Chata Barborka

Chata Barborka is a well-known mountain lodge and restaurant situated on the southern slope of Praděd, the highest peak of the Jeseníky Mountains in the Czech Republic. It stands at an elevation of approximately 1,320–1,400 metres above sea level, near the Bílá Opava river and the important hiking crossroads U Barborky. The lodge is a popular destination for tourists exploring the main ridge of Hrubý Jeseník, whether on foot in summer or on skis in winter. Its history dates back to 1943, when a wooden shelter was built to protect against harsh weather; after World War II it was renamed Barborka and became a significant base for mountain tourism in the region. It also served as the first base for the Jeseníky Mountain Rescue Service, founded there on 21 May 1948 by local lodge keeper Václav Myšák, as commemorated by a memorial plaque. Over the years, several renovations have modernised the lodge while preserving its original purpose and charm. Today, Chata Barborka is open year-round, providing refreshments, shelter, and comfortable accommodation. Its excellent home-style kitchen is a major draw, offering traditional dishes and specialities. The lodge remains an integral part of the Jeseníky region and an ideal spot for rest and adventure in the heart of nature.

Chata Barborka is the youngest lodge on the southern slope of Praděd, with its origins traceable to the second half of the 19th century and the development of tourism in the Jeseníky Mountains, particularly the activities of the German Moravian-Silesian Sudeten Mountain Association. That association built shelters and later lodges, often not by converting existing farm buildings. The predecessor of Barborka stood much higher, almost on the summit of Praděd, protected by the Tabulové skály rocks. Construction of that shelter began under very strict conditions in 1883: its area could not exceed 16 m², it could contain only a wooden bench, it was roofed with turf, its windows had to face the manor's forest so that its use could be monitored, it could not be used from the start of autumn hunting until spring, and the estate owners could demolish it at any time. It did not operate for long. During the construction of the Habsburg Tower on Praděd between 1904 and 1912, sheds for horse-drawn carriages were built there. The current Chata Barborka was built in 1943 as a wooden structure serving as a refuge from bad weather. After the war it was renamed Barborka and became an important point for mountain tourism in the region. It also served as the first base for the Mountain Rescue Service in Jeseníky. On 21 May 1948, local lodge keeper Václav Myšák founded the Jeseníky Mountain Rescue Service there, as recalled by a memorial plaque. The lodge has undergone several renovations over the years but retains its original purpose and charisma. In early December 2014, a fire broke out at the lodge; thanks to the rapid intervention of firefighters, it did not cause major damage. Today, Chata Barborka is open to tourists year-round, offering refreshments, shelter, and comfortable accommodation, with an excellent home-style kitchen featuring traditional dishes and specialities.

• 2014

  A fire broke out in early December; quick intervention by firefighters prevented major damage.

• 1948

  On 21 May, Václav Myšák founded the Jeseníky Mountain Rescue Service at the lodge.

• 1943

  The current Chata Barborka was built as a wooden refuge.

• 1904

  During construction of the Habsburg Tower on Praděd (1904–1912), sheds for horse-drawn carriages were built at the site.

• 1883

  Construction of the predecessor shelter near the summit of Praděd began under strict conditions.

A historic, year-round mountain lodge and restaurant on the southern slope of Praděd, popular among hikers and tourists for its traditional cuisine and convenient location.

• Accommodation

  Year-round lodging with seasonal pricing; e.g., 650 CZK/night for adults during 3 Jan–30 Apr, 500 CZK/night during 1 May–14 Sep, 600 CZK/night during 15 Sep–20 Dec, 790 CZK/night during 21–26 Dec; children under 10 receive discounts.

• Restaurant

  On-site restaurant serving traditional Czech dishes and specialities.

1. 1Chata Barborka Praděd – official websitebarborka-praded.cz
2. 2Barborka (Jeseníky) – Czech Wikipediacs.wikipedia.org
3. 3Chata Barborka – Wikidatawikidata.org