Malá Morávka: Skiing, Nature and History

Skiing in Karlov, nature trails and local history appeal to different interests. You can organize your travel days around whether you mainly want to experience ski slopes, a nature trail or culture and a recurring festival.

Skiing in Karlov

The Karlov Ski Arena has six blue ski runs with gentle slopes. Three ski schools with professional instructors are available there for children and adults. The configuration of the slopes may change with the season; operators and the availability of the ski schools may also change. So, if you plan to take lessons, check the current offerings. Evening skiing in Karlov includes two express chairlifts and 5,300 m of illuminated ski runs. Evening operations depend on the season and conditions. If you plan to ski in the evening, take the conditions for your chosen date into account.

Nature trails and paths

The Velká kotlina nature trail starts in Karlov pod Pradědem and follows the Moravice River through the Praděd National Nature Reserve. Its eleven stops cover botany, zoology and geology. These topics give the route a natural history focus; trail conditions may change, and routes within the protected area may be seasonally restricted. Check the latest information before your visit.

Another route is Kolem Ježkova Lesa. It is 1.5 km long and is a family route for the youngest children as well as for walkers, cyclists and mountain scooter riders. It starts at the car park by the bottom station of the Karlov Ski Express. The two routes have different focuses: Velká kotlina features eleven stops and their nature-related topics, while Kolem Ježkova Lesa specifies its length and the different user groups. Conditions on this route and parking at the starting point may also change; check both before your visit.

Nature on Javorový vrch

Javorový vrch in Malá Morávka is one of the five most significant wintering sites in the Czech Republic for the Barbastelle bat (Barbastella barbastellus), the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) and the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). This makes the site particularly interesting to travelers interested in bats and protected nature. Regional information dated March 8, 2021, states that public access to the Javorový vrch Site of Community Importance is prohibited. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Local history and events

The area’s mining history is also connected with Javorový vrch: Devonian iron ore was mined in the mines there from around the 13th century until 1870. Another historical landmark is the new parish church of the Holy Trinity in Malá Morávka. It was completed in 1793 and solemnly consecrated on October 22 of the same year. The approximate period of the former ore mining and a precisely dated event in the church’s history thus represent two distinct historical topics.

The recurring Borůvkové hody (Blueberry Festival) takes place in Malá Morávka, Karlov pod Pradědem and the surrounding area. The 26th edition took place on August 21 and 22, 2026; check future dates on the event page before setting your travel dates. Fresh chilled blueberries, blueberry beer, blueberry dumplings and blueberry cake are offered at the Borůvkové hody. The food offerings may vary between editions. During the event, a free “Borůvková linka” (Blueberry Line) connects the official restaurants in Malá Morávka and Karlov pod Pradědem. This event-specific service is not a permanent public transport service.

Discover more destinations: Břidličná, Rudná pod Pradědem, Janov u Krnova, Bílčice, Horní Město, Stará Ves, Bruntál, Slezské Rudoltice

For the wider travel overview: Bruntál District.