CZ, Harrachov – The Cradle of Czech Skiing – VIDEO

The area around Harrachov was famous for being the capital of glassmaking. The local glassworks of Novosad were established in 1712 which makes it the second oldest glassworks in the Czech Republic. Today, you can visit it in a few tours and see for yourself how glass production and grinding are taking place. Besides, you can join the tour with a visit to the small brewery, which originated in the glassworks area.

Local mountains are the biggest attraction for both Czech and foreign visitors. Already in 1908 the Association of Winter Sports was founded here and in the first ski jumping bridge at Certova Mountain in 1920. It is this ski jump that made Harrachov famous all over the world. Already in 1923 the first international ski races were held here. During the reconstruction of the whole area in 1980, the largest ski bridge was built - the mammoth bridge K-185.

The surroundings of Harrachov are also interesting outside the winter season. There are many hiking and cycling trails from here, for example, you can go along the blue along the Mumlava and gradually come to Labska Cabin and the springs of the Elbe. Another popular route leads along the green around ski jumps to Certova Mountain and further to Rokytnice nad Jizerou. Several routes will also take you to nearby Poland.

If you do not want to ride a car to Harrachov, come here from Tanvald by train. Just in the section between Tanvald and Harrachov you will find our only rack railway. Thanks to it, trains can go far beyond the normal traffic. Today, the rack system itself is used only for special cruises, but the train journey is worth it just because of the surrounding countryside. Recently, the cross-border section of the railroad has also been reopened to Szklarska Poreba.

Regardless if you set out to Harrachov in winter or in summer, there are plenty of things to do.

GPS: 50°46'14.2"N 15°26'14.2"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš

Music: Dexter Britain