You can leave your vehicle at one of the available parking lots in the Ski Karlov area. From there, follow the green and blue tourist trails along the river to the Karlov – Moravice signpost, where the trail begins.
From here, you will join the Velka Kotlina Educational Trail, which follows the Moravice River and the so-called Slezska Route, all the way to the signpost of the same name.
After 3 kilometers of a beautiful walk along a forest path and through an enchanting woodland, you will reach a shelter with a spring beneath Velky Kotel. From there, continue for another nearly one kilometer, where the so-called entrance to Velky Kotel begins.
Velka Kotel is also one of the most valuable parts of the Jeseniky Protected Landscape Area. It was formed as a glacial basin by the action of a mountain glacier during the last ice age. The area features avalanche tracks, and snow remains here on average until June, the latest in Moravia. The avalanches help maintain the natural treeless landscape.
Velka Kotlina is known as the botanically richest location in the Czech Republic and one of the richest sites in Central Europe – around 500 plant species grow here, 117 of which are endangered. Among the most significant and rarest species are the local endemics: Jitrocel Cernavy Sudetsky and Hvozdik Kartouzek Sudetsky.
Next, you will encounter a winding trail that takes you up steep slopes with breathtaking views. At several points along the way, you will be treated to stunning vistas of the magnificent Velka Kotlina. It is here that the Moravice River originates.
You will gradually reach the singpost called Nad Velkam Kotlem, from where you will continue along the blue tourist trail to the singpost Nad Ovcarnou.
At the singpost, you will join the red tourist trail, which will take you past Petrovy Kameny and further to the summit of Vysoka Hole. In good weather, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the highest peak, Praded, from this section of the trail.
There was a belief that these places served as a gateway to hell, which was reinforced by the presence of a nearby mine shaft.
The name has its origins in both legends and historical events. According to one legend, a poor blacksmith named Petr fell in love with a rich girl, which displeased her father. When the lovers fled, they sought refuge by these rocks, which were surrounded by a dark storm cloud.
The second explanation refers to a historical event from 1680, during the turbulent era of inquisitional trials in Velke Losiny. A commission ascended to the rock, placed a statue of Saint Peter there, and consecrated the place. Since then, this rock has been known as Petrovy Kameny (Peter's Stones). People feared this place because being near it almost certainly meant being accused of witchcraft.
Following the red tourist trail, you will traverse one of the longest ridges of the Hruby Jesenik. The trail will lead you over the summit of Vysoka Hole, Kamzicnik, Velky Maj, and finally to Jeleni Hrbet, where the Jeleni spring originates.
On the path between Velka Maj and Jeleni Hrbet, you will cross the ridge, along whose slopes lies the Mala Kotlina.
The Maly Kotel is a cirque located in the Hruby Jesenik mountains, situated on the southeastern slope of Velky Maj. It is a smaller counterpart to the better-known Velky Kotel (Great Cirque), but unlike the latter, it was not shaped by a glacier. In the past, a non-native species — the borovice kleč — was planted in the upper part of the Maly Kotel. As a result, avalanches ceased to occur. However, the ecosystem of the Maly Kotel depends on avalanches: without them, the treeless character of the area, crucial for many endangered plant species and the animals dependent on them, would not be maintained. After restoration interventions, including the removal of the dwarf pine, avalanches have resumed, and the cirque is gradually regaining its original character.
You will then reach the spring of Jeleni studanka, which emerges on the slopes of the Jeleni Hřbet mountain. Next to the spring stands a stone shelter, offering refuge to hikers in case of bad weather.
From the trail junction, you will continue descending along the red and yellow hiking trails. The path will lead you through the Pod Jeleni Studankou Nature Reserve, known for its well-preserved mountain environment.
You will then arrive at a place called Alfredka, a popular destination for hikers. A well-known mountain hut once stood here, and today its tradition is continued by a small refreshment stand and several rest areas where you can take a break.
Alfredka Cottage (originally a hunting lodge and later a mountain chalet). At its peak, it was one of the most visited places in the Hruby Jesenik mountains. Unfortunately, throughout its existence, it underwent several reconstructions, changed operators multiple times, and suffered two fires. The fire in 2002 proved to be fatal, leaving only the foundations of Alfredka Cottage behind.
From Alfredka, continue along the green tourist trail towards an area called Mravencovka. The name is quite fitting — this is where an exceptionally high number of ants and an unusually dense concentration of anthills have been recorded.
From the Mravencovka singpost, follow the blue tourist trail to the Jeleni signpost. From there, continue along the forest path on the yellow tourist trail to the Nad Karlovem singpost.
From the Jeleni singpost, follow the yellow tourist trail towards Karlov, to the Nad Karlovem singpost, where you can rest at a seating area. From there, a comfortable path through the village will lead you back to your vehicle.
