Přední Žalý is one of those Krkonoše summits that rewards you generously for a fairly modest effort — from its stone lookout tower you can take in a sweeping panorama of the entire Krkonoše range, the Jizera Mountains, the Orlické Mountains, and even part of the Bohemian Paradise. It's a place made for lingering.

The summit has a gentle, dome-like shape with fairly steep slopes formed from orthogneiss, and its upper section was partially cleared of trees to preserve the views — giving it a wonderfully open, airy feel. In summer it's a favourite destination for families, while in winter the surrounding slopes turn into a lively ski area, with the chairlift from Skiareál Herlíkovice reaching almost to the summit plateau (and running in summer too). The atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming, without the crowds you'd find on some of Krkonoše's more famous peaks.

How to get to the summit

• Benecko — red-marked trail (Bucharova cesta), moderate walk, with just a short additional climb of several dozen metres to the actual summit
• Herlíkovice — chairlift of Skiareál Herlíkovice runs to the upper station right by the summit plateau, operating in summer as well

Good to know

• The summit holds the only stone lookout tower in the whole of the Krkonoše Mountains, built in 1892
• Right next to the tower stands a wooden mountain hut, rebuilt in 2008–2009 based on the original historical plans
• The chairlift's upper station operates year-round, making the peak easily accessible even for less experienced hikers

The very first wooden tower here was built in 1836 by Count Jan Nepomuk František Harrach, and today's stone structure has already stood for well over 130 years — a real witness to the history of tourism in the Krkonoše Mountains.