Tips for summer trips in the Giant Mountains around Harrachov.

Štěpánka Lookout Tower - the oldest lookout tower in the Jizera Mountains

The neo-Gothic Štěpánka is the oldest lookout tower in the Jizera Mountains standing on the top of Hvězda. Its construction was started by Prince Camille Rohan in 1847. In the same year, the construction of the imperial Krkonoše road took place down in the valleys, whose patron was Archduke Stephan - Štěpán, who climbed to the top.

In his honor, Prince Rohan renamed the hill to Štěpán's height and began construction of a lookout tower there. However, only the base of the tower with the entrance was built, when the Archduke stopped enjoying the favor of the Viennese court and went to Hungary. The prince, who apparently started the construction to strengthen his influence in Vienna, suspended the work and the torso of the tower then stood over Tesařov for 40 years. It was maintained by the Mountain Association and tourists came here to watch the sun. The interesting nationality conditions of this part of the mountains were reflected in the unfinished lookout tower. The lookout tower was taken over from the prince by the Mountain Association and 4 years later the completed tower was opened. The view from it is really beautiful - in nice weather you can see the Giant Mountains, the Jizera Mountains, but also Zvičina, Mužský, Bezděz, Ralsko and Lužické mountains.

There is a legend about Štěpánek, according to which Prince Rohan stopped the construction on the warning of a gypsy - a quarrel, which predicted that he would die soon after the completion of the tower. The lookout tower was completed in 1892 and Prince Rohan actually died within a month after ...

The popularity of the 24-meter lookout tower is huge throughout its existence - a record number of postcards were issued with its picture, its characteristic silhouette was presented as the Rigi of the Jizera Mountains, and sleighs and skis were ridden to Kořenov from there. There is traditionally a wooden stall with refreshments near Štěpánka, and a stone table with a bench at its entrance is also interesting. Behind the tower you can find the ruins of a stone war cross, which was supposed to be a symbolic place of the local Nazis during World War II.

Mumlava waterfall in the Giant Mountains

The predatory river Mumlava creates a waterfall near Harrachov, in Mumlavský důl, formed by stepped granite blocks. About 10 m high rock step in the granite riverbed is located near the center of Harrachov in the western part of Mumlavský dol.

Of interest are the giant pots and cauldrons, the closing devil's eyes, which the predatory stream of Mumlava washed out in granite steps. For most of the year, the water falls sharply from a height of 10 meters, but as soon as winter comes, the frost turns the water into ice and conjures up a huge icefall, an original work of nature.

Steam Saturdays at Zubačka in Tanvald

The railway company Tanvald is preparing many events for you in 2021 on the only Czech cog railway. You can look forward to special trains and a rich accompanying program at the station in Kořenov.

Special trains on the steepest Czech line will be transported by one of the two preserved unique cogwheel locomotives of the T426.0 series, nicknamed "Austrian". Special trains will include Balm passenger cars from the 1960s, including the historic M240.056 motor car nicknamed "Singrovka" and the Balm Bistro buffet car. The steam locomotive 310.0134 nicknamed "Kafemlejnek" or other historic vehicles will be shown at the event on June 26.

Tickets for special trains of the Tanvald Railway Company can be purchased directly on the train or at the station in Tanvald. For some rides we will also sell tickets at the station in Kořenov. We recommend early booking for larger groups.

Rich refreshments will be prepared for all events in Kořenov - on August 21 we will cook mainly from blueberries, on September 25 mainly from potatoes.

In Kořenov you can visit the Museum of the Cog Railway and the Kořenov Heating Plant or you can take the Mining Railway train. A historic bus will run between Kořenov, Jizerka and Příchovice during most events.

Saturday, June 26, 2021 - Steam Saturday at Zubačka
Special trains with steam locomotive, special trains with rack locomotive

Saturday, July 17, 2021 - For a fairy tale on Zubačka
Special rides with a cogwheel locomotive, program for children in Kořenov

Saturday, August 7, 2021 - Model Day at Zubačka, Anniversary of the 60th anniversary of the T 426.0 rack locomotives
Special rides with a cogwheel locomotive, exhibition of railway models in Výtopna Kořenov

Saturday, August 21, 2021 - Blueberry Saturday at Zubačka
Special rides with a cogwheel locomotive, blueberry feast in Kořenov.

Saturday, September 25, 2021 - Potato end of the season at Zubačka
Special rides with a cogwheel locomotive, potato feast in Kořenov.

Saturday, December 4, 2021 - Christmas welder in Výtopna Kořenov
Unconventional pre-Christmas sitting among historic vehicles in Výtopna Kořenov.
Change of programme is reserved!

Trail through the treetops of the Giant Mountains

The treetop trail was created on the outskirts of Janské Lázně in the Giant Mountains. The lookout tower, which offers views of the surrounding trees and Janské Lázně, is 45 meters high, the horizontal part of the trail is located at a height of 24 meters. You will walk 1,511 meters along the treetop route, which can be reached by a water slide.