THE JIZERA MOUNTAINS - ENTERTAINMENT AND TRIPS

In the surrounding districts there are a number of cycle paths, hiking and cross-country ski routes and many cultural and natural places of interest, e.g. the reservoirs of Černá Nisa (swimming), Josefův důl, Souš & Mšeno (swimming); the view towers of Královka, Bramberk, Černá Studnice, Petřín, Slovanka & Smrk(1124m, the highest peak on the Czech side of the Jizera Mountains), Špičák, Ještěd, the peat bogs of the Jizera Mountains with ponds and interpreted walks, the waterfalls of the Černý potok, the largest in the region, and the Štolpišský waterfall, etc.

The village of Kryštofovo údolí, a conservation area, is well-known for its collection of Nativity Scenes (housed in the U Kryštofa Restaurant). Lemberk Chateau (__) and Grabštejn Castle (__) are certainly worth a visit. Standing on the border of the Jizera and Krkonoše Mountains the highland village of Kořenov deserves a visit. The village is accessible by a rack and pinion railway (__), on the line from Tanvald to Harrachov. Nearby there is Štěpánka (__), the oldest view tower in the region. The Pěnčín Farm is very popular with visitors and families alike, and offers a glass polishing workshop and glass bead shop, tourist train rides, goat farm and sales of locally made cheese and glass beads.

Janov itself is a great place to start to get to know the nearby Krkonoše Mountains starting with Harrachov – 25km - the most significant mountain resort in the country and home to the impressive Mumlavské waterfalls. Frýdlant (__), with its impressive castle, is thirty kilometers away on a day trip to include the Souš reservoir and the spa town of lázně Libverda, where visitors can taste the medicinal mineral waters, visit the Great Barrel Restaurant and the pilgrims’ Basilica of Mary in Hejnice.

The Bohemian Paradise is dominated by the ruins of Trosky Castle, while the romantic chateaux of Sychrov (__), Humprecht, Valdštejn, Staré Hrady and Dětenice with its Medieval tavern are all within easy reach. For families with children the country play park at Šťastná země (__) offers original open air programs for children throughout the day, bouncy castle, dwarf village, ‘gold panning’ for real Czech garnets.

JANOV NAD NISOU

 In Janov itself the following amenities are available: Post Office, shop, year-round bobsleigh run (__), glassworks with shop and tours, children’s play area, horse-riding, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the sokolovna leisure centre, excellent transport links to the ski resorts of Severák and Bedřichov. In Winter a ski-bus run from just outside the Guest House to the centre of Bedřichov and Severák.

SEVERÁK (__) (3 km,excellent bus connection): ten ski-tows, ideal for children and beginners, night skiing, ski school, snowpark, cross-country skiing, cycle paths and hiking routes, Slovanka view tower, etc.

BEDŘICHOV

Bedrichov (__)1.5 km. Important summer and winter sports resort, extensive range of cycle, hiking and cross-country skiing routes. One of the most important annual events is the Jizerská padesátka, a fifty-kilometer cross-country skiing marathon, which starts in the village.

Other places of interest include the Královka view tower, Šámalova Cottage, Nová louka or Zámeček – an important crossing of country paths, a multitude of restaurants, the Bedřichov or Černá Nisa reservoirs (perfect for a quiet summer swim).

Bedřichov and Janov enjoy excellent public transport connections, with a ski-bus laid on in winter. The village boasts eight ski-tows, downhill skiing for all ages and abilities, night skiing, ski school, snow-bungee-rafting, snowtubing and snowkayaking & cross-country skiing, summer outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling, horse riding, etc.

ŠPIČÁK

Spicak  (__)13km – four-seater all-year chair-lift, five ski tows, night skiing, snowpark, sports equipment hire, view tower, etc.

JABLONEC NAD NISOU

Jablonec nad Nisou (__) 4 km – the Mšeno Reservoir (excellent swimming), tennis, squash, indoor swimming pool (flumes, sauna, whirlpool, wild river), bowling, gym, ice rink, the Střelnice & Břízky sports areas, Museum of Glass and Costume Jewellery (__), Petřín tower and restaurant, and the Černá Studnice hill, a wide range of significant buildings etc.

LIBEREC

10 km – Ještěd (__) (one of the most sought-after buildings in the country): skiing, cable car, toner hotel),  the Babylon amusement arcade (__) (aquapark, lunapark, IQ park), Liberec Zoo  (__)(white tigers), Botanical Gardens (__), indoor swimming pool (__), reservoir (excellent for swimming), paintball, bowling, a number of significant buildings including a Renaissance Chateau, Pseudo-Renaissance Town Hall, The North Bohemian Museum, churches and the F. X. Šaldy Theatre, etc.