Vysoké nad Jizerou offers several reasons to stay: its theatre tradition and folk art sit alongside a long history of skiing. Outdoor options include a route around three kilometres long and winter activities in Šachty. When planning, it is worth distinguishing recurring events from activities that depend on the weather and season.
Theatre tradition and town history
Krakonošův divadelní podzim is an annual festival of rural theatre companies, regularly held in Vysoké nad Jizerou in mid-October. Check the exact dates before your trip. The stone Church of St Catherine also tells the story of several building phases: it was built around an older wooden church between 1725 and 1734; a porch was added in 1817.
The Divadelní okruh starts in the town square. It was established on 17 August 1986 as part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the local amateur theatre. Another historical milestone is 1905, when the first ski-jumping competitions were held in Vysoké nad Jizerou. Several ski jumps were built later, including one in Šachty.
Nativity art and views
The Vlastivědné muzeum was founded in 1930. It houses Jan Metelka “Kovárenský’s” restored moving nativity scene from Sklenařice. Created between 1878 and 1914, it is considered an outstanding work of folk art. As access and exhibitions may change, check before your visit whether the nativity scene is on display.
Behind the Divadlo Krakonoš lie the Městské sady, also known as Park básníků. Its pavilion features a relief map of the Czech and Polish sides of the Krkonoše Mountains. The park also offers panoramic views of the mountains. The prominent peak Kotel is also known as Kokrháč. Visibility of the panorama depends on the weather.
Out and about on foot or in the snow
The Skijácká stezka is about three kilometres long and follows paved paths and forest trails. It is intended for walkers and cyclists, particularly families with children and pushchairs. Three play features with ball runs teach children about the cycle of life in nature through play. The route combines an outdoor walk with small activity stations. Seasonal maintenance may vary, and individual play features may need maintenance. Check the route conditions and the state of the play stations before your visit.
The Šachty ski area lies on the edge of Vysoké nad Jizerou. Its listed facilities include a 900 m-long anchor lift, four children’s lifts and a beginner ski park on Petruškovy vrchy. Several loop trails are laid out for cross-country skiing; marked racing courses are 1 to 3 km long. The lift and beginner park are winter options distinct from the cross-country trails. Snow and grooming are seasonal, and the ski area’s facilities may change. Check conditions and the current configuration before your trip.
Events and local growing history
Vysocká pouť is a traditional pilgrimage event. The main programme takes place on náměstí Dr. Karla Kramáře, with the accompanying programme at Divadlo Krakonoš. Check the event dates and programme before your trip.
The history of local cultivation is another of the town’s distinctive features. Vysocké zelí is associated with more than 100 years of raising cabbage seedlings, known as hlavatka. In Vysoké nad Jizerou, theatre, folk art, historic buildings and regional traditions come together, while winter activities offer a separate, season-dependent travel choice.
Discover more destinations: Morcinov, Chutnovka, Libštát, Horka U Staré Paky, Peřimov, Olešnice, Stružinec, Krckovice-Hrubá Skála
Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Semily.
