Protected areas, mountain landscapes and craft traditions shape the Liberec Region. For your trip to Liberec, it is worth exploring these contrasts: in the Jizera Mountains, nature takes in everything from mountains and peat bogs to scattered settlements; in the Crystal Valley, by contrast, the focus is on glassmaking and jewellery. Castles, a castle park and a lake with seasonal boat services also offer different ways to experience the region.

Protected areas and mountain landscapes

The Krkonoše National Park is in the Liberec Region. It is joined by five Protected Landscape Areas (CHKO): České středohoří, Jizerské hory, Lužické hory, Kokořínsko – Máchův kraj and Český ráj. The Jizerské hory Protected Landscape Area encompasses the mountains and their foothills between Liberec, Frýdlant, Nové Město pod Smrkem, Kořenov, Tanvald and Jablonec nad Nisou. The Jizera Mountains preserve original mountain spruce forests, peat bogs, meadows and pastures, as well as scattered rural settlements.

UNESCO recognition also highlights different aspects of the region: in 2021, the Jizerskohorské bučiny National Nature Reserve was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe” site. Český ráj in the Liberec Region is part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Nature-related themes thus range from the landscape itself to its special protection and international recognition.

Exploring the Jizera Mountains

At 1,124 metres, Smrk is the highest mountain in the Czech part of the Jizera Mountains. From its viewpoint, you can see towards Poland, the Frýdlantsko region, the Krkonoše Mountains and the northern part of the Jizera Mountains. Visitors who want to get to know the Jizerka area better can follow educational trails. Jizerka combines scattered settlement with Bukovec and the Rašeliniště Jizerky peat bog.

A route to the Jizera River passes through a former primeval forest and can be combined with visits to the Klečové louky and Na Čihadle peat bogs. This route and the educational trails near Jizerka offer different points of interest: the former focuses on a path through an ancient forest and other peat bogs, while the latter introduces the landscape around Jizerka.

Glass, architecture and regional stories

The architectural heritage of the Liberec Region includes preserved folk architecture, as well as industrial and residential buildings associated with the textile and glass industries. In the Crystal Valley, personal encounters with glassmakers and jewellers are at the heart of the experience, made possible by access to glassworks, glass factories and other businesses. The Muzeum Českého ráje in Turnov has exhibitions devoted to sandstone rock climbing and minerals, including Czech garnets.

The region’s themes range from crafts and industrial history to rock formations and minerals. At the museum, exhibitions introduce you to sandstone climbing and Bohemian garnets; in the Crystal Valley, the focus is on glassmakers, jewellers and their businesses.

Castles, a castle park and excursions

Trosky Castle stands on an isolated volcanic rock formation. It was founded on basalt rock in the late 14th century. The basic route at Lemberk Castle includes the Bajkový sál, with a Renaissance coffered ceiling dating from 1610. Check before your trip whether this route is currently available. At Sychrov Castle, the Zámek knížete Kamila route takes in the interiors of the Rohan family’s summer residence from the second half of the 19th century; here too, it is worth checking current route availability.

Sychrov Castle also has an English-style park with paths and walkways leading to viewing pavilions and benches. At Máchovo jezero, visitors can take sightseeing boat trips and go for walks around the lake; boat services may vary by season. In Český ráj, ski areas and cross-country trails are available when winter conditions are suitable. Lake excursions, castle visits and winter sports therefore differ not only in theme but also in their seasonal conditions.

For tourist orientation, five areas are distinguished: Lužické hory, Jizerské hory, Krkonoše, Český ráj and Máchův kraj. The European long-distance hiking routes E10 and E3 pass through Lužické hory. Check current route conditions before setting out if you plan to follow these trails.

Discover more destinations: Liberec District, Semily District, Česká Lípa District, Jablonec nad Nisou District, Olomouc, Hradec Králové, Pilsen, Central Bohemia.

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