You can park at one of the paid parking lots in Karlova Studanka. The nearest is located by the Hubertus Restaurant, approximately 500 meters from the entrance to the Bila Opava Valley.
From the parking lot, head toward its rear near the fire station building. After about 100 meters, you’ll reach the road, from where it’s only around 500 meters to the main entrance of the Bila Opava Valley.
From the entrance, you’ll walk about one kilometer to the Na Paloucku signpost, where the route splits into two options – a more challenging and an easier one. In both cases, you’ll gain approximately 200 meters in elevation.
At the Na Paloucku signpost, you can choose between two routes – the more challenging one, which passes directly by waterfalls, cascades, rock formations, and rapids, and an easier route with a gentler ascent.
Many hikers prefer the challenging route when going uphill. During the peak season, especially on weekdays, expect higher traffic and possible delays on narrow or technically demanding sections.
On the more challenging trail, be prepared for obstacles such as fallen logs, slippery rocks, narrow paths, ladders, and footbridges running directly alongside the Bila Opava Waterfalls.
About 2 km from its source, the Bila Opava cuts into a deep canyon in the gneiss slopes of Praded and Vysoka hole. Over a stretch of approximately 2.5 km, the river passes through rapids, cascades, and waterfalls, with a total elevation gain of around 400 m. The tallest of these is the Great Waterfall, which is 7.9 m high and part of a cascade measuring 16.4 m in
After completing the challenging trail, only a steep ascent remains to reach the Nad vodpady Bile Opavy signpost.
Next, you’ll reach the Nad vodopady Bile Opavy signpost, which you would also arrive at if you had chosen the blue trail from the Na Paloucku signpost. From there, continue for 2 km along the blue trail toward Barborka Chalet.
At the Pod Ovcarnou signpost, turn right onto the blue trail. The left route is used for the return trip from Praded.
From the Barborka tourist chalet, you’ll join the asphalt road, i.e., the red trail, which will lead you all the way to Praded. The walk is approximately 2 km.
The upper plateau of Praded, home to the television transmitter with an observation tower, represents the highest man-made point in the Czechia, reaching an altitude of 1,637.5 meters.
Praded, the just spirit of the local peaks, rewards good deeds and punishes the wrongdoings of all who venture into the Hruby Jesenik mountains. In the oldest depictions, Praded appeared as a giant in a miner’s smock holding a lantern, guarding the plants, animals, and the treasures hidden within the Jeseniky underground.
The mythical spirit of Praded also had power over people who harmed the living creatures of his realm. He would transform such violators into tormented animals. Since then, it is said that many animals in the Jeseniky Mountains possess a human soul.
For the return trip, the route is adjusted – instead of continuing to Barborka Chalet, follow the road toward Ovcarna, where you’ll join the yellow trail leading back to the starting point.
At the Ovcarna signpost, or just beyond the chalet, follow the yellow trail, which will lead you to the Pod Ovcarnou signpost. From there, continue along the same path back to the Nad vodopady Bile Opavy signpost, and then take the blue trail back to the parking lot.
Instead of the yellow trail, use the blue trail, which is somewhat easier. After approximately 1.5 km, you’ll reach the Na Paloucku signpost.
You’ll reach the Na Paloucku signpost, from where you will continue back to the parking lot.
