Autumn sightseeing tour in the Podkrkonoší region

Circular trip via the Stráž lookout mountain

Starting point

The square in the town of Jablonec nad Jizerou.
 

Description of the hike

I park my car on the square in Jablonec nad Jizerou. Locals call it Jabloneček, probably to distinguish it from the nearby "big" Jablonec nad Nisou. A red tourist trail leads uphill from the square towards Končiny and Stráž Hill (782 m). The trail first leads through the forest, and at Končiny, views of the opposite slopes open up. Older and renovated log cabins stand by the trail, and sheep peek curiously out of their pens.

Behind the Na Stráži hotel, the red trail turns left along the ski lift. At the top of the hill, there are several viewing platforms with views in different directions. The Horník viewpoint faces west, Ovce is rather hidden in the forest, and Liška and Medvěd offer beautiful views of Rokytnice nad Jizerou and the mountains above it. The ski lifts and slopes are visible on the southern slopes of Studenov and Horní domky. Lysá hora (1344 m) and Kotel (1435 m) are bare and snow-covered in their upper parts. Between Lysá and Kotel, you can see the cottages at Dvoračky. Rokytnice is also fascinating for its rows of maple and other deciduous trees that run down the slopes towards the town. Anyone who has been here in winter will surely remember the white slopes, divided by dark rows of trees. Now, in autumn, the trees are beautifully colored.

After Sachrov ridge, I continue to the parking lot with refreshments available (mobile kiosk). Behind the parking lot, the yellow trail leads towards Františkov. Along the way, there are wooden sculptures that guide visitors to the Old Cowshed Museum. The yellow trail leads through a larch alley to Zvonivý vrch with a chapel and further to the ridge (Vrata – Sv. Jan). The forest path then descends to Horní Dušnice. The valley of the Dušnický stream is particularly picturesque, with log cabins predominating and the stream babbling through the valley.

From Horní Dušnice, I head for the forest chapel of the Virgin Mary in Stromkovice. The wooden chapel was built in the middle of the forest, above a spring that is said to have restored sight to a blind woman. There is an interesting Way of the Cross next to the chapel, with wooden benches in front of it, and processions and masses are still held here today. A panoramic path leads from the chapel between the cottages of Stromkovice. The path offers views of the Bratrouchov ridge opposite, the more distant Vysoké nad Jizerou, and the hills beyond. Hairy ponies graze here.

I descend along the path to the Zabuchovice mill. The mill is small and water-powered, but it has a hellish wheel that turns it tirelessly. Along the stream, I climb back up to the settlement of V Janouchově městě and continue on to Bratrouchov. Here, too, countless log cabins have been preserved. I return to Jablonec via Slavíkův kříž.
 

Difficulty

The route follows tourist signs or forest paths. There are no exposed areas. Beautiful views, log cabins.
 

Water availability

Shops in Jablonec, several restaurants, kiosks, or self-service bars along the way.
 

Sleeping options

Tourist area, plenty of accommodation of all types.
 

Mountain peaks

The route leads over Stráž hill above Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Lysá hora in the Krkonoše Mountains, Kotel
 

Danger

The route is safe, as it follows field or forest paths throughout.
 

Food

In Jablonec, shops, restaurants, a pastry shop, and a shop selling regional specialties are open on Saturday afternoons. There are several self-service bars along the way, as well as a kiosk on Sachrov hřeben. Restaurants are open depending on the season.