Českolipsko and Jizerské Mountains

The Jizerské and Lužické Mountains, the Frýdlant enclave, Mount Ještěd and the so-called Mácha’s Country area – from this simple list of destinations it becomes obvious that in this region you can find a place of interest almost at every turn. Among the most popular sites are the region’s castles and chateaux, with Bezděz, Zákupy, Frýdlant and Houska leading the pack.

The region’s glassworks and glass museums remind visitors of its rich glassmaking tradition, the roots of which reach back to medieval times. Where there is mountainous terrain there’s also going to be great conditions for winter sports. In addition to downhill ski resorts you’ll also find countless cross-country skiing trails, one of the most popular being the Jizerská Route. Fans of summer bathing, tanning, water sports and sightseeing cruises will prefer Máchovo Lake; the surrounding rocky terrain attracts those in search of extreme sports fun. Of course this is ideal country for walkers and cyclists, especially when they choose viewing towers, the pride of the region, as their final destinations.

Liberec– The regional capital in the shadow of Mount Ještěd boasts fascinating period and contemporary architecture. The botanical gardens, the zoo with its rare white tigers and the Babylon Centre’s iQpark science centre , mirror maze , water park and fun fair are all definitely worth a visit.

Jablonec nad Nisou – This town boasts Art Nouveau buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region’s glassmaking traditions are the focus of the Museum of Glass and Jewellery. There are superb views of Jablonec from the town hall tower in the town centre.

Ještěd – One of the dominant features of North Bohemia (1012m), Ještěd has a 90m-tall TV tower, a restaurant with a view and a hotel built by architect K. Hubáček in 1973. A cable car climbs from Liberec to the top of Ještěd; on the approaches to the mountain there is a ski jump arena.

Bezděz Castle – This Gothic castle and palace, featuring a burgrave’s house and a 30m-tall viewing tower, dominates the area of the country dubbed Mácha’s Country. One of the architectural highlights is the early Gothic chapel.

Castle complex at Frýdlant – This is an exquisitely preserved example of a medieval castle which has been combined with a Renaissance chateau. In 1800 it became the first castle in central Europe to open its doors to the paying public.

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