Špindlerův Mlýn, Medvědín Chairlift

It was back in 1994 that a four-seater chairlift began whisking visitors up Medvědín, covering 1,910 m and climbing 490 m from the valley station down in Špindlerův Mlýn, at 743 m, to almost the very summit. Also good to know is that bikes can hitch a ride in summer too. Then, from the top, you're perfectly placed for a hike to the source of the River Elbe — or, if you fancy something more airborne, Medvědín is a favourite launchpad for paragliders.