HISTORY: KLÍNOVÁ BOUDA
A cabin that no longer stands, yet its story lives on in the landscape.
On the slopes above Svatý Petr, high between Zadní Planina and Mount Stoh, stood the Klínová bouda—a place that witnessed hard labor, the development of mountain farming, and dramatic events that have left an indelible mark on the history of the Krkonoše Mountains.
The roots of this place date back to the first half of the 16th century, when, thanks to the efforts of mining governor Kryštof of Gendorf, intensive mining of iron and other metals began in the central Krkonoše Mountains. Svatý Petr was also an important mining center, from where ore was carried on the backs of porters all the way to Dolní Dvůr for further processing.
One of the main routes led across the slopes of Stoh and Zadní Planina—and it was at its highest point that a simple wooden shelter was built. Porters rested here, took shelter from inclement weather, and gathered strength for the rest of their journey. Over time, this modest refuge evolved into a full-fledged mountain hut.
The location was not chosen by chance. It offered access to a water source and, at the same time, provided relative protection from the harsh northern winds. By Krkonoše standards, it was a relatively favorable location—with a higher number of sunny days and fewer storms.
The origin of the name “Klínová bouda” is not entirely clear. One theory suggests that porters used to repair their work tools—wedges—here. While this idea is romantic, it is unlikely, as it would have meant an additional unnecessary burden while carrying heavy ore.
A more likely explanation stems from the shape of the mountain enclave itself, which resembles a wedge when viewed from a distance. It is precisely this distinctive shape that gave the hut and the entire surrounding area their name.
After the decline of mining, particularly during the Thirty Years’ War, life in Klínovka shifted toward traditional mountain farming. In the 17th century, a whole group of huts known as Klínové Boudy (Keilbauden) was established here.
The local inhabitants made their living primarily through livestock farming and forest work. Life was hard and daily work demanding, yet large families were formed here. Children helped with the farmwork, and therefore their school attendance was often irregular.
Over time, the need for education reached this area as well. The first “teacher” was a retired soldier who went from hut to hut teaching children the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Lessons took place right in the living quarters, and the pay was largely symbolic.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that a real school was established in the enclave. To this day, it is commemorated by a building called Kantorka, which serves other purposes but carries a piece of this history within it.
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Klínové Boudy also began to embrace sports. In 1902, a major ski race heading toward Vrchlabí started here. A few years later, a ski jump was built here, with jumps reaching up to 30 meters.
The site thus became an important milestone in the history of skiing in the Krkonoše Mountains.
Klínová bouda itself was transformed into a popular mountain inn with several heated rooms by the end of the 19th century. However, its history was marked by fires and dramatic events.
After a fire in 1912, it was quickly restored and rebuilt several times in the following years. Its final form took shape gradually between 1920 and 1940.
World War II brought tragic moments—the then-owner, Johann Braun, was shot without trial right in front of the lodge.
The fate of Klínová bouda was sealed on February 22, 1970. During a ski course, a diesel generator supplying electricity to the buildings exploded. The burning fuel quickly spread through the wooden structure, and within just two hours, the lodge was completely destroyed.
Due to the difficult terrain and a lack of equipment, it was impossible to effectively stop the fire. Shortly after noon, the last walls collapsed, leaving only a charred ruin.
Today, Klínová bouda no longer stands, yet its story lives on in the landscape. The meadows, trails, and surrounding mountains evoke a time when people worked hard here, built their homes, and wrote the history of the Krkonoše Mountains.
Source: History of the Krkonoše Mountain Huts
