In Liberec District, the terrain ranges from 208 metres in the north to 1,124 metres at Smrk, the highest mountain in the Jizera Mountains. The mountain slopes have ski lifts and cross-country skiing trails; hiking and cycling are also possible activities there. Nature can also be found in the protected areas: Čertova zeď is a national natural monument, while Rašeliniště Jizery, Jezevčí vrch, Karlovské bučiny and Jizerskohorské bučiny are national nature reserves. Jizerskohorské bučiny is also listed as a UNESCO natural heritage site. The first observation tower on Smrk was built in 1892.
Trails between a pond and the Jizera Mountains
The nature trail in the Vesec Valley runs for about two kilometres around Vesec Pond. Seven information boards cover wetland habitats and rare or endangered species. The pond is also known by the local name Tajch. It is used for swimming and walking, and its beach is freely accessible. This nature-focused walk therefore also offers a place to swim and stroll by the water.
Another option is the easy, four-kilometre route “From Lidové sady to Ruprechtice, or a little forest and a little city”. It passes through the Jizera Mountains, by the forest swimming pool and the Church of U Obrázku. The two trails differ in both length and focus: the Vesec loop circles a pond and explores wetlands, while the route to Ruprechtice combines forest and city and includes two named stops. To get to the starting point of the route from Lidové sady to Ruprechtice, take tram 2 or 3 from the centre of Liberec; bus 25 is intended for the end of the route. Check the timetable before travelling.
Castles and châteaux with stories of their own
Grabštejn was founded as a border fortress in the second half of the 13th century and was intended to protect a trade route from Bohemia to Lusatia. Visitors can climb the former keep and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape; access depends on the site’s opening arrangements. In the Chapel of St Barbara, wall paintings cover the entire surface. Visitor offerings include two tours and experience tours for children; the programme may vary seasonally.
The château museum in Frýdlant opened in 1801 and is considered the oldest château museum in Central Europe. Exhibits include a collection of weapons from the Thirty Years’ War and an armoury. Lemberk offers a different focus: its features include Baroque stucco decorations, Zdislava’s room, a knights’ hall, a black kitchen and a coffered ceiling dating from 1610. Sychrov, meanwhile, is a Neo-Gothic château that served as the residence of the French Rohan family and preserves original furnishings and extensive woodcarvings. It is open to the public year-round. Guided tours for children take place in July and August; cultural events, concerts and exhibitions are also held throughout the year. The programme may vary by season.
Českodubsko is associated with preserved folk architecture and Sychrov Château. Hrádecko is linked to the Kristýna recreation centre and nearby Grabštejn Castle. The Frýdlantský výběžek is associated with Frýdlant Château. The cultural range thus extends from a border fortress and its trade route to a museum and weapons collection, as well as château interiors with a variety of styles and features.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Albrechtice U Frýdlantu, Chrastava, Raspenava, Cesky Dub, Hejnice, Letarovice, Rynoltice, Vselibice, Zaskali, Jablonné V Podjestedí, Svetla Pod Jestedem, Doubi, Dolni Rasnice, Vrtky, Osecna, Fojtka, Křižany, Prosec Pod Jestedem, Jeřmanice, Nová Ves U Chrastavy, Bílý Kostel Nad Nisou, Bulovka, Chotyně, Dětřichov, Dlouhý Most, Hodkovice Nad Mohelkou, Hrádek Nad Nisou, Janův Důl, Kobyly, Bílá, Kryštofovo Údolí, Kunratice, Lázně Libverda, Nové Město Pod Smrkem, Stráž Nad Nisou, Višňová U Frýdlantu, Pěnčín U Turnova, Bílý Potok, Černousy, Cetenov, Čtveřín, Jindřichovice Pod Smrkem, Hlavice, Oldřichov V Hájích, Heřmanice U Frýdlantu, Pertoltice, Horní Řasnice, Janovice V Podještědí, Svijanský Újezd, Krásný Les, Lažany, Paceřice, Soběslavice, Příšovice, Radimovice, Svijany, Šimonovice, Zdislava, Žďárek, Horení Paseky, Frýdlant, Reichenberg, Mníšek.
For the overview of the wider area: Reichenberg.
