http://www.groups-czech.com/Group travels/region

THE GIANT MOUNTAINS Central (Spindleruv Mlyn, Vrchlabi, Benecko, Lanov, Cerny Dul)
	Spindleruv Mlyn
	Spindlerův Mlyn is the most popular skiing centre not only in the Giant Mountains but in the whole Czech Republic. It is situated about 715 - 1310 metres above sea level where the Dolsky stream joins the River Elbe. The town lies in the Giant Mountain National Park and extends in an area of 77 square kilometres. It has 4 parts - Predni Labska, Labska, Bedrichov and Svaty Petr. This original mining and wood cutting settlement was established at the end of the 18th century. It has been called Spindlerův Mlyn after a mill of a Spindl clan built on the Elbe River. Since the end of the 18th century and mainly since the 19th century, the people started to build more. From chalets became nice hotels and restaurants. The symbol of the town is a white bridge built in 1911.

Vrchlabi

Vrchlabi is called "The Gate into the Giant Mountains" and is situated 484 m above sea level. First references about the settlement called Vrchlabi can be found in old records from the 14th century. The Giant Mountains and adjacent areas have always been rich in gems and ores. Therefore, the majority of its inhabitants were miners and founders working on the ore mining and processing. The most significant places of interest are the renaissance castle and the St. Augustin´s monastery with church. The dominant of Vrchlabi is the town hall with the modern shopping centre. Another interesting sights are St. Vavrinec decanal church, Marian plague column, St. Ann´s group of sculptures from the 17th century, folk architecture represented by the 17th century houses, the bridge over the river Elbe and many others. The Krkonose museum collections, archives and a library are also worth visiting.