Praděd Peak (Altvater)
Olomoucký kraj
Praděd (German: Altvater) is a 1,491-metre mountain in the Hrubý Jeseník range of the Czech Republic and ranks as the fifth-highest mountain in the country. It is the highest peak of the historical regions of Moravia, Czech Silesia and Upper Silesia, with the highest point of Moravia located near the summit. The mountain sits in an alpine climate zone and has an average annual temperature of about 1 °C, which helps explain its harsh, wind-exposed character. A 162-metre television transmitter dominates the top; its upper platform also serves as a watchtower for panoramic views. From this lookout, visibility can extend to distant ranges including the High Tatras, Malá Fatra Mountains and even the Alps under clear conditions. Praděd is also known as a popular skiing area. The peak and its surroundings lie within the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area and are additionally safeguarded as the Praděd National Nature Reserve. This reserve is the largest national nature reserve in the Czech Republic, reflecting the area’s exceptional natural value. Near the peak is the Petrovy kameny (“Peter’s stones”) gneiss formation, historically associated with fears of witches in the Middle Ages. Because the area hosts rare plants, access to Petrovy kameny is restricted and not open to the public.
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Astuce: Expect fast-changing mountain weather and low temperatures even outside winter, as Praděd has an alpine climate and a low average annual temperature. For the widest views from the transmitter’s watchtower platform, aim for a clear day with good visibility. If you plan to ski, check current conditions and operational information before setting out. Respect nature-protection rules in the Praděd National Nature Reserve, and note that the Petrovy kameny formation is closed to the public due to sensitive rare plant habitats.
Faits intéressants
- •At 1,491 m, Praděd is the highest mountain of the Hrubý Jeseník range and the fifth-highest mountain in the Czech Republic.
- •Praděd is the highest peak of the historical regions of Moravia, Czech Silesia and Upper Silesia; the highest point of Moravia lies near the summit, while the summit itself is in Czech Silesia.
- •A 162 m television transmitter stands on the summit, and its upper platform is used as a watchtower.
- •Praděd lies within the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area and the Praděd National Nature Reserve, declared on 4 June 1955; it is the largest national nature reserve in the Czech Republic (2,029.63 ha).
- •Petrovy kameny (“Peter’s stones”) is a gneiss formation near the peak; it is associated with medieval fears of witches and is closed to the public due to rare plant habitats.
- •On 27 February 1950, a Czechoslovak Airlines Douglas C-47 crashed into Praděd; 6 people died and 25 survived.
Histoire
A stone watchtower was built on Praděd between 1903 and 1912 by the Sudeten German tourist association.
After 1945 the association ceased to exist following the expulsion of Germans, and the tower deteriorated in communist Czechoslovakia.
The unmaintained structure collapsed on 2 May 1959, shortly before planned repairs.
The current television transmitter was constructed between 1968 and 1983, and its upper platform functions as a lookout.
On 27 February 1950, a Czechoslovak Airlines Douglas C-47 crashed into Praděd, killing six people while 25 survived.
Guide du lieu
Summit transmitter and lookout platform1968–1983
The summit is crowned by a television transmitter; its upper platform doubles as a watchtower and is the main viewpoint for long-distance panoramas.
Praděd National Nature Reserve (surroundings)1955
The summit area sits within a specially protected national nature reserve inside the broader Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area, recognized for its exceptional alpine habitats and rare species.
Petrovy kameny (Peter’s stones)
A gneiss rock formation near the peak, historically surrounded by superstition and today protected for its rare plant communities; access is restricted.