Hiking tips in Jizera Mountains
Make the most of the great location of Penzion pod kopcem and explore many beautiful places in the Jizera Mountains. Whether it is summer or winter, there is always something to do even if the weather turns bad. Get inspired by our hiking tips that should not be missing in your itinerary.
Jizerská magistrála - cross-country skiing trails
For decades the Jizera Mountains have attracted enthusiasts and cross-country skiing professionals from all corners of the Czech Republic and abroad. Nearly 200km of trails are enjoyed both by lovers of classical style and by skaters. Thanks to the variety of terrains and to the plentiful circuits of different lengths it satisfies even the most demanding skiers but also beginners in cross-country skiing. From the white trail of the Jizera Mountains, sport stars like Standa Řezáč or Kateřina Smutná came into being. If you feel like it, you can measure your strength at the prestigious race - Jizerská 50, which takes place every year in the footsteps of the Jizerská magistrála.
Ski arena Jizerky
Take advantage of the network of the ski resorts Tanvaldský Špičák, Bedřichov and Severák! Thanks to the integrated check-in system, you can move between these centers without restrictions. But it does not end with a common ski pass. For your comfort you can use the shuttle bus, which operates between the centers 3 times a day on the route Jablonec n / N -Janov n / N - Bedřichov - Severák - Tanvaldský Špičák and back
Mšeno reservoir
The Jablonec dam is undoubtedly one of the pearls of the Liberec Region and rightly holds the primacy as the largest urban water area in Central Europe. This monumental construction was originally part of the flood protection measures and caused considerable disputes among the inhabitants. Later the reservoir began to be used for recreational and sporting purposes and currently offers a pleasant base for active and passive leisure.
Bike park Tanvaldský Špičák
One-way downhill bike trails with a total length of 8 km offer a dose of adrenaline to beginners and experienced bikers. There are three difficulty levels - blue, red and black. To starting point of all trails you can get by bike along the road from Albrechtice, or use the cable car directly from the parking lot.
Prezidentská chalet
"Prezidentská" chalet has an impressive history. Most likely it is the oldest lodge serving the original purposes in Jizera mountains. Since its opening in 1929, it has not only served the Association of Friends of Nature (Naturfreundenhaus / the Friends of Nature Association House), but after several years also as a recreational facility to the staff of the Prague Castle. The lodge was not open to the public, it was not even marked on tourist maps, and the access road was closed off with a barrier. Only after about 50 years, the lodge was once again open to the public and all passers-by. Today you can enjoy there traditional Czech delicacies or observe nature from a saddle of one of the stallions or mares from the local stable.
Josefův Důl reservoir
The dam is one of the youngest dams built here. To its visitors it offers picturesque views and a moderately shaped tourist loop with many trails and paths. However, bathing is prohibited in this area as the reservoir serves as a drinking water supply. Water from there is led through a long underground pipe to the water treatment plant in Bedřichov, which then supplies Liberec and Jablonec with the treated water.
Observation tower and restaurant Královka
The Královka observation tower, formerly known as Königshöhe, is a 24-meter-high stone building standing on the hill of Nekras (859m.n.m.). It was built in 1907 and replaced the original wooden tower, which burnt down in 1906. In recent years, the whole area has gone through a large scale revitalization process and offers a wonderful view with a stylish dining room, a playground or a chance to meet the breed of cattle called Highlander, grazing on the adjacent meadows. In winter or summer, this place is a well-deserved rest for tired cross-country skiers, bikers or hikers.
Bramberk lookout tower and restaurant
Yet another tower of the Jizera Mountains is Bramberk. The original wooden tower was closed very often due to the lack of finance and bad weather. It was thus replaced by this 21 meter high stone lookout tower. It was opened in 1912 until 2008, when the private owner made it unavailable to the public. It gained new fame only two years later, when the lookout tower fell into the ownership of the town of Lučany and was reopened to the general public.
Slovanka lookout tower
The Slovanka lookout tower is an 11-meter-high cast-iron structure originally from Vienna, built on stone foundations. The total height is 14 meters. It is the oldest iron lookout tower in Bohemia. It was assembled only by three workers in just 17 days. It was opened in 1887 and thanks to the voluntary admission fee on the celebration day, more money than the total cost of the entire building, including transport, was collected. The lookout tower was well maintained until World War II. Then, however, slowly deteriorated and the entrance was enabled for visitors at their own risk only. Eventually, in 1997, it was completely closed. Hope came back in 1999, when the lookout tower was declared a technical monument and reopened a year later.
Ruptured dam
A huge disaster is associated with the dam in Desná, now known as the "Protržená" dam. Built in 1915 to protect residents from flooding, this reservoir ultimately caused the end of 67 human lives. The whole work served only 10 months before accidental passers-by noticed slight leaks in the dam's body. But before anyone could intervene, it was too late. After many years of litigation, the blame was attributed to a geological failure that was at a depth where geological probes did not have to be carried out at that time.
Jizerka settlement
Mysterious history, pure nature and charm of wooden farms - this is the village Jizerka, in the past famous as a place where sapphires, emeralds, rubies and other precious gems were found. Maybe you are lucky and even nowadays will find your glittering stone in the banks of the Jizerka.
Museum of wooden toys production DETOA
Explore the traditional production of wooden toys. In an hour-long commented excursion you will learn all from selecting and processing wood to assembling the finished product. At the end of the tour, children can make their own wooden toy from the ready-made components in the creative workshop.
Swimming pool in Jablonec nad Nisou
The swimming pool in Jablonec nad Nisou is fun for the whole family. There is a wild river, two water slides, a whirlpool and a steam bath with a cooling pool. Sporty people can enjoy the 25m long swimming pool with 8 lanes.
Indoor climbing arena Makak
One of the largest climbing halls in the Czech Republic. On the area of 2000m2 there are over 150 climbing routes of various difficulty levels and currently there are also three self-locking devices for anyone who goes on the wall alone, or who still does not dare to belay. The advantage is also a separate boulder wall with holds just above the ground, which can be climbed safely even without belaying. All equipment is on site for hire and beginners will be assisted by an experienced instructor. The facility has a small restaurant with a rich selection of drinks and small meals.
Štěpánka lookout tower
Štěpánka Lookout Tower is a 24-meter-high stone building on Hvězda Hill in the district of Jablonec nad Nisou. It is built in the neo-gothic style and although its construction began in 1847, it was completed and opened to the public in August 1892.