Semily offers two distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: textile history and nature trails. The Nová přádelna building is part of an extensive complex dating from 1861, once one of the most important centers of the textile industry in the Podkrkonoší region. The guided tours of FABRIKA 1861 offer a unique way to explore this history, presenting 19th- and 20th-century industrial architecture, architectural and technical features, and the history of the textile industry.
Industrial History, Guided Tours and Exhibitions
The rooms of the Ludmila clock tower in the FABRIKA 1861 complex are also included in guided tours. All the rooms in FABRIKA 1861 are open to visitors during public events or private tours. Since access conditions may vary depending on the program, check the specific event or tour before your visit.
FABRIKA 1861 regularly hosts exhibitions. It also organizes concerts, festivals, parties and other events for the general public. The program may change, so if a particular date is important for your trip, check the relevant event in advance.
The exhibition “Healers of the Pojizeří and Podkrkonoší Regions” offers a personal perspective on regional history. It includes a detailed reconstruction of the treatment room of healer Květoslava Patočková from Semily, as well as an authentic recording of her voice. The exhibition focuses on more than 30 people from an area extending from Liberec to Trutnov and south to Jičín. Alongside a specific place of life and work, it also brings into focus people from a wider region.
Another cultural highlight is the Sbor Dr. Karla Farského in Semily. This expressive building has dynamically arranged structures and Gothic allusions in the form of a pointed arch. Inside are woodcarvings by Vladimír Komárek (1928–2002), including “Master Jan Hus at the Pulpit” and “Karel Farský Reflecting on the Holy Scriptures,” from 1958. The architecture and artwork can be viewed as two distinct aspects of the same building.
Hiking Trails and Scenery Along the Jizera
The Riegrova Trail starts in Semily and runs for 5 km via Bítouchov, the Jizera Valley and Podspálov. It passes through the landscape of the Galerie Natural Monument and the Údolí Jizery a Bítouchova Nature Reserve. One of the route’s distinctive features is a 77-meter-long hanging gallery offering views of the Jizera.
Another option is the green route “Zelená šlápota,” which passes the open-air exhibition “Cesta do pravěku.” Here, different ways of exploring come together: a longer route with a described course and landscape setting, and a trail that passes a named open-air exhibition.
When planning where to stay in Semily, consider whether a particular cultural event or the Riegrova Trail is the main reason for your trip. Check the specific program for a tour or event, and factor the hiking route into your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Mricna, Poniklá, Horni Branna, Paseky Nad Jizerou, Žernov U Semil, Mrklov, Končiny, Turnov
See the full travel overview: Okres Semily.
