Northern Bohemia, the fairytale region of the Czech Republic
Although Prague is known to everyone, fewer people know about North Bohemia. Northern Bohemia is located in the Czech Republic, north of Prague and on the border of Germany and Poland. What you especially need to know about this region is that glass blowing has been elevated to a real art: wherever you look, you will see and find the most beautiful glass (art) works. And just an hour and a half drive from the capital. We'll tell you: it's beautiful here (regardless of all that glass art); just like a fairy tale. We wouldn't be Barts Boekje if we didn't also tell you where to go in this area.
The largest city in North Bohemia is Liberec, where they have a lovely Christmas market in the winter in addition to other beautiful shops and fine restaurants. Liberec is not very big, so it is best to explore the city on foot.
Photo credits: Marek Šaroch
North Bohemia has many beautiful glass factories and their glassware is sacred here. Crystal Valley is the nickname. For example, Swarovski comes from here (fun fact). So there's a lot of glass here, but also fashion jewelry production, lots of beautiful things to look at and to have. More than 80 glass companies are active approximately 2000 kilometers from west to east. It is also beautiful to drive through North Bohemia. The Giant Mountains in Bohemia are a fairytale and with a bit of luck the winter sun will shine.
It is located in Jablonec nad Nisou Glass and Jewelery museum. Here you will see a number of special jewelry and glassware. There is also a room completely dedicated to Christmas decorations in all shapes and sizes. Nice to stop by if you are in the area!
Novosad Glassworks is the oldest private glass factory in the Czech Republic, founded in 1712. The museum and factory include a small brewery and a restaurant. Mainly wine glasses are produced here, but also, for example, decanters and parts of chandeliers. About 2000 glasses are produced here by hand (!) every day. A visit to Novosad provides a glimpse into the hall where the glassware is made. This is very impressive! Here you also get a glimpse into the cutting room where the glass is cut and the museum. You can of course end the day with a well-tapped Czech lager in the Novosad brewery or even better: in the Beer Spa!
And that museum Novosad Glassworks is something else… When the founder, Count Harrach, had to flee to Austria, he hid the most beautiful things in the showroom. He placed it at the back of the hall and built in a wall (without doors). The glassware was found around 1960. And that beautiful stuff is on display in the museum. Oh and... Glass dull? The owner of Prada himself recently visited here. So then so do we. You can say that from now on you will drink your wine very differently.
Novosad can be found in the Giant Mountains. These mountains are the highest in the whole of the Czech Republic and are therefore also a popular ski destination. Ski area Harrachov is the third largest ski area in the Czech Republic with approximately 8 km of slopes. The slopes are quite easy, so a very clear area for the novice winter sports enthusiast!
Photo credits right: DMO Krkonoše
In the Czech Republic you pay slightly less for your ski holiday than in Austria (about 25%). With very accessible slopes, it is perfect for novice winter sports enthusiasts and families and the food and drinks on and around the slopes are considerably easier on the wallet than other winter sports areas.
Jested Mountain is 1012 meters high and the building of the same name on the mountain somewhat resembles a spaceship. The construction of this tower took seven years and is now the most famous tower in the Czech Republic. The tower is 94 meters high and houses a hotel and a restaurant. Expect a beautiful view (if the weather is good, because it can also be quite foggy here) of the Czech nature.
You can do much more at Jested than just sleep and eat. In winter you can go skiing and cross-country skiing and take beautiful walks in the Jizera Mountains. From the center of Liberec, the largest city in North Bohemia, there is a tram to the cable car that goes to Jested Mountain. The cable car runs every half hour. Would you rather take the car? That is also possible, but it can be difficult to find a parking spot. We recommend the cable car, so you can see something again.
Photo credits left: Matyás Gál
Bohemia is famous for beer and glassware. A restaurant often has its own brewery. Beer fresh off the press!
Rautis is the last place worldwide (!) where decoration from unique glass beads is made by hand. There is hardly anyone who masters all the steps of this process, but together they know everything. It often happens at home, where everyone carries out their own task within the procedure. For example, one blows the beads and the other makes an ornament from the whole by stringing. The production process and the production itself at Rautis are so unique that they have also been on the market since 2020 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List are included. Also fun for the small stuff: you can follow a workshop here! This way the kids can make their own Christmas ornament from glass beads. In the meantime, mom and dad can go shopping for Christmas decorations. Or you can also do the workshop yourself, because it is really cool.
Most castles are open to the public from May to October and closed in winter for renovation and maintenance. This gem is open all year round (except Christmas) and oh, ridiculously beautiful: Sychrov castle. In 1820, the castle's most important period began, when the French Rohan family moved to the Czech Republic and settled in Sychrov. The Rohan family added six wings and the palace now has 250 rooms. The owner was Protestant and the enemy of the three musketeers (we all know them of course). Unfortunately, the gardens are closed in winter. But… in winter the beautiful interior is decorated with Christmas decorations. All furniture is original, including the art that hangs here. Oh, dress warmly, because the castle is not heated. This way all art remains at its best.
Photo credits right: Velka Jidelna National Heritage Institute
Where to sleep when you are in North Bohemia? Pytloun Grand Hotel Imperial in Liberec. From the hotel you can walk to the Liberec Christmas market within ten minutes. This is a beautiful picture with many stalls, a Ferris wheel and a huge Christmas tree. All the Christmas decorations you see hanging on the tree were made by neighborhood children!
Imperial is a wonderful hotel, as soon as you step inside. The smell of a roaring fire and friendly service ensure this and after that it only gets better. The breakfast at Imperial is great and the rooms? They leave nothing to be desired! Atmospheric, stylish and chic. The beds come with a 'pillow menu', so that you get the best night's sleep. Imperial is centrally located and easily accessible, so it is the perfect place to relax after a day of (glass) museum hopping.
Photo credits: Matyas Gal
You can find more tips for the Czech Republic here.
Photo credits: Marek Šaroch
