HISTORY: DÍVČÍ LÁVKY

A nearly century-old building that burned to the ground.

Just a short distance from the center of Špindlerův Mlýn lies one of the most charming spots in the Elbe Valley—Dívčí lávky.

All you need to do is take an easy stroll along the Elbe River, which will lead you along a pleasant forest path to the spot where the Elbe meets the White Elbe. This is where a story begins that stretches back more than a century.

After crossing the river and a short walk along the White Elbe, you’ll arrive at Dívčí lávky—a place that today seems peaceful and unassuming, but was once a key landmark in the Krkonoše Mountains.

The history of the local lodge dates back to the 1860s, when Count Harrach had it built. Originally, it served as a simple lodging house for workers who were building one of the first hiking trails leading through the Labský Valley toward Labská Bouda.

Later, the small log cabin became a place where not only foresters but also the first visitors to the mountains found shelter. However, the lodge’s history was also marked by tragedy—during the devastating flood of 1897, its resident, retired forester Antonín Sedláček, lost his life.

With growing interest in tourism, the importance of Dívčí lávky quickly increased. The original shelter gradually became a gamekeeper’s lodge and later an inn, where a toll was even collected for entry into the Labský důl valley. The place transformed into an important starting point for excursions—whether to the Bílý Labe valley, the Labský důl valley, or the ridges of the Krkonoše Mountains.

It was also popular among visitors from Špindlerův Mlýn, who would come here for afternoon walks. They were rewarded not only by the beauty of the surrounding nature but also by the renowned coffee and homemade cakes.

After the establishment of Czechoslovakia, the lodge underwent a series of changes. The original German name was replaced by a Czech one, and several tenants came and went. For a brief period, the Erlebach family, which had long been associated with the place, returned to manage it.

However, the hut’s fate was ultimately sealed in January 1940, when the nearly century-old building burned to the ground. Despite a swift response, almost nothing could be saved.

Today, you won’t find the original lodge at Dívčí lávky, yet this place has retained its charm. It is an ideal starting point for further hikes and a spot where you can pause for a moment, listen to the murmur of the rivers, and imagine the stories that once unfolded here.

Dívčí lávky thus remains a silent witness to the history of the Krkonoše Mountains—a place where nature, the past, and the present converge. 

Source: History of the Krkonoše Mountain Huts