Jizerské hory Protected Landscape Area

The Jizerské hory Protected Landscape Area covers the Jizera Mountains range in the Liberec Region of northern Czechia, stretching across deep valleys, upland peat bogs and scattered granite summits. One of the gateways into the area is the municipality of Josefův Důl in the Jablonec nad Nisou District, sitting in the mountains' southeastern part and serving as a popular starting point for hiking, cycling and skiing trips into the protected terrain.

What defines this protected landscape?

The area is a mosaic of habitats typical of a mid-elevation Sudeten mountain landscape: old-growth beech forests, extensive high-altitude peat bogs, and granite peaks scattered across the ridgeline, giving the region its distinctive, rugged character. River valleys — including that of the Jedlová — cut deep into the terrain, forming scenic gorges lined with rock formations and waterfalls. It is in places like these that nature protection meets tourism, with trails following the streams, crossing forests and climbing toward lookout points spread across the Jizera Mountains' peaks.

What is the Jedlový důl nature reserve?

In the central part of the protected area, close to Josefův Důl, lies the Jedlový důl Nature Reserve. It safeguards a geomorphologically significant mountain valley together with its rock outcrops, waterfalls, and semi-natural forests growing on talus slopes strewn with rock debris. The steep, moist slopes and the valley's cool microclimate create unusual conditions that support rare montane plant and animal species. The reserve has also been the subject of ecological research, including studies of local mollusc and snail fauna associated with this type of forest habitat.

What can visitors see and do near Josefův Důl?

Josefův Důl and the surrounding area are well known among outdoor enthusiasts. Popular destinations include the waterfalls on the Jedlová River, the dam associated with the Josefův Důl reservoir, and numerous lookout towers scattered across the peaks of the Jizera Mountains. A well-known hiking goal is Černá hora, the third-highest peak of the Jizera Mountains, reached via a scenic trail that starts directly in Josefův Důl. In summer the area draws hikers and cyclists, while in winter it attracts both cross-country and downhill skiers making use of trails winding through the forests and bogs.

Who is this destination for?

The Jizerské hory Protected Landscape Area suits visitors looking to connect with a mid-mountain natural landscape — quiet trails through beech forest, views from granite summits, and the cool air of forested valleys. It works equally well as a day trip from Jablonec nad Nisou or as the starting point for longer, multi-day hiking or cycling routes across the Jizera Mountains. Because the area protects valuable habitats, visitors are encouraged to stick to marked trails, particularly near peat bogs and nature reserves.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is this protected area located? It covers the Jizera Mountains in the Liberec Region of northern Czechia, around the municipality of Josefův Důl in the Jablonec nad Nisou District.

What is there to see around Josefův Důl? Waterfalls on the Jedlová River, a dam, lookout towers on the surrounding peaks, and the Jedlový důl Nature Reserve with its rare plant and animal species.

What activities are available here? Hiking and cycling year-round, plus cross-country and downhill skiing in winter, supported by a well-developed network of trails.

Is this a good base for a longer trip? Yes — Josefův Důl is a common starting point for longer routes, including the ascent of Černá hora, the third-highest peak in the Jizera Mountains.