Long Weekend? Head North!
This autumn brings several opportunities to stretch the weekend by an extra day or two – and it would be a shame to spend them at home. We have therefore put together a three-day itinerary that takes you to Liberec, the Jizera Mountains and Bohemian Paradise, combining autumn trips with culture, glassmaking, good food and a little relaxation.
Where Better to Start than Liberec
And where better to begin than in Liberec itself? Although one of the city’s most beautiful streets, Masarykova, is currently undergoing reconstruction, you can still reach the North Bohemian Museum MUZA without any difficulty. Here you can explore the permanent exhibition Beauty + Utility, dedicated to European applied art, the natural history exhibition Touches of the North, Liberec Fragments about the history of the city, or the interactive exhibition of mechanical musical instruments. In autumn 2026, these are complemented by exhibitions such as Castles around Liberec and EVERYTHING WE WANTED, which looks back at the phenomenon of the Liberec Exhibition Markets.
And you definitely should not miss the climb up the 41-metre museum tower. Along the way, you will pass the 26-metre glass ladder Climax Paradisi by the Salanský brothers, while at the top you will be rewarded with views of Liberec, the Jizera Mountains and the Ještěd Ridge.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the museum, you will find the Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in Czechia. Within moments, its greenhouses transport you from autumn in Liberec to the tropics – among palms, orchids, carnivorous plants, cacti and giant water lilies. And if you are travelling with children, they are sure to enjoy the aquariums filled with colourful fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world.
After visiting the museum and botanical garden, it is definitely time for coffee and something good to eat. In Liberec, you will be spoilt for choice. Directly opposite the museum, stop at Kavárna Lázně, located in the former municipal baths, where you can enjoy speciality coffee from Liberec-based Nordbeans together with something from their own bakery.
For another coffee stop, head to Jedno v Paláci in the beautiful interiors of Liebieg Palace. Until 31 October, you can also combine your visit with the exhibition What a Bonnet! Krkonoše Beads on Festive Costumes at Galerie Johann, which shows the role tiny glass beads played in festive folk costumes not only here, but also in other countries.
And if you prefer to stay right in the city centre, have a coffee at Fofr Kafe on Dr E. Beneš Square. Alongside speciality coffee and sweet and savoury snacks, you will have Liberec Town Hall practically within reach.
And if the weather is on your side, there is no better place to end the day in Liberec than watching the sunset from Ještěd.
Autumn Colours on Jizerka
On the second day, swap the city for the mountains and head to Jizerka. One of the highest-altitude settlements in Czechia is beautiful in every season, but autumn suits it particularly well. You can enjoy an easy nine-kilometre walk, taking you through the entire settlement and all the way to the Jizerka Peat Bog. And if the walk is not enough and you would like to see the settlement from above, climb to the top of Bukovec.
After a few kilometres, hunger will inevitably set in, but you will not have to go far for good food. Right in the settlement, you can stop at Panský dům or Pyramida, where classic homemade dishes are served. If you are looking for something a little different, head down from Jizerka to Celnice Kořenov. This is more than just a café – you can have coffee, choose something from the street-food menu or try beer from smaller breweries, while children will appreciate the large playroom and bouldering wall.
And while you are in Kořenov, it would be a shame to miss the local Rack Railway Museum. The legendary Zubačka runs right through here – the steepest railway line in Czechia. If your visit falls on the right date, you can even take a ride on a historic train. On selected days, the rack locomotive nicknamed “Rakušanka” also takes to the line, tackling the steepest sections with the help of its cogwheel system. You will find the current programme, dates of historic rides and timetables directly on the Zubačka website.
Chateaux, Glass and Beer Spa in Bohemian Paradise
Make the third day a little more aristocratic and start at Sychrov Chateau. One of its major advantages is that it belongs to the small number of chateaux in the region that can also be visited on Mondays – the main tour is open every day during autumn. And this is certainly more than a quick peek into a few rooms. During the tour, you will pass through both private and representative rooms of the former Rohan residence and even visit the Royal Apartment. After the tour, leave some time for a walk through the extensive chateau park, which is especially beautiful in autumn colours.
From Sychrov, continue towards Svijany, but we recommend making a short stop on the way at the family-run Jaroš Glass glassworks. If you are lucky, you can watch the glassmakers at work and see how hand-blown glass takes shape from glowing molten glass. You can also browse the finished products, and if it is time for a break, there is a café right inside the glassworks.
While Sychrov focuses on elegant interiors and the atmosphere of an aristocratic residence, Svijany Chateau offers a much more relaxed and playful experience. You can explore it at your own pace and, besides the chateau interiors, discover a Bronze Age treasure or an exhibition on brewing in the chateau cellars. If you prefer something a little more adventurous, try the chateau game Arcana II – Against Time. Using a mobile app, you will solve puzzles, search for hidden clues and gradually uncover a story set in 1935. The game takes around 90 minutes and is great fun for both families and groups of friends.
And since you are already in Svijany, why rush the third day? Finish it with dinner and relaxation in the local beer spa. A beer bath in an oak tub is accompanied by Svijany beer served right on the spot. Just remember to book in advance.
