Giant Mountains, Czech Republic
Giant Mountains, Czech Republic
Where Krakonoš and Skiers Rule - Vrchlabi
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Despite its beauty, the picturesque Krkonoše mountain range, rounded with age but still boasting the highest mountain in Bohemia, Sněžka, was for centuries the poorest region in the heart of Europe.
In their wooden cottages scattered along the hillsides and valleys, the hardy mountain people scraped a living by making glass beads and weaving cloth. Some of them nonetheless still had enough energy to start sliding the snowy slopes on planed planks of wood bound to their feet. The mythical ruler of these remote mountains, sometimes known in English as the Giant Mountains was the powerful Krakonoš. This distinctive figure appears in folk tales as early as the 15th century and takes various forms, not only in terms of appearance. Sometimes he is a wild forest spirit with cudgel to command respect, and at other times a good-hearted bearded old man or a charming gamekeeper. He was regarded as the protector of the mountains and although many bad qualities were attributed to him, such as malice and vanity, he emerges above all as a wise judge, punishing evil and helping the weak. The unlimited government of this strange folk monarch lasted until the 19th century.Author: Josef Zelený
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TIP Giant Mountains
LAST MINUTE Giant Mountains
ARTICLE Giant Mountains
Where Krakonoš and Skiers Rule - Vrchlabi
Giant Mountains 06.01.08 Despite its beauty, the picturesque Krkonoše mountain range, rounded with age but still boasting the highest mountain in Bohemia, Sněžka, was for centuries the poorest region in the heart of Europe.
EVENTS Giant Mountains
11th GIANT MOUNTAIN'S BEER FESTIVAL - Vrchlabi
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Giant Mountains 09.08.08 takes place 9th August 2008 Vrchlabí town square. Czech breweries presentations, tasting, competitions, cultural programme.
