The Jizera and its tributaries—the Mumlava, Jizerka, Oleška and Kamenice—shape deep valleys in Semily District, with numerous hiking trails running through them. The Kamenický Trail runs along the upper edge of the Jizera Valley and offers views of the landscape from several rocky viewpoints, including Myší skála. The Riegrova Trail offers a different experience: it passes through the Galerie natural monument and the Údolí Jizery and Bítouchova nature reserves. Along these trails, you’ll encounter both rocky viewpoints and protected natural areas.

The wider landscape also brings nature together with visible traces of regional architectural heritage, including timbered houses, bell towers, crosses and small monuments of folk architecture. The Semilsko travel region lies in the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains and forms the northeastern part of Český ráj. Within Český ráj, Kozákov is the highest mountain; from its viewpoint, the panorama stretches far across the surrounding area. This combination of sweeping views and small details of everyday life shapes the character of the region’s discoveries.

The area offers hiking routes of different lengths. KČT Semily maintains approximately 100 kilometres of hiking trails in its Semilsko service area. Semily also has a loop of about nine kilometres, mostly along asphalt and firm-surface paths, which is recommended for families with pushchairs. The approximate distance and described surfaces give you a practical guide; no specific walking time is provided for the route.

Rock formations, castle ruins and trails

Trosky Castle is a late-14th-century ruin built on two volcanic basalt rocks. Its towers are named Baba and Panna. A bus will take you as far as Hrubá Skála, Borek; from there, the blue-marked trail continues for another 3.5 kilometres on foot. Direct connections are available from Turnov, Jičín, Hradec Králové and Liberec. As timetables may change, check your connection before travelling. Marked trails also lead to the castle from Sobotka, Hrubá Skála, Valdštejn, Borecké skály and Podtrosecké rybníky.

The Bozkov Dolomite Caves offer a different kind of landscape experience: the well-known cave system extends for more than 1,000 metres and is the largest in northeastern Bohemia. The contrast between underground geology, river valleys and viewpoints makes the region’s varied natural features easy to appreciate.

Museums and regional crafts

In Semily, the Muzeum a Pojizerská galerie combines art and themed exhibitions with fairs, as well as permanent exhibitions about notable people from Semily and the region’s past. The programme may change, so check what is currently on display before visiting. Gallery XY focuses on regional art and crafts. It also hosts craft workshops and opportunities to meet artisans; this programme may change too.

The Muzeum techniky in Háje nad Jizerou focuses on the history of technology. Its exhibits include vintage cars and motorcycles, stationary engines, cameras and radios. The Muzeum drahých kamenů – Votrubcův lom combines an exhibition about gemstones with the opportunity to visit the quarry. Check the arrangements for visiting the quarry in advance. In Turnov, the Muzeum Českého ráje presents geological and mineralogical collections, demonstrations of gemstone cutting, historic jewellery-making and a permanent exhibition on mountaineering. Exhibition content may change.

The Muzeum pilníků in Semily offers another glimpse into local history, at an authentic site of former file production. Check access arrangements before your visit. You can also discover glassmaking hands-on: Harrachov Glassworks offers tours of the glassworks and glass-related activities in the glass museum’s workshop. Tour arrangements may change, so it is advisable to enquire in advance.

Exploring in winter too

In Semily, the Nad nádražím ski area has a 400-metre slope with a platter lift. It also offers ski and snowboard lessons and evening skiing. Check current operating conditions and snow conditions before making plans. This lets you choose between hiking trails, museums, viewpoints and a possible day of skiing, without limiting your trip to just one kind of experience.

Discover more destinations

Vítkovice V Krkonoších, Harrachov, Benecko, Bradlecka Lhota, Burany, Horni Branna, Jablonec Nad Jizerou, Jilemnice, Lomnice Nad Popelkou, Nová Ves Nad Popelkou, Paseky Nad Jizerou, Poniklá, Rochlitz An Der Iser, Rovensko Pod Troskami, Semily, Hochstadt An Der Iser, Tatobity, Turnov, Vichova Nad Jizerou, Vysoke Nad Jizerou, Bozkov, Bukovina U Turnova, Dolni Stepanice, Háje Nad Jizerou, Horní Dusnice, Hruba Skala, Jesenný, Jestrabi V Krkonosich, Krckovice-Hrubá Skála, Martinice V Krkonosich, Morcinov, Mricna, Mrklov, Prikry, Rychlov, Troskovice, Loukov Nad Jizerou, Stepanovice, Zalesni Lhota, Kostalov, Mirova Pod Kozakovem, Roprachtice, Slana, Kruh, Studenec, Roztoky U Semil, Valterice, Ohrazenice, Rakousy, Karlovice, Ktová, Syřenov, Veselá, Benešov U Semil, Bělá U Staré Paky, Čistá U Horek, Libštát, Žernov U Semil, Přepeře, Roztoky U Jilemnice, Vyskeř, Stružinec, Bítouchov, Bukovina U Čisté, Bystrá Nad Jizerou, Záhoří U Semil, Holenice, Horka U Staré Paky, Chuchelna, Kacanovy, Klokočí U Turnova, Radostná Pod Kozákovem, Levínská Olešnice, Loučky, Modřišice, Olešnice, Peřimov, Svojek, Končiny, Štěpanická Lhota, Podmoklice, Václaví, Košov, Pelešany, Chutnovka, Prackov, Sekerkovy Loučky

For the wider travel overview: Liberec.