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Places of interest

Source of the Morava River

4.8 · 519 reviews
A quiet, windswept alpine wilderness.
Source of the Morava River, 561 69 Dolní Morava-Králíky, Czechia
Interesting facts
1

The Morava River is the principal river of Moravia and forms a significant portion of the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

2

The source site is situated just meters from the historical border between Bohemia and Moravia, and is currently near the state border with Poland.

3

The spring water is captured in a shallow basin protected by a small stone structure that has undergone periodic restoration.

4

The surrounding Králický Sněžník mountain range is composed primarily of crystalline rock, specifically mica schist and orthogneiss.

5

The site remains a focal point for trans-boundary hydrological research due to the proximity of the watershed divide.

Overview

The source of the Morava River is located at an elevation of 1,380 meters on the Králický Sněžník mountain massif in the Czech Republic. It serves as the geographical origin of the 354-kilometer river that flows through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria before joining the Danube. The site is marked by a stone basin constructed in 1904, which captures the spring water. Surrounding the source is a protected nature reserve, the National Nature Reserve Králický Sněžník, established in 1990 to preserve unique alpine flora and geological features. The area sits directly on the watershed divide between the Black Sea and the North Sea. Visitors can observe the transition from subalpine meadows to mountain forests in the immediate vicinity.

Photo spot

From the stone-lined basin looking toward the Czech-Polish border ridge.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, as the terrain is rocky and can be boggy even in dry months.

Bring windproof and waterproof layers, as weather conditions at this altitude change rapidly regardless of the season.

Check local mountain rescue weather reports before starting the ascent from Dolní Morava.

What to avoid

Attempting the ascent in late autumn or early spring without winter hiking equipment, as the summit area experiences significant snow accumulation.

Good to know

Access may be restricted during winter months due to extreme weather and heavy snow; paths are typically clear from late spring to early autumn.

Etiquette

Stay strictly on marked trails to protect the fragile subalpine vegetation; dogs must be kept on a leash.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-2 hours for the immediate site area
Best time to visit
Early morning in late June or July to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and ensure clear visibility across the ridgeline.
Address
Source of the Morava River, 561 69 Dolní Morava-Králíky, Czechia
50.205, 16.849
Get directions
Details
Geological FeatureAlpine mountain spring and watershed point
Terrain TypeHigh-mountain meadow and tundra

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-2 hours for the immediate site area to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning in late June or July to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and ensure clear visibility across the ridgeline..

From the stone-lined basin looking toward the Czech-Polish border ridge.

Close by you'll find Slůně, The Bear Cave, Stezka v oblacích.