Labská bouda in the Krkonoš Mountains will be closed until spring

Špindlerův Mlýn - The Ridge Hotel Labská bouda near Špindlerův Mlýn in the Krkonoš Mountains will be completely closed until the end of April next year. Neither the restaurant nor the buffet will operate, Klára Sovová, co-owner of Labská bouda, said today to ČTK. According to her, tourists and skiers heading to this area for ridge hikes must take this into account.

"Hotel Labská bouda is closed from November 1 to April 30. There are several reasons, including the renovation of the heating system and also a lack of staff. Tourists should consider this when planning their hikes," Sovová told ČTK.

The reinforced concrete colossus at an altitude of 1340 meters near Labská meadows has been undergoing gradual reconstruction in recent years.

Last winter season was similar. Several tourists who did not take this into account faced complications. They were at risk of hypothermia and had trouble getting down safely. The mountain rescue service was also involved. "We sincerely apologize, but we really cannot ensure operation this winter. In extreme cases, we can help, but people should not rely on it," Sovová told ČTK.

Labská bouda, located northwest of Špindlerův Mlýn, is traditionally a popular stop for cross-country skiers and ski mountaineers in winter. While this morning it was around eight degrees Celsius in the foothills, it was foggy and two degrees above zero at Labská bouda. "The climatic conditions on the ridges of the Krkonoš Mountains correspond to those found at much higher altitudes, over 2000 meters, or in areas located in the Arctic. And people should be aware of this," Sovová told ČTK.

Next year, reconstruction of the terrace and replacement of windows is expected to continue. The owners of Labská bouda want to make the balcony accessible, and it will receive new railings beforehand. There are also plans for extensive reconstruction of the facade of Labská bouda, starting with the front wall facing Labský valley. The current slate cladding of the wall is to be replaced with wooden cladding. "It will be done gradually with the help of climbers, as we are unable to set up scaffolding there," Sovová told ČTK.

Labská bouda, built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, is in the first zone of the Krkonoš National Park. It was established in the same location as the inn of the same name that burned down in 1965. The new hotel, with more than 170 beds, nearly 80 rooms, and two restaurants, commenced operations in 1975. Currently, the hotel's capacity is about two-thirds.

The current owner, the company AEZZ, which also owns Luční bouda, purchased the property in 2012. Since then, they have built a wastewater treatment plant and replaced outdated utility systems, including the construction of a new heating system.