Family holidays in Spindleruv Mlyn
Winter holidays in Czech schools last a week, but in different regions of the country, children have holidays from the beginning of February to the middle of March.
What is this for? It was done so that schoolchildren could go with their parents to ski resorts — this is exactly how most Czech people imagine a family vacation in winter.
The most famous and largest ski resort in the Czech Republic is Špindlerův Mlýn. It is popular not only in the country: while the slopes and lifts here are the same as in the best resorts in Europe, the prices for skiing and accommodation are much lower than in neighbouring Austria or Germany. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the Czech town is crowded with tourists in winter.
Summer holidays with children in Špindlerův Mlýn are also good: you can hike in the mountains, go on excursions or enjoy the beauty of nature sitting on the terrace of a cosy chalet. Read more about the advantages of this resort in the Kidpassage review.
Špindlerův Mlýn on the map of the Czech Republic
Špindlerův Mlýn is a ski resort near the Polish border in the north of the Czech Republic. It is located in the territory of the Hradec Králové Region and is part of the Trutnov district (the administrative centre is the town of Trutnov).
The distance from Špindlerův Mlýn to Prague is 144 km, to Trutnov — 45 km, to Liberec — 85 km, to Hradec Králové — 77 km, to Dresden (Germany) — 235 km, to Wroclaw (Poland) — 170 km.
The Krkonoše mountain range, where Špindlerův Mlýn is located, is the highest part of the Sudetes. Despite the second name of the massif — Giant Mountains — there are no great heights here. But there are plenty of steep slopes, which is why extreme skiers love this place.
The first settlements in the Krkonoše Mountains were founded by miners: silver, copper and iron ore were mined here. In Špindlerův Mlýn, however, lumberjacks originally lived there. It was reflected in the town's coat of arms but not in its name. Spindleruv Mlyn means "Spindler's Mill" — this is how the miller became part of the town's history.
In 1865, four travelers accommodated in Špindlerův Mlýn, and the locals recognized the tourist potential of this place, began to expand the huts and build hiking trails. The construction of the road from Vrchlabí in 1872 significantly contributed to the greater number of tourists. Poor buildings often became quality hotels. Špindlerův Mlýn may appeal not only to lovers of skiing from the slope but also to fans of cross country skiing and walking in snowy picturesque valleys.
Špindlerův Mlýn for Kids
The popularity of holidays in Špindlerův Mlýn is easy to explain: quality pistes, modern infrastructure, reasonable prices. And if we talk about holidays with children, we should mention a few more advantages.
Firstly, Špindlerův Mlýn is an excellent place for children to learn about alpine skiing. The ski schools have special educational and play programmes for children, and the skills they learn can be practised on gentle slopes. However, the Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort is just as attractive for experienced skiers: red and black runs prevail here.
Secondly, winter holidays are not limited to skiing. The whole family can go sledging or tobogganing, try bobsleighing or escape the cold in the water park. Thirdly, children come to Špindlerův Mlýn in summer and early autumn to breathe fresh air, hike (drive) in the mountains and relax from the city's noise.
We advise you to spend a day or two travelling around the surrounding towns: Liberec, Dvůr Králové nad Labem, Hradec Králové will definitely please you with their friendly atmosphere and good excursions.
Finally, the resort in the Krkonoše Mountains is just the right place for a holiday with a child. There are enough hotels and apartments with good service, enough Czech and European restaurants, enough playgrounds and family entertainment. At the same time, Špindlerův Mlýn is so quiet that families with infants come here.
Best time to travel
The season in Špindlerův Mlýn is divided into two parts. Skiers come to the resort in winter, and outdoor enthusiasts in summer. Each season has its advantages, but which period should you choose for a holiday with a child? Snow in the Krkonoše Mountains falls in November and stays until mid-April. Stable snow cover lasts from the end of December to the end of March, so you should not rush to the season's opening in Špindlerův Mlýn if you want to go skiing on good slopes.
The best time to go is from mid-January to mid-February and the second half of March.
During the Christmas and New Year holidays and in February and March, the resort is packed to the brim with Czech tourists, while in April, the condition of the slopes becomes unpredictable.
When is the best time to go to Špindlerův Mlýn if you are less interested in skiing than peace and fresh air? There is a "changeover" in the mountains in April and May, and summer does not arrive until June. The weather of the summer months is unfortunately changeable, with sunny days alternating with rainy ones. We advise you to plan excursions to the surrounding towns in lousy weather.
September is a great time for active holidays. It rains less often than in summer, and there are few tourists in the resort — the peaceful environment is also suitable for travelling to Spindleruv Mlyn with a baby.
Weather and climate
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/MestoSpindleruvMlyn
The climate in Špindlerův Mlýn is best described as follows: skiers will enjoy a long skiing season, while lovers of relaxing holidays in the mountains will enjoy moderate summer temperatures. Winter comes to the resort in the second half of November. Daytime temperatures are still above zero, although they do not rise above +4-5°C (39,2-41,0 °F), but at night, it freezes, and sometimes the thermometer columns fall to -5-8°C (23-17.6 °F). It can still rain at the beginning of the month, but the mountains are covered with snow by the end of autumn.
The snowpack is well stabilized in December. The average air temperature is 0°C, but the weather changes from -5°C (23 °F) frost to thaw. Heavy snowfalls and frost are the hallmarks of January. The air temperature stays within -2-5°C (28,4-23 °F), but there are cold years with frosts up to -12-15°C (10,4-5 °F).
Despite the cold weather, there are all the conditions for the best holiday in Spindleruv Mlyn with children in January.
The weather in February and March is very similar to that of January: frost and snowfalls. The slopes are in excellent condition, and many Czechs spend their holidays in Špindlerův Mlýn.
In April, the sun begins to warm up over the Giant Mountains, and rain comes instead of snowfalls — nature prepares the resort for the summer season. In the middle of spring, the air temperature rises to +9-10°C (48,2-50,0 °F); in May, it reaches +13-14°C (55,4-57,2 °F). In spring, a sharp cold snap to zero is possible.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/MestoSpindleruvMlyn
The summer season in Špindlerův Mlýn begins at the end of June and ends in September. During this time, the average temperature ranges from 14 °C (57 °F) in June to 19 °C (66 °F) in July. The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 23 °C (73 °F). The number of sun hours increases during the summer season, with an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day in July. The average humidity during the summer season is around 70-80%.
The amount of rainfall increases during the summer season, with an average of 13 rainy days in July and an average rainfall amount of 148 mm (5.8 in).
July is the most unpleasant month in Krkonoše: it rains almost every other day.
Such frequent precipitation stops in September, and the sun shines over the resort most of the time. Temperatures drop to +15°C, and by the end of the month to +5-10°C. It gets even colder in October, with the first frosts at night.
Food
Meal plans in hotels in Špindlerov Mlyn are varied: "Breakfast only" is more common, but you can also find "Half-board" and "Full-board".
As a rule, breakfast is buffet style, and there are no problems with children's meals. However, it is not uncommon for hotels to offer a separate children's menu. As for Czech cuisine restaurants, all are more or less tourist-oriented, but they give an idea of local culinary traditions. There are also international restaurants and pizzerias in the resort.
Getting around
The public transport system in Špindlerův Mlýn is straightforward: ski buses in winter and buses in summer. In a small village, this is enough to reach any ski area and the resort's main attractions.
Ski buses run from 7:00 to 19:00, about once an hour, starting later and finishing earlier in the spring.
Ski buses connect individual city districts with the ski resort Hromovka, Sv. Petr, Medvědín and Labská. Transportation is free.
Route of the skibus № 1: Bedřichov - Hromovka - Centrum - LD Svatý Petr - LD Medvědín. Route of the skibus № 2:Labská - LD Hromovka - LD Medvědín - Stoh - LD Svatý Petr.
The individual parts of Špindlerův Mlýn are interconnected by public transport from spring to autumn. Buses start running at 7:30 and stop at 17:30; the interval is 2 hours. Ticket price: 10,- CZK / adult, 5,- CZK / children under 15 years + persons 65+.
To get around Špindlerův Mlýn, you can call a taxi. The dispatcher tells you the price of the journey during the ordering process; a trip within the resort will cost approximately 150-200 CZK. Taxi stands are available at the lower stations of the lifts.
Intercity transport in Špindlerův Mlýn is also limited to buses. From the town, you can reach Vrchlabí, Jičín, Liberec, Dvůr Králové nad Labem and other surrounding towns. Buses to other cities usually leave once a day, so if you want to travel actively, hiring a car on arrival in the Czech Republic is better.
Things to do with Kids
No matter how exciting it is to glide down the snowy slopes of Špindlerův Mlýn, most skiers devote only a few hours a day to skiing. The rest of the time can be spent in the Špindl Water Park, which has a separate children's entertainment area. The water park is small but not boring: it has three water slides, pools for adults and children, the Lazy River, and whirlpools.
If snow and frost don't frighten you, spend time outdoors with the kids. You can hire sledges and go sledging down the slides — the best place to go is the four-kilometre toboggan run. A nice bonus: it's free entertainment for children under 7 years old (if you don't consider the cost of sledge hire).
The snow tubing track will also be interesting for a child. The inflatable tubes glides nicely on the snow, smoothly fits into the turns and allows manoeuvring.
And even the bobsleigh track, which doesn't need snow, is open all year round. For skiing with a small child, you can choose a two-seat bob sledge; from age 8, children can go down in a single-seat bob.
The resort also has two ice rinks. One of them, located in front of the Artex restaurant, is free of charge, but you must bring your skates.
The most active type of winter family holiday is cross-country skiing. An uncomplicated cross-country skiing trail suitable for family outings is called "Be in shape!" and is 8 kilometres long.
For those who feel more like a fan than an athlete, there's something for everyone: the resort's slopes are home to the European Ski Freestyle Cup and the Slalom World Cup.
The warmer the weather, the more opportunities to walk with your child. Three walking trails from the city park range from 1 to 3 kilometres long. In some places, the path climbs up into the mountains, but the Millers' Ring route can be followed even with a pram.
What to do in Špindlerův Mlýn with a child when you don't want to spend time outdoors? The whole family can go bowling — the resort has almost a dozen bowling alleys.
If the children need a quiet break, offer them activities at the Puntik Art Centre and prepare to receive a painted clay figure or beaded ornament as a gift in an hour or two.
If you are going on a trip to Liberec, make time for a visit to the iQLANDIA experiment park. In its halls, you can dive into the earth's bowels, explore space, study the structure of the human body, and experiment with water, air and fire.
The game part of the complex — IQpark — will appeal not only to kids: even adults can try to build a dam, solve a difficult puzzle and look at the world through the eyes of different animals.
Alpine skiing
Skiing in Špindlerův Mlýn is the number 1 activity for most tourists. The whole Czech Republic and people from neighbouring countries spend their holidays in this resort.
The Špindlerův Mlýn covers 5 ski areas: Svatý Petr, Medvědín, Horní Mísečky, Hromovka and Labská. There is a regular ski bus service between Svaty Petr, Medvědín and Labská.
The most suitable area for a holiday with a child in Špindlerův Mlýn is Horní Mísečky. There are 3 blue slopes for beginner skiers, 4 lifts and a snow park with a separate lift for snowboarders.
Another versatile area where you can spend time with children is St Peter. There are 3 blue slopes for beginners and 8 red and black slopes for advanced skiers.
In addition, there is a children's SKI & FUN Park at the lower station of the Svatý Petr - Pláň cable car. There is a ski school for children from 4 to 12 years old, and children from the age of 3 can be left in the care of the snow club instructors, who have developed a programme of outdoor games.
In the Medvedin area, there is a FIS SnowKidz Park, where children also learn to ski and indulge in winter fun, playing in the snow or sliding down an icy slope on a snow tube.
In general, children can study at any of the 7 ski schools in Špindlerův Mlýn.
Pistes, slopes, lifts
| General season |
November to mid-April |
| Ski areas |
- Svatý Petr,
- Medvědín,
- Horní Mísečky,
- Hromovka,
- Labská.
|
| Elevation difference |
702 m -1235 m |
| Ski slopes |
27 km — total
7.2 kм — «blue»
15 km — «red»
4,8 km — «black»
|
| Ski lifts |
17 total, incl.
6 chairlifts
11 T-bar lifts
|
| Ski routes |
85 km |
| Snowpark |
2 |
| The longest ski run |
1540 m (Hromovka) |
| Interactive scheme of ski slopes and lifts |
https://www.skiareal.cz/en/mapy |
Ski- and lift passes rates
The season in Spindleruv Mlyn is divided into three parts: "First Snow" until 25 December, "High Season" from 26 December to 3 April, and "Spring Skiing" from 4 April.
A day of skiing in high season costs 1590 CZK for an adult, 1280 CZK for a child 12-18 years old and 1120 CZK for a child 6-11 years old. A ski pass for one a full week usually gives you a 10-20% discount compared to the one day price (naturally different terms for each ski resort).
The resort offers a special "Fresh Piste" ski pass. You can ski with it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 to 9:30.
It is convenient for parents who plan to take turns skiing to have a parent's ski pass. It can only be purchased online.
Ski rentals
Ski hire shops in Špindlerův Mlýn offer equipment of different classes. Depending on the class, a day of ski or snowboard hire for adults costs 500-590 CZK, and boot hire costs 220 CZK per day.
Teenage ski hire costs 450 CZK/day, children's skis 420 CZK per day, boot hire 120 CZK/day, helmet hire 100 CZK/day. The longer the rental period, the lower the price.
If you rent equipment for 6 days, you can use skis and boots for free on the seventh day.
In the Czech Republic, skis are divided into adult, teenage and children's skis according to length. Skis of 136 cm or more are considered adult skis, skis with a length of 121-135 cm for teenagers and skis with a length of 70-120 cm for children.
Cross-country and ski-alp skis are also available for hire. Children can rent sledges (170 CZK/day).
Summer holidays
Summer holidays in Špindlerův Mlýn are no less enjoyable than winter holidays. In the warm season, the resort becomes a centre of active tourism, with special programmes for young travellers.
The child will be eager to conquer the mountains, armed with a map with hidden surprises, or solve riddles, the answers leading to the next point of the route.
Along the way, children learn about the plants and animals of the area. If well prepared, you can climb Sněžka, the highest mountain in the Czech Republic.
Travelling through the mountains is possible both on foot and by bicycle. The resort has a network of cycling routes, some designed for beginners while others are suitable for adventurous mountain bikers. Bikes and equipment can be hired.
Three more ways to admire the mountain views are to ride a squat and slow-moving three-wheeled moped down the slopes, ride around Spindleruv Mlyn on a sightseeing train or take a boat trip on the mountain lakes.
If low speeds are not for you, ride with your child on the bobsleigh track, which is open all year round.
Children will also enjoy the rope park, Monkey Park, or the similar Adventure Park.
In addition, the ski resort offers a huge range of outdoor activities in summer: there are tennis, golf, miniature golf, squash courts, a shooting range, a climbing wall, a riding school and much more.
You can also look for exciting things outside the resort in summer. For example, Liberec has one of the oldest zoos in the Czech Republic. It takes part in programmes for the preservation of rare species of animals, so during your visit, you will see animals not usually found in zoos, such as golden takins, mangabeys and snow leopards.
Next to the zoo is the botanical garden, which is also unusual: one of its pavilions is dedicated to the plants of seas and rivers. In contrast, others recreate the nature of jungles and tropical forests.
The town of Dvůr-Karlové nad Labem is interesting for its safari park. In winter, it works as a regular zoo, and in the warm season, you can take a tour bus through the fields where zebras and antelopes graze, like in the African savannah.
In Hradec Králové, there is a small aquarium. Its highlights are a collection of fish skeletons, a corner of a tropical forest and a variety of freshwater fish species.
Hradec Králové is also famous for its children's railway. It is an attraction for children and anyone who likes returning to their childhood years. The railway is located in a little park on náměstí 5. Května (5th of May Square) and offers a pleasant ride in a park environment. The length of the track is about 430 meters and it leads over two bridges. There are two locomotives in operation: the blue MobyDick and the orange Jeje.
Attractions
The excursion programme during a holiday in Špindlerův Mlýn with children is not very popular. A trip to the mountains, especially in winter, is only planned for a few days, and this time is entirely devoted to skiing or, on the contrary, to relaxation away from the noise of the city.
But if you want to visit a couple of museums, you'll have to do some travelling around the resort. What to see in and around Špindlerův Mlýn? Here are a few options.
- Lego Museum (Spindleruv Mlyn). It is not the most serious of all museums — but the most popular among children and adults. Hundreds of exhibits, from the Eiffel Tower to the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars, are assembled from constructor parts. Inspired by the intricate models, children can build something of their own in the play corner.
- Museum of Northern Bohemia (Liberec). One of the most famous museums in the Czech Republic, it tells the story of the region's complicated history. Children might like the collection of old musical instruments, some of which they'll be allowed to play.
- Museum of Technology (Liberec). It is an unexpectedly rich exposition, some of which is placed on the street as steam locomotives and tram cars. In the museum, you can show your child wooden bicycles, the first cars, motorbikes and aeroplanes.
- Liberec underground. An atmospheric excursion dedicated to civil defence in the country. It's an exciting place for school-age children, but with sensitive preschoolers, it is better to go on another excursion.
- Museum of Glass and Jewellery (Jablonec nad Nisou). Bohemian glass is known worldwide, but only some know what complex and surprisingly beautiful things are made of such an ordinary material. The museum has exhibits that can be touched, which children enjoy. With the ticket at the ticket office, you can take quest tasks and get a small gift for correct answers.
- Ferdinand Porsche's House (Vratislavice nad Nisou). The home of the famous car designer now houses an exhibition dedicated to his life and work. The most impressive exhibit of the museum is the Lohner-Porsche, a hybrid car created in 1900.
- ŠKODA Museum (Mladá Boleslav). ŠKODA cars don't need any recommendations, but there's plenty to see with children — let's mention the restoration workshop and the exhibition of the first models.
- Museum of Eastern Bohemia (Hradec Králové). It is an excellent historical museum with many interesting exhibits, from palaeontological finds to folk costumes of the Krkonoše inhabitants.
And don't forget that the resort is located in the territory of the Krkonoše National Park, so you can visit several natural attractions in Špindlerův Mlýn with a child. The closest to the town are the cascading Pančava waterfalls and the source of the Elbe River.
Where to stay
The choice of where to stay in Špindlerův Mlýn with children ranges from respectable four-star hotels to modest but neat and comfortable 3* and 2* hotels.
There are also villas, guest houses and apartments for rent. It should be noted that accommodation in this resort is cheaper than in similar resorts in Austria or Germany.
There are hotels, guesthouses and apartments in all areas of Spindleruv Mlyn, and the distance to the ski lifts is minimal. As the ski areas are scattered around the town, you will still have to get by ski bus from one to the other.
It is also easy to understand where it is better with children. Many hotels care about the comfort of young guests and equip indoor and outdoor play areas; some have contact zoos.
A cot will be waiting in your room, a high chair in the restaurant, a bathtub, and a potty will be provided on request. For an additional fee, you can invite a babysitter (the hotels and the KÁŤA agency provide this service).
Special amenities at some hotels include:
- A kids' mini club.
- Two-bedroom family rooms.
- An in-room microwave.
- A children's menu.
- Free or discounted children's accommodation.
You can choose an apartment or aparthotel for a self-catering holiday in Spindleruv Mlyn with children. Apart from having a full kitchen, apartments can offer other advantages, from a sauna and a fireplace to the ski school. Apartments often have playgrounds and terraces for outdoor recreation in the summer.
It is only recommended to rent accommodation near Spindleruv Mlyn in summer, as reaching the ski lifts in winter is difficult. However, ski resorts near Špindlerův Mlýn, such as Harrachov, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Pec pod Sněžkou, etc. are suitable for winter holidays.
[email protected]
