Krkonoše National Park, Czech Republic – The iconic snow field known as “Mapa Republiky” melted on Saturday, July 8, one day earlier than the previous year. Located on the slopes of Studniční Mountain within the Krkonoše National Park, the snow formation disappeared five days earlier than in 2021. Radek Drahný, spokesperson for the Krkonoše National Park, shared the news on Monday. The Czech Republic has been experiencing a period of hot weather, with Monday night classified as tropical.

The Mapa Republiky, situated in the quiet zone of Krkonoše National Park, represents the First Republic of Czechoslovakia with Subcarpathian Rus and is known for its resemblance to the country’s shape. The snow formation typically melts from east to west, leaving behind a depression area referred to as “Central Bohemia.”

The structure is formed annually within the altitude range of 1420 to 1455 meters. The snowfield melts relatively quickly toward the end of its existence. For instance, on June 22, the snow field covered approximately half the size of a soccer field.

Detailed measurements of Mapa Republiky have been conducted by Krkonoše National Park managers since the late 1990s. During the recent winter season, the park managers measured the greatest snow depth on April 6, reaching 9.72 meters. However, in terms of long-term measurements, it was an average value. The winter of 1999/2000 holds the record for the most snow in the park’s history, with a snow cover of 15.7 meters.

The early melting of Mapa Republiky can be attributed to the recent high temperatures. Temperature records were broken over the weekend, and Monday morning experienced particularly hot weather. In several locations, the temperature did not drop below 20°C, resulting in a tropical night.

“The warmest morning was in Dyleni, western Bohemia, where the temperature did not fall below 22.0°C. We also observed the warmest night in the history of July 10 at several stations,” stated the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) on Monday morning.

The heatwave is expected to persist throughout the day, with the southern region of Moravia potentially reaching a scorching 36°C.

In other news, it was announced on Monday, July 12, that the cable car price to Sněžka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic, has increased to 680 crowns for the holiday season. The cable car ride to Sněžka remains a popular tourist attraction.

The Krkonoše National Park area draws numerous tourists and nature enthusiasts with its unique landscape and the stunning Krkonoše Mountains. The Mapa Republiky is just one of the many natural wonders within the park, offering visitors the opportunity to engage in hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities while immersing themselves in the captivating beauty of the Czech Republic’s natural landscape.

Article by Prague Forum