Jizerské Mountains

Looming above the town of Liberec is Mount Ještěd with its famous TV tower and hotel. To the south rise the rock formations of the Czech Paradise area; to the east the first signs of the Krkonoše Mountains. The Jizerské Mountains fill a large area of the region; here you’ll find many stone and iron viewing towers, peat bogs and sprawling alpine meadows. However, people don’t travel here just for the region’s natural beauty and there are many other tourist attractions we could mention.

Some of the most popular are the zoo, botanical gardens and the Babylon Centre, all located in the city of Liberec. Then there are several castles and chateaux, most impressive among these being Frýdlant, the erstwhile residence of Albrecht von Wallenstein. Around the town German, Czech and Sorb cultures mix. There are burly half-timbered structures and villages drawn out along streams, some several kilometres long. Lázně Libverda, boasting its famous Giant Barrel Restaurant, and Hejnice, a place of pilgrimage sometimes called the Czech Mariazell, are gateways to the mysterious northern reaches of the Jizerské Mountains. This area is very different from the rounded peaks of the south. The north’s gorges, rock formations and viewing platforms called Ořešník, Paličník, Frýdlantské cimbuří and Ptačí kupy are great places to head for. The area’s numerous waterfalls such as Malý and Velký Štolpich are also impressive sights.

Babylon Centre in Liberec – This is an extensive entertainment complex containing an indoor water park in a Greco-Roman style, a Wellness Centre, the iQpark interactive education and entertainment centre, the largest mirror maze in Europe, a fun fair, hotel and numerous shops and eateries.

Liberec Zoo – Opened in 1919, the oldest zoo in the country focuses on the breeding of rare and endangered species. The white tiger, bred in Liberec since 1994, seals and elephants attract most attention from visitors. The zoo also includes a trail through the ecosystems of the Jizerské Mountains.

Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou – The exhibition traces the history of glassmaking in the town, which has a tradition going back several centuries. There are collections of glass, jewellery, coins, medals and plaques on display.

Ještěd – At the top of Mount Ještěd stand the famous hotel and Ještěd transmitter at an elevation of 1,012m. A cable car climbs to the top from Liberec and there’s also a well-known winter sports centre on the mountain side.

Frýdlant Castle complex – Between 1622 and 1634 the castle belonged to Albrecht von Wallenstein. In 1801 it was the first castle in central Europe to open its doors to the public. It is claimed Franz Kafka drew inspiration from this picturesque residence.

Lázně Libverda – The mineral-rich springs at this small spa town have been used since the 14th century. Weber, Jungmann, Kafka, Humboldt, Emperor Joseph II, Masaryk and many others have all taken the cure here. Near the spas you’ll find the well known Giant Barrel Restaurant.

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