Mumlava Waterfall
The Mumlava Waterfall is one of the best-known and most visited spots in the western Krkonoše Mountains. It is situated approximately one kilometre from Harrachov, where the OREA Resort Sklář is also located. According to the Krkonoše National Park and the Czech Geological Survey, the Mumlava River flows here at an average rate of around 750 litres per second, making it the waterfall with the highest flow rate in the Krkonoše Mountains.
What can you see at the waterfall?
The Mumlava Waterfall is 9.9 metres high and 9 to 10 metres wide. Here, the Mumlava River cascades down a rocky ledge with a gradient of up to 60 degrees, the water flowing down a sloping granite surface in a series of cascades. The waterfall lies at an altitude of 760 metres above sea level on the edge of the Harrachov Basin.
Below the waterfall lie two giant rock potholes; another three, even larger ones, can be found above it. Locals call them ‘The Devil’s Eyes’; they were carved out of the granite boulders by the river’s powerful current. A footbridge crosses the river below the waterfall, from which you can view the Mumlava from all angles.
Where does the Mumlava spring from and where does it flow?
The Mumlava Waterfall is situated on the River Mumlava, whose name derives from the German word ‘murmeln’ (to murmur), which aptly describes the sound of the falling water. The Mumlava is formed by the confluence of the Malá and Velká Mumlava at an altitude of roughly 1,030 metres above sea level at the Krakonošova snídaně crossroads, whilst the Velká Mumlava rises even higher, near Vítkovice at an altitude of 1,364 metres. From there, the river flows through the canyon-like Mumlavský důl valley and, near Harrachov, forms its wildest stretch, full of cascades and smaller waterfalls. The Mumlava is a left-bank tributary of the Jizera, with which it forms a natural boundary between the Krkonoše and the Jizera Mountains. Very few animals live in its twelve-kilometre course, which is the river’s natural state, not a consequence of pollution.
How do you get to the waterfall by bike or with a pushchair?
From the bus station in Harrachov, a comfortable, tarmac forest path leads to the waterfall; it is free from motor traffic, approximately 1.2 kilometres long and has a gentle incline. A cycle path and a wheelchair-accessible route also run along this path. The route is therefore also suitable for pushchairs or very young children on balance bikes.
However, the final section before the waterfall itself is closed to cyclists, and from the tarmac path there is only a short gravel turn-off leading to the waterfall. The gravel surface of the turn-off is manageable even for pushchairs and prams, though it may be more challenging after rain.
Where to stay in Harrachov?
The starting point for a trip to Mumlavský Waterfall is the OREA Resort Sklář, right in Harrachov. You can also hire a balance bike or scooter for children directly from reception.
Practical information
The waterfall is accessible all year round; in winter, an icefall forms here and there are cross-country skiing trails in the surrounding area. Before setting off on your trip, don’t forget to pack a snack at breakfast. At OREA, you can put together your own snack to suit your taste and pack it into the bags provided.
