5 One-Day Cycling Trips
The Liberec Region offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes within a relatively small area. In a short space of time, you can move from the dramatic rock scenery of Bohemian Paradise to the mountain ridges of the Krkonoše and Jizera Mountains, the peaceful valleys of the Lusatian Mountains and the pine forests and ponds of the Mácha Region. We have prepared five tips for one-day cycling trips that will take you through some of the most interesting places in the region. Expect iconic landmarks, far-reaching views, technical curiosities, glassmaking traditions and plenty of places to enjoy a well-earned break along the way. Just get on your bike and set off to explore.
To the Highest Peak of Bohemian Paradise
Our circuit across the highest mountain in Bohemian Paradise begins on the outskirts of Rovensko pod Troskami, which is easy to reach by train with your bike. From here, the route climbs gradually along cycle paths through Tatobity to Kozákov – steeper in some places, gentler in others, but with wide views across the surrounding countryside for much of the way. After the demanding climb to the summit, you will certainly have earned a short break and something good to eat. On a clear day, the reward is a panorama stretching as far as the ridges of the Krkonoše and Jizera Mountains.
The descent then takes you back through Záhoří and Koberovy to Besedice. From here comes one of the most picturesque sections of the entire route – the road beneath the Klokočí Rocks, whose massive sandstone walls look particularly impressive and take on a completely different character as the light changes throughout the day. This is a section worth slowing down for and simply enjoying the atmosphere. From the Klokočí Rocks, continue through Kvítkovice, then follow the final signs back comfortably to Rovensko pod Troskami. The route runs mainly on asphalt, smooth in some sections and rougher in others.
Along the Ridges of the Western Krkonoše Mountains
For anyone looking for a proper mountain challenge with breathtaking panoramas, the western Krkonoše Mountains are an ideal choice. This circuit is approximately 43 kilometres long, and one of its great advantages is that it can be reached comfortably by train – something you will appreciate again at the end of the route. The cable car is around four kilometres from the railway station. Right at the start, you can make the demanding climb considerably easier by taking your bike with you on the cable car up Čertova hora in Harrachov. From the summit, follow the ridge via Studenov and the well-known Ručičky junction to the Dvoračky mountain chalet. A stop here is almost compulsory, as the famous local blueberry dumplings simply have to be tasted.
After a hearty lunch, a well-deserved long descent awaits along the green-marked cycle route to Rokytnice nad Jizerou. As you ride across Sachrův hřeben, magnificent views of the entire Rokytnice valley begin to open up. The route leads to the iconic forest park with the Viewpoints on Stráž, whose unique architecture is well worth exploring. If you decide to visit the forest park, please leave your bikes below the viewing structures and walk up on foot. Continue from here to Jablonec nad Jizerou, followed by a long climb that will test you on the way to Vysoké nad Jizerou. Your effort is immediately rewarded with views across the opposite side of the mountain range. Through picturesque Paseky nad Jizerou, where the local restaurant invites a welcome break, join the forest road known as Planýrka. It follows the rushing Jizera River all the way back to the railway station in Mýtiny.
Through a Landscape of Viewpoints and Peat Bogs
Where better to begin a cycling trip through the Jizera Mountains than in Bedřichov? The starting point of this roughly 26-kilometre circuit is easy to reach from both Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou by bus no. 395, which also carries bicycles. The first stop along the route is the Královka hotel and lookout tower, an ideal place for a short break and to enjoy the surrounding landscape. The route then continues along the Hrabětické louky nature trail. In Hrabětice, turn left and head directly to the monumental dam of the Josefův Důl Reservoir.
Follow the yellow hiking trail, which runs alongside the cycle route, and you will reach the picturesque glassmaking settlement of Kristiánov. Its last preserved building now houses an engaging exhibition telling the story of this historic settlement. Next comes a climb to the observation tower at Čihadlo. Viewpoints are an essential part of cycling in the Jizera Mountains, with countless places to stop and look out across the surrounding forests. The route continues along the ridge past the Krásná Máří viewpoint – we definitely recommend getting off your bike here for a moment, as the view down towards Hejnice is well worth it. From the viewpoint, you gradually begin to return towards Bedřichov via the Hřebínek junction and the iconic Šámalova chata at Nová Louka, the perfect place to reward yourself with an excellent meal before the end of the trip.
Hidden Corners of the Holany Ponds
If you want to escape the crowds in the Mácha Region and enjoy a peaceful landscape dotted with water, swap the shores of Mácha Lake for the system of Holany Ponds. This easy circuit, approximately 24 kilometres long, begins at the Baroque Zahrádky Chateau, surrounded by an extensive chateau park. From here, follow quiet roads towards the village of Holany. The route takes you past Holanský and Milčanský ponds, the latter tempting you to cool off during the summer months.
Hrázský Pond cannot be reached directly by bike, but a short walk to the old stone bridge decorated with statues of a maiden and a water sprite is definitely worthwhile. Continue through the settlement of Malý Bor to Stvolínky, then head towards Kozly. The route passes the Skleněné vodopády waterfalls and the ruins of Kvítkov Castle before reaching the village of the same name. From here, descend into the valley to the Karba junction, with only a short distance remaining back to Zahrádky. At the very end of the trip, we strongly recommend a walk through the chateau gardens, or you can extend your ride with a short detour to the nearby Novozámecký Pond.
In Search of the Glass Masters of the Lusatian Mountains
Our journey through the picturesque Lusatian Mountains starts right at the gates of Lemberk Chateau. This is both the beginning and end of the roughly 40-kilometre route, and you can arrive here with your bike by train. Before setting off, you can tour the chateau interiors or climb the tower for a superb view. Then follow the St Zdislava Cycle Route past the spring bearing her name to Jablonné v Podještědí, where the monumental Basilica of St Lawrence and St Zdislava immediately catches the eye. From here, the route continues to the picturesque village of Brniště, known for its themed trails such as the Glass Trail and the Water Sprite Trail. Another fascinating stop is Pekelné doly, the largest sandstone underground complex in Europe, popular with motorcyclists and filmmakers alike.
From here, it is only a short ride to discover the area’s glassmaking tradition. The first stop is the renowned AJETO glassworks in Lindava with its unique Glass Tavern, where you can watch master glassmakers at work. From Lindava, continue to Kunratice u Cvikova, home to Pačinek Glass. We definitely recommend stopping at their Glass Garden and visiting the Crystal Temple exhibition in the local church, whose atmosphere is immediately captivating. Passing Dolní and Horní ponds, continue through pleasant countryside to the village of Mařenice. Here the circuit slowly begins to close, and after the final section through Heřmanice v Podještědí and Lada v Podještědí, you return to Jablonné and then to Lemberk Chateau.
