Vrchlabí

Vrchlabí is a town in East Bohemia

Understand
Presenting itself as the gateway to the Giant Mountains (Krkonose), Vrchlabí is a quiet and in parts pretty town for just that - though not much else.

By car
Vrchlabí is located on the I/14 between Liberec and Trutnov, so can easily be reached from either. From destinations to the South, such as Prague or Jicin, the shortest route is over the I/16, then via local roads 293 and 295.

By train
The station is on the Eastern side of town, on the end of a branch line from Trutnov. Trains run approximately every two hours from 7h until 19h. Best-case travel to/from Prague (Praha hl.n) takes around 4h, but the scenic route makes the trip worthwhile if you have the time.

By bus
Autobusové nádraží Vrchlabí - the bus station - is located on the Eastern bank of the Labe (Elbe), just north of the train station. Frequent direct connections to Hradec Králové, Turnov and Trutnov, less frequent ones to Prague (Florenc or Černý Most bus stations). Nonetheless, it is a faster if not quite so scenic way of getting in than the train.

By plane
Vrchlabí has an airport Vrchlabí (LKVR) - but it is basically just a well-mowed field suitable only for light general aviation. If you have your own plane, it may be an option. Otherwise, fly to Prague or perhaps Pardubice and continue by train, bus or (rental) car.

Get around
Vrchlabí is small enough that anywhere you would want to go is reachable on foot - which is fortunate as there are few alternatives if you haven't brought your own transport.<

Go next

 * Vrchlabí is located in the foothills of the Giant Mountains, so exploring the mountains, either for hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter, would be the first thing to do.
 * The Bohemian Paradise, full of beautiful landscapes, impressive rock formations and castles, both ruined and intact, is a short drive to the southwest.