Vrbatovo návrší is a place where the Krkonoše landscape intertwines with a moving human story. This gentle ridge summit at 1412 m above sea level is best known for the memorial cairn to Hanč and Vrbata — a symbol of a tragedy that permanently changed mountain safety practices.
The surroundings have the classic character of the higher Krkonoše ridges — open, wind-swept meadows with views across neighboring ridgelines, and a rugged charm that can turn harsh in winter. It was here, during a 1913 ski race, that a sudden weather collapse led to the tragic deaths of Bohumil Hanč and Václav Vrbata. In summer the hill is a peaceful viewpoint, and on hot days visitors sometimes report seeing St. Elmo's fire near the memorial. In winter, conditions demand real caution — wind and fog can catch even experienced hikers off guard.
How to reach the summitMarch 24, the anniversary of the tragedy, is now observed in the Czech Republic as Mountain Rescue Service Day — a testament to how deeply this event shaped mountain rescue history.