Sněžka Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Śnieżka
Snĕžka, Schneekoppe
Sněžka from the west.
Highest point
Elevation	1,603 m (5,259 ft)
Prominence	1,197 m (3,927 ft)
Listing	Country high point
Geography
Location	Czech Republic and Poland
Parent range	Krkonoše
Climbing
Easiest route	tourist trails, cable car from Pec pod Sněžkou

Sněžka (also called Schneekoppe in German and Śnieżka in Polish) is the highest mountain in the Czech Republic. Its top reaches 1,603 meters (about 5,259 feet) above sea level. This amazing mountain is part of the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše), located in the northeastern part of Bohemia.

Sněžka is about 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) from Prague, which is the capital city of the Czech Republic. Many people visit Sněžka. You can take a bus from Prague to the town of Pec pod Sněžkou. From there, visitors usually walk up the mountain. There used to be a cable car, but it is currently closed.

What makes Sněžka special?
- Buildings on the summit
- Why are there no trees?
Images for kids
See also

What makes Sněžka special?

The very top of Sněžka is unique because the border between the Czech Republic and Poland runs right across it. This means that buildings from both countries stand on the summit!

Buildings on the summit

On the Czech side, you can find the old wooden Chapel of St. Lawrence and a modern post office. On the Polish side, there is a large, modern hotel. The entire area around Sněžka is a protected natural space, which helps keep its beauty safe.

Why are there no trees?

You won't see any trees growing on Sněžka's summit. This is because the mountain is so high that the weather conditions are too harsh for trees to grow there. Instead, the top is covered in rocks. These rocks can sometimes be tricky to walk on. It's always a good idea for hikers to wear strong, comfortable shoes. It's also best to avoid the mountain during winter or when it's raining, as the conditions can become dangerous.