Rich in culture and history, this northern Bohemian border town promises much

The first written reference to Liberec dates back to the year 1352. Situated on the Czech-German-Polish borders and surrounded by the Jizera range, its name in all forms derives from the medieval German word for “rich, resourceful mountain”, a moniker that rings true today. Liberec has grown into one of northern Bohemia’s most up-and-coming cities, boasting more than 105,000 residents. The estimated population for the entire Liberec regions reaches approximately 430,000. It may be the smallest district in the Czech lands, after Prague, but what it lacks in acreage it makes up for in natural and cultural treasures.
An easy, 90-kilometer drive from the country’s capital lands you in the heart of a city that, despite its complicated and controversial past continues to rise.
The history of the textile industry in Liberec stretches back more than 500 years, but it wasn’t until the second half of the 1800 sthat the region began to thrive both culturally and economically. The building of stunning turn-of-the-century edifices and the development of textile and machine factories, as well as glass and jewelry workshops, belie this fact. The ostentatious villas and grand buildings, standing in tribute to this golden era, are slowly being renovated after years of neglect at the hands of the communist regime.
Like many cities that lay on the German border, Liberec is haunted by a sad and controversial past. In 1935, the Sudeten German Party won the town elections, followed in 1938 by the annexation of the Sudetenland by Germany. After the Second World War the region was returned to Czechoslovakia and, with hostility towards the German population at an all-time high, its citizens pushed out the Sudeten German population, rendering the city of Liberec anear ghost town. This difficult and relevantly recent past still stirs up emotions at times, even though many steps have been taken to heal old wounds.
Not all is doom and gloom, however; since the communist shackles fell off in 1989, the region has slowly and surely recovered and today Liberec is an emerging, modern city — its sights set firmly on the future-well on its way to rebuilding its former glory.
An injection of capital from foreign investors made wise to the region’s highly skilled and hard-working workforce, particularly in the fields of engineering and production, has aided in the city’s reinvention. A newly invigorated tourism industry has culminated in the renovation and building of numerous tourist facilities over the past 20 years.

Liberec: Travel and Cultural Attractions

If you have any difficulty deciding on your next get-away, due to the differing interest of family members and other travel companions, then the Liberec region, surrounded by the Jizera and Lužice mountains, and the Krkonoše Mountain National Park holds the key to all-around satisfaction. Only about an hour’sdrive from Prague, it offers something for the serious adrenalin junkie, sportsperson, history devotee, architecture buff, culture aficionado, and, with its top-notch zoo, even animal lovers won’t complain. Just about the only thing missing is sand and surf — but the country’s largest, and perhaps weirdest, water park, Babylon, does the job of getting you wet.
The popularity of the annual Turnov Old Bohemian Craft Markets, held the weekend of May 30 through May 31, attracts a festive crowd who come to glimpse firsthand the traditional crafts such of ceramic turning, glass blowing, stone grinding, wood carving, and more. Food stalls, concerts and performances delight adults and children alike.
The awe-inspiring castles and chateaus of the city of Liberec and the surrounding Liberec region hold plenty of wonders for history and architecture enthusiasts. Majestic Bezděz, a sprawling castle complex originally built in the latter part of the 13th century, has inspired many of the country’s famed artists, poet Karel Hynek Mácha and the composer Bedřich Smetana among them.
A stone’s throw from Bezděz, Castle Houska dates from the same period though has only been open to the public since 1999. Both castles are shrouded in mystery and legend. Sychrov, a beautifully restored chateau complete with lush gardens, is a top destination for fairty-tale weddings, concerts and special events.

A plethora of activities will peak the interest of sport fans and thrill-seekers. Skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, aerial rope courses, hang gliding and paragliding rival tennis, golf, and hiking in their sweat factor. Exhilarating bobsled runs in Janov nad Nisou, Špindlerův Mlýn and Harrachov also excite. And if dangling from trees Tarzan-like sounds like your cup of tea, head to the Monkey Park in Harrachov or the aptly named Gate to Hell Adrenalin Park in Turnov. Ski resorts Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov, Janské Lázně and Rokytnice nad Jizerou don’t shutter their doors once the snow melts — the active summer tourist will dowell here.
After a long day of exploration and adventure relax in one of the regions many wellness centers. If you happen to find yourself in Harrachov, soothe your aching muscles and quench your well- won thirst all in one go at the Beer Spa. Soak in abeer bath either individually or with your partner for 20 minutes, followed by another 20 minute relaxation session and an optional massage. During these phases you can also enjoy what’son tap from the microbrewery — aterrific example of multi-tasking and time management!
Onto more animal pleasures: This year the country’s oldest zoo celebrates 90 years in Liberec. It houses over 170 different species on 13 hectares of land and claims the largest chimpanzee population in the country, along with the zoo’spride and joy, the white tiger.

This is but a small taste of what the city of Liberec and the outlying Liberec region can offer visitors. Infused with arich history and stunning beauty at every turn, it is a corner of the country that’smuch worth discovering. Explore another region of the Czech Republic and get to know its country and people alittle bit more in Liberec. Rich, resourceful — indeed.