The Yellow Trail on the White Opava is beautiful, but a stroller really doesn't belong there!

Are you considering how to spend the autumn days or are you already planning spring trip to the Jeseníky Mountains? If you are thinking about White Opava, do not hesitate. Simply go. It is an absolutely breathtaking and unforgettable experience. But. And this is an important BUT. It's exactly the kind of trip where the idyllic idea of a family walk can quickly turn into a nightmare.

We have experienced it firsthand. We were cold, we got into different situations (more on that in a moment), but in the end we were thrilled. To make your experience all about that excitement, I've prepared a handy guide that combines reality with what you'll find in tourist guides.

It is beautiful in Karlova Studánka, where the route starts. The air is so clean that it almost stinks, simply idyllic. Until we found out after nine in the morning that finding a parking space is a real sport.

After a few honest attempts, we finally snagged a spot, even at Hubertus, where the trail begins. What should you know? There are three main parking lots: Hubertus, the Lower Parking Lot, and the Star. All have an organized system. All-day parking will cost you 130 CZK. You can also pay by the hour (50 CZK/hour), but that's not worth it for a day hike.

A cheaper option is the parking lot at the hotel Džbán, where the price is 90 CZK per day, but the capacity is very limited and quickly fills up.

Tip for you: The Hvězda car park is further away from the trailhead, but it is the final stop of the shuttle bus back from Ovčárna. Those who park here can get from the bus directly to their car at the end of the day and don't have to worry about another transfer. This is usually on foot again.

After a pleasant and short walk through the forest you will come to "Na Paloučku". Here you will have to choose the route you will take. You can choose the blue trail, which is longer but gentler and passes through the forest above the valley. It offers a pleasant walk.

However, if you want to experience all the beauty of the White Opava, you should opt for the shorter yellow route, which passes through the heart of the wild gorge. There are footbridges, bridges, slippery rocks and steep ladders right next to the roaring waterfalls.

And now the most important information you may not know. As of 2025, the Yellow Trail is one-way, for ascent only. That makes everything clear. If you want to experience the best and the wildest, you have to take the yellow trail up.

I have to admit it: the yellow trail is truly breathtaking. It's an absolute miracle. We were surrounded by a world of moss, rocks and clear water. The loud roar of the waterfalls (the largest of which is almost 8 metres) will absolutely mesmerise you. It was exactly the kind of adventure that is long remembered. Each step up was difficult, but the view at the top was worth all the effort.

And then we saw them. In one of the narrowest and steepest places, where you can barely walk with a backpack and balance on a wooden footbridge over the river, there was a family. With a regular city stroller.

The father pushed the pram, the mother held the baby, while in front of them were almost perpendicular stairs carved into the rock. The carriage was stuck. The child began to cry. Immediately a line of people formed behind them, nervously crossing. It was a scene of utter desperation and incredible irresponsibility.

I have to say it loud and clear: NEVER TAKE THE YELLOW LINE WITH A STROLLER. ABSOLUTELY NOT.

It's not so much whether you have the strength to carry the pram or whether the people behind you would be patient. The stroller simply won't fit. You can't get it up the ladders. On slippery rocks, it's a real risk to the health of the baby and yourself. I'm glad to see families spending time away from the displays, but please don't do this anymore.

If you have a small child who can't walk the trail, the only safe and sensible option is a good quality hiking carrier. Anything else is sheer madness. And even then, I would strongly recommend considering the blue trail, which by the way is also, according to official information, impassable with a stroller.

After crossing the yellow trail you will reach Ovčárna. Enjoy the feeling of success! Afterwards, you can indulge in some refreshments and then head to Praděd, which is just a pleasant walk. But be careful about the weather at the top. Even on Ovčárna it can be pleasant, but it is often cold at the top. After all, this place has the lowest average annual temperature in the Czech Republic, which is why there can be a hat stand there even in summer.

I won't mention too much about the prices in the restaurant at the top because we were in the mood for some snacks, but it was really cold outside on the terrace and there was no room inside. Therefore, we recommend to take your own rich snack and thermos, or use the services at Ovčárna.

Now it's time to descend. You can choose between two main routes: either return along the blue trail or rent scooters. The descent from Praděd to Ovčárna is great. The rental is located right by the transmitter and we paid up to 200 CZK per person for the descent.

From Ovčárna you can use the shuttle bus to the Hvězda car park. This option is very popular, although the normal transport prices do not apply here. An adult will pay 80 CZK for the few kilometres. Keep in mind that the buses leave regularly, once or twice an hour depending on the season. The last bus departs around 5pm.

Warning! There are long queues in the afternoon and you may not fit on the first bus. It is advisable to be at the bus stop well in advance and not rely on the last bus.

I have to admit that it was one of the most amazing trips to the countryside that we have experienced as a family. White Opava is a wild, untamed gem. With good preparation (proper shoes, no stroller, and a hat in your backpack) it will be an unforgettable experience. Definitely recommended!