Litovel - Praděd

Classic route from Olomouc and surroundings to the highest point in the Czech Republic accessible by asphalt (1497 m above sea level). Flat until Paseka, where the terrain starts to rise and the landscape changes with it. At Sovinec, a 12% climb, but nothing terrible; up and down alternates until Malá Morávka (mostly climbing :) ). From Malá Morávka, it ascends to the summit of Praděd, where the last 9 km are the steepest (starting at Hvězda, with a short break at Ovčárna). On these 9 km, you gain 625 m elevation. The average gradient here is 7%, with a maximum of 16%. At the summit, a beautiful view, but also wind and many tourists getting in the way. On the descent, be careful of a treacherous corner between Ovčárna and Hvězda, where a cyclist fatality has occurred. Between Žerotín and Újezd, the road is poor. An alternative is to go via Valšův dvůr, where you mainly ride through forest and shade. This route gains fewer meters. It goes through a valley, which is less scenic, and there are extensive roadworks ongoing (at least until the end of 2014).