of the Habsburg minister Friedrich August von Harrach-Rohrau (1696–1749), after whom the village of Bedřichov (Friedrichsthal) is named. The Harrach family contributed to the improvement and development of the landscape. They founded several mountain huts all over the Giant Mountains. Jan Nepomuk František Count of Harrach (1828–1909) established a tourist route leading through Špindlerův Mlýn and established the first nature reserve in the Giant Mountains, located in the valley Labský důl on an area of more than . After World War II, the remaining German-speaking population was expelled according to the Beneš decrees. Tourism After four travellers accommodated here in 1865, the locals recognized the tourist potential of this place, began to expand the huts and build hiking trails. The construction of the road from Vrchlabí in 1872 significantly contributed to the greater number of tourists. Poor buildings often became quality hotels. In 1909, operation of the electric lift for sledges, one of the first of its kind in Europe, started, which contributed to the reputation of the winter tourist resort. With year-round use and with accommodation capacity of 10,000 beds, Špindlerův Mlýn is one of the most visited ski resorts in the country. There are of 11 technically snow-covered downhill runs and of cross-country trails. Demographics Transport In the Przełęcz Karkonoska mountain pass, there is a pedestrian border crossing. Sport During the winter season the area hosts the Europacup in freestyle skiing and SnowJam, a professional snowboarding event. Some years, e.g. 2019, the Alpine Ski World Cup has been held here. In the surroundings there are many marked hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails. Wildwater canoeing is also common on the Elbe river. One of the most demanding natural tracks in Central Europe and the hardest in the Czech Republic is located here. Sights The main sights are the Church of Saints Peter and Paul from 1802 and reinforced concrete arch bridge from 1911. Notable people Anna K (born 1965), singer; raised here Franz Kafka stayed here for recreation in 1922 and began writing of his famous work The Castle. Twin towns – sister cities Špindlerův Mlýn is twinned with: Alanya, Turkey Podgórzyn, Poland References External links Official tourist portal Cities and towns in the Czech Republic Populated places in Trutnov District Ski areas and resorts in the Czech Republic Populated riverside places in the Czech Republic Populated places on the Elbe