Maple Mountains, Mountain range in Moravia, Czech Republic and Slovakia
Maple Mountains, also known as Biele Karpaty or White Carpathians, form a mountain range along the border between Moravia in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The ridge runs through forested slopes and open meadows, broken by deep valleys and mountain passes.
The name of the range comes from the maple trees that have grown across the region for centuries, marking a natural line between Moravia and Slovakia. Over time, this ridge separated different kingdoms and political territories that developed on each side.
Villages on both sides of the border share similar building traditions in wood and stone that are still visible today in the valleys. The mountain meadows and forest clearings have been used by local communities for generations, following the rhythm of the seasons.
The range is served by a network of marked hiking trails on both sides of the border, connecting peaks, valleys, and passes. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, so sturdy footwear and layered clothing are worth bringing regardless of the season.
The range forms a major European watershed, dividing the drainage basins of the Oder River and the Danube system. Rain that falls on one side of the ridge eventually flows toward the North Sea, while water on the other side reaches the Adriatic.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
