearby towns. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for the most current information when planning your trip.
The warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, are generally the best time for family hiking. During this period, the weather is more stable, and the unique flora of the peat bog is in full bloom. The educational trail is also most enjoyable when conditions are dry.


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