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Grand loop to Benecko and Jilemnice

The longest loop on offer – over the Rezek saddle to Benecko, down to Jilemnice and back along the Jizera valley.

Distance62 km (loop)
Duration5 h 5 min
Elevation1580 m
DifficultyHard
FeePaid
Route in Mapy.com

Dining along the way

Restaurants at Benecko, the square in Jilemnice with its cafés, pubs in Poniklá and Jablonec nad Jizerou.

Route overview

  1. 1
    Iwona Apartments
  2. 2
    Rezek
  3. 3
    Benecko
  4. 4
    Krkonoše Museum Jilemnice
  5. 5
    Rautis Poniklá
  6. 6
    Jablonec nad Jizerou
  7. 7
    Iwona Apartments

The distance matches the route planned in Mapy.com; elevation gain and time are approximate. For hiking routes Mapy.com assumes a slower pace, so it may show a longer time.

How to get there

Parking
Bikes and car stay at the apartments – a lockable bike room is available.
Getting there from us
The loop starts and ends at the apartments.
Opening hours
Admission and opening hours of the Krkonoše Museum in Jilemnice vary by season – check them in advance.

About the trip

The longest loop we offer – a whole day in the saddle around the Krkonoše foothills. From the apartments over the Rezek saddle to Benecko, then down to Jilemnice and the Krkonoše Museum in the chateau, returning along the Jizera valley through Poniklá and Jablonec nad Jizerou. Mostly quiet asphalt lanes, two long climbs at the start and the longest continuous descent in the area in the middle.

Personal tip from us

Leave straight after breakfast and allow the whole day. The reward is the longest descent you can ride from here – Benecko down to Jilemnice.

Tips

  • The route can be shortened: from Benecko you can drop straight into the Jizera valley and skip Jilemnice.
  • The Krkonoše Museum occupies the Jilemnice chateau and works in the rain too.
  • The return on the Jizera Greenway follows the river – a relief after five hours in the hills.

Safety

  • 62 km and over 1,500 m of climbing – for fit riders only, with enough food and water.
  • The descent from Benecko is long and fast; check your brakes before setting off.
  • Part of the route runs on roads with ordinary traffic.

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