Suggestion for Winter Trip to Czech R. and Poland

My girlfriend and I will travel to Czech Republic and Poland in January for 19 days, staying mainly in:

Praha
Wrocław
Kraków
finally Warszawa.

The weather is quite an issue. Lots of attractions are closed or just open briefly in winter. So we opt for some hiking, and plan to go to Wrocław via Karpacz on Krkonoše. Would this mountain be very tough in winter? Anything we need to notice?

Besides, back to the four towns, how would you suggest the winter itinerary? Hope this holiday wouldn't be ruined by the weather...

Thanks for your advice!

Hello

Well... that weather could be quite... "refreshing" - if you are unlucky -20 degrees or lower ;) not to mention 3m snow coverage and snow-storms from time to time - is it an answer to mountain-hiking-question ? ;)
So lets hope that you are lucky and it will be close to 0 or a little in plus (what means more spring then winter, WHAT COULD HAPPEN ALSO).
As for cities, everything should be normally opened !

regards

As luki says, the weather can be highly unpredictable at that time of year, and I wouldn't recommend hiking at higher elevations in January in that region unless you are highly experienced winter trekkers who are used to snowy conditions. On the other hand, the Czech Krkonose offers good skiing, two of the biggest resorts are Pec pod Snezkou and Spinderluv Mlyn. Prague and Krakow are both highly photogenic under a blanket of snow, and lots of (indoor) cultural activities will be running in all the cities you mentioned.

Wildroo
The Goulash Train Blog

I have only been once on Krkonoše in summer. I live in central Germany near a mountain with similar weather conditions and have been on top of it in every weather condition. Snow in may, sun in december, ice rain, day,/night etc. It was sometimes tough but never dangerous. I think it's the same with Śnieżka. It very exposed(wind!!) and can be uncomfortable, but not dangerous.

webcam with temperature for snezka mountain in Krkonoše:
http://kamery.humlnet.cz/en/kamery/snezka
http://www.sniezka.karpacz.pl/index.php?lang=2&menu1=1&menu2=3 with phone number and pictures of sniezka/snezka.

The weather in January can be very unchanging, with low temperatures and sun. But there is no guarantee.
You could proof your shoes or take one pair for changing...back at your apartment/hotel

If you go by train:
Fastest would be to go from Prague to Wroclaw via Dresden, then Krakow annd Warszawa. Dresden is also very worth to visit. As well as the towns Bautzen and Görlitz where the regional express from Dresden to Wroclaw stops. schedules: www.bahn.de This train also stops in Wigliniec where you could change to Jelenia Gora near Karpacz.
Tickets in Germany are more expensive than in Czech Rep. or Poland I guess.

Edited by: european83

Train between Warsaw and Krakow for sure

Thank you all for the informative replies!! Considering the severe temperature... it seems that skiing (or learning to ski) would be a better option than hiking.

But somehow I am struggling whether the mountains should be skipped, just travelling from city to city all the way... I wish for some adventure, but safety would take a higher priority (travelling with girlfriend gives one extra responsibility). Would there be a balance between the two?

I haven't been to Europe in winter. What activities in the cities would you suggest, as most of the attractions, like museums, churches and castles, close at around 3-5pm?? How could the rest of the day be well spent?

As you will be in Krakow, Zakopane is far and is wonderful for skiing. Some hiking there might also be possible.

OOps. I meant Zakopane is NOT far.