Mumlava Falls We left early on Saturday and drove up to the northern Czech border, not with much of a plan beyond "waterfalls." Harrachov was the first stop, a small mountain town that looks like it exists mostly for skiers in winter and hikers the rest of the year. We parked at the NORMA supermarket in town, which is what people who live nearby actually do. It's free, it's easy to find, and nobody seems to mind. From there it's a walk into the forest along the Mumlava river, blue trail markers most of the way, and by the time we got back to the car we'd covered about 6 kilometres round trip. The Falls Themselves Mumlava isn't tall. Around 10 metres, give or take depending on which sign or website you believe. What it has is width and force. The river comes down over stepped granite in a wide sheet rather than a narrow drop, and there's a wooden footbridge close enough that you get some spray on a heavy-flow day. I'd read beforehand that it's "the biggest waterfall in the Czech Republic," which sounds like an exaggeration until you check what that actually means. Pančava Falls, further into the Krkonoše mountains, is taller by a long way, over 140 metres. Mumlava's claim is about flow and width, not height. It's the most powerful, not the highest. Worth knowing before you get there and wonder why a "biggest" waterfall barely comes up to a house. The name has a story too. Mumlava comes from the German word for "mumble," a reference to the sound the river makes on its way down. Standing on the footbridge for a minute, it tracks. It's not a roar, more a constant low murmur that carries further than the size of the waterfall would suggest. Officially the falls are barely more than a kilometre from the town centre if you start close in, so our 6km loop from the supermarket was the long way round. No regrets. The path through the trees was quiet, and it warmed us up for what came next.
Mumlava Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Mumlava Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Mumlava Falls famous?
Mumlava Falls is one of the most visited natural attractions in Krkonoše National Park and is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the Giant Mountains. The falls cascade over granite rock formations in the protected Mumlava Valley Nature Reserve, a site known for its pristine mountain forest ecosystem and diverse flora.
Can you swim at Mumlava Falls?
No — the waterfall area is not designated for swimming and water is cold mountain runoff. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Mumlava Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails in Krkonoše National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Mumlava Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Krkonoše National Park does not charge an entry fee for hiking trails, but parking fees may apply. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Mumlava Falls?
There is a parking area near the trailhead on the road between Harrachov and Vrchlabí (Route 14), approximately 1.5 km walk to the falls. Parking may require a fee during peak season. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Mumlava Falls?
About 3 km / 1.9 mi return from the main parking area along the Mumlava River trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Mumlava Falls hike difficulty
Easy — well-maintained forest trail with minimal elevation gain, suitable for families and casual hikers. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Mumlava Falls?
Late spring to early summer (May–June) for highest water flow from snowmelt, or autumn (September–October) for fall colors and fewer crowds. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Mumlava Falls
From the parking area along Route 14, follow the marked red trail (Harrachov–Mumlavský vodopád) along the Mumlava River upstream through the forest. The path is well-signposted and follows the river valley. After approximately 1.5 km, you'll reach the viewing platform at the base of the waterfall. The trail continues beyond the falls deeper into the valley for those wanting a longer hike.
Mumlava Falls official website
Attractions near Mumlava Falls
- •Harrachov — mountain resort town with ski jumping tower and glassworks (2 km)
- •Labský důl (Elbe Valley) — scenic valley with trails to the source of the Elbe River (8 km)
- •Mumlava Valley Nature Reserve — protected area with diverse flora along the Mumlava River
- •Čertova hora (Devil's Mountain) — hiking peak with panoramic views of Krkonoše (6 km)
- •Krakonošova snídaně rock formation — unique granite rock formations nearby
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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