Mount Sněžka (1,602 metres above sea level), a distinct and dominant feature of the eastern part of the Giant Mountains, is at the same time the highest mountain in the Czech Republic. Its name was derived from the Czech adjective "sněžná", which means covered in snow. The mountain's rocky summit is intersected by the state border with Poland.
The first climb to the Mount Sněžka to be recorded in historical annals took place in 1456, when an unknown Venetian looking for precious stones reached its summit. In the past, Sněžka used to be a major pilgrimage site. The oldest structure on its summit, the 14- metre-high Chapel of St. Lawrence, dates from the 17th century. As Sněžka enticed large crowds of visitors, it was decided to build a chalet there. Erected in 1850, the Slezská Bouda chalet stood here until 1976 when it was replaced by a plate-shaped mountain hotel. On the Czech side of the border stands the building of the Česká Bouda chalet dating from 1868. Close to it you will find an inconspicuous post office, the highest point in Bohemia, where you can obtain a post stamp. Another structure standing on the Czech side of Sněžka is the upper station of a chair cableway leading from Pec pod Sněžkou. The most beautiful, but at the same time the most demanding hiking trail to Sněžka runs through the Obří Důl valley, up to the former Obří Bouda
chalet and from there up to Sněžka Mountain.
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