Nestled into the Jizera Mountains is a church and national monument. Enter inside for a tour and uncover the local legend.
Church Hejnice (“Kostel Hejnice”) has been around since the 12th century, but it’s definitely levelled up over the years. Once, this place was just a small wooden chapel, now it’s one of the prettiest churches in the region known for the sculptures it holds inside. The church is a great starting point when you’re exploring the Jizera Mountains!
The Local Legend of Church Hejnice
Tucked away in Hejnice, Church Hejnice is the site of a local legend. Long ago, a poor craftsman lived with his sick wife and child in a nearby village. One day, he was searching for wood in the Hejnice forest and he fell asleep beneath lime trees beside the Smědá river. It’s said the craftsman dreamt of an angel who told him he was in a holy place and, if he returned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, then his family would be healed. According to legend, it worked! Ever since, people have gathered here to pray.
What to see
- Art exhibit: Kostel Hejnice is home to the exhibitions of Hejnice Creche in the 18th century. While the artist is unknown, they were probably a local as you’ll soon see from the daily lives captured in the paintings.
- Guided Tours: The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary offers guided tours. A tour of the church is available everyday, but you need to prebook by calling + (420) 482 360 211. Tours last for 60 minutes and are available in Czech, German, and English.
- The Monastery: Kostel Hejnice had its boom in the 17th century. Seriously, 7000+ people gathered here all the time for pilgrimages. As the community grew, the Franciscan monks built a monastery to the end of the church. Here you’ll find a wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary from 1380, plus statues of saints, and a column from the 17th century.
- The Jizera Mountains: Church Jejnice is located near tons of waterfalls, peaks and viewpoints. Some of the best places to visit near here are Ořešník, Frýdlantské cimbuří, and Polední kameny. This area is known as the Jizera Mountains and it’s definitely not a place to miss!
Tips and Tricks
- Complete the hike around Hejnice for the best views!
** Getting There **
- By Car: free parking in front of the church. You can get to Hejnice either from the direction of the town of Frýdlant on the road number 290, or you can take it from the other side from Tanvald.
- By Train: The hourly train runs from Liberec by a direct connection or by transfer in Raspenava.
Open everyday 10:00 to 16:00
All seasons
Adults 70CZK, Kids 20CZK, discount rates available. Free tours in Czech - 100CZK for English/German
Open.
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When I arrived in Hejnice for the first time, the magical atmosphere of this place immediately breathed on me. This amazing temple surrounded by mountains seems to say that a lot has already happened here. Take a walk through the nearby rock vistas and enjoy the view of this building from a height. At the end of the trip, come to the church and visit the monastery restaurant.
— Local Czech traveler, @Luke_Tripwalker