** Explore the stunning beech forests, rocky viewpoints, and waterfalls on a 15 km hike across the Jizera Mountains. **
The Jizera Mountains are on the UNESCO list for a reason. This area is the first Czech natural monument on the list. The mountain area has a massive beech forest of over 27 km squared, plus the stunning northern slopes of the mountains, and tons of waterfalls. This hike is our top recommendation in the area to make sure you see all the best the Jizera Mountains has to offer.
Hike details
The hike begins in the town of Hejnice and is 15 km long. It takes around 5 to 6 hours. You will be walking through lots of hilly and rocky areas, so this hike isn’t for those with any mobility issues or new trekkers.
What you’ll see
Along the hike from Hejnice, you’ll make your way to the waterfalls on Černý potok, the rock lookouts Hajní kostel, Frýdlantské cimbuří, Polední kameny further around the waterfall Velký štolpich and another rock lookout Ořešník. Lace up those shoes and get started!
- You’ll begin the trek at the camp by the swimming pool in Hejnice. Follow the yellow tourist signage to begin. If you look up, on the hill you can see the rocky lookout Frýdlantské cimbuří. The path will gradually climb and you will enter the forest.
- At the crossroads "U liščí chaty" you will follow the green sign uphill. You’ve got the option here of shortening your journey by following an unmarked route, which will take you back to the green trail.
- You will start to meet the waterfalls that form on Černý potok. The green tourist sign will take you to the first rock lookout Hajní kostel. Follow the green signs until you reach the crossroads "Pod Frýdlantským cimbuřím". At the crossroads, turn onto the yellow path, which will take you to the Frýdlantské cimbuří and Polední kameny. When you enjoy the views, you can continue until you come to the crossroads "Smědavská hora silnice" by the road. Turn right in the direction of the "prameniště Bíleho potoka".
- At the spring of Bílý potok, you will find some benches to have a break. Continue on the road, which will take you to the green and after a while to the yellow route. You stick to the yellow until you reach the beautiful waterfall "Velký štolpich”. From here, follow the red sign.
- The red sign will take you to the Ořešník lookout. Ořešník offers an amazing view of the town of Hejnice. But be careful, if you're afraid of heights, stick to the railing. It’s not super fun in strong winds! You can continue from the Ořešník viewpoint. The road will take you down the hill to Hejnice. You can end the tour with a tour of the Hejnice church.
Tips and Tricks
- After the hike, you can have something to eat in the Hejnice monastery restaurant, which you will find right in the monastery next to the Hejnice church.
- Wear some good shoes! The hiking trail is pretty rocky.
- It gets windy up in the mountains, so we recommend bringing a good jacket.
- You get great views along the hike, so have your camera at the ready.
** Getting There **
- By Car: free parking available at the starting point. You can get to Hejnice either from the direction of the town of Frýdlant on the road number 290, or you can come from the other side from Tanvald.
- By Train: starting point is 13 min walk from Hejnice station. The hourly train runs from Liberec by direct connection or transfer in Raspenava.
** Route details **
Starting point: Camping Hejnice, 463 62 Hejnice, Czechia
- Signage: Follow the color-coded tourist signs that you find on the trees or on the stones. Each sign will take you to a signpost where it is written where the route leads.
- Map: available here
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The Jizera Mountains are full of rocky viewpoints and waterfalls. This route will take you to the best in the vicinity of Hejnice. Put on your hiking boots and don't forget your camera. It's time to enjoy it
— Local Czech traveler, @Luke_Tripwalker