Bedřichov is a small mountain village on the saddle between Liberec and Jablonec, about 10 km from each. In summer it is a quiet trailhead. In winter it is the busiest place in the Jizera Mountains, because this is where the Jizerská magistrála begins — the best-known network of cross-country ski trails in the Czech Republic.
Around 170 km of tracks are machine-groomed whenever there is snow, for both classic and skating technique, on wide forest roads with gentle gradients. You do not need to be an athlete: families shuffle along the same loops that racers train on.
What to see and do: Bedřichov & the Jizerská Magistrála
Ski the Magistrála
From the stadium at Bedřichov the main trail runs to Nová Louka (about 3 km) and Kristiánov (about 6 km) and on across the plateau towards Smědava and Jizerka, with countless shorter loops. Signposts at every junction give distances; a daily grooming map is published online in season.
Hire skis and take a lesson
Several rental shops in the village hire cross-country sets and offer waxing and instruction. On winter weekends reserve ahead or come early.
Jizerská 50
First run in 1968, the “Jizerská padesátka” is a 50 km classic-style race through the mountains every February, part of the international long-distance ski circuits. It is held in memory of the Czechoslovak mountaineers who died under Huascarán in Peru in 1970 — all had skied the race that winter. Thousands take part over the weekend’s events.
Nová Louka and Kristiánov
Two classic goals on foot, bike or skis. Nová Louka is a former hunting lodge serving food in a forest clearing; Kristiánov, once a glassmaking settlement, has a single surviving house with a small seasonal museum.
Královka
A short climb above the village leads to a stone lookout tower of 1907 beside a mountain hut, with a view over the reservoirs to Ještěd.
How to get to Bedřichov & the Jizerská Magistrála
- Buses run from Liberec (Fügnerova) up to Bedřichov in about half an hour, and from Jablonec nad Nisou as well. In winter extra ski buses run; in summer, bike buses.
- By car it is about 20 minutes from Liberec. The large car parks are paid and can be full by mid-morning on winter weekends.
- For timetables see getting to Liberec and check the regional journey planner.
Insider tips
- Check the snow and grooming report before you leave town — conditions on the plateau can differ completely from Liberec.
- Walkers must keep off the groomed tracks in winter; use the marked winter footpaths.
- The Jizerská 50 weekend brings road closures and full car parks. Come to watch by bus, or pick another day.
- In summer start early or late: the same forest roads are popular with cyclists at midday.
Tours that fit: Bedřichov & the Jizerská Magistrála
These GetYourGuide experiences pair well with Bedřichov & the Jizerská Magistrála:
Small-group e-bike tour from €129 From Prague: E-Mountain Biking Trip to the Bohemian Paradise
The Bohemian Paradise is hilly, and an electric mountain bike takes the sting out of it. This small-group ride covers about 20 miles past rock towers, country villages and castles, with pickup in Prague and a meal included. Rated 4.9 by nearly forty riders.
- About 20 miles (32 km) on an e-mountain bike
- Sandstone towers, villages and medieval castles
- Small group with pickup and lunch
Guided hike from €123 From Prague: Full-Day Bohemian Paradise Guided Hiking Trip
A guided day’s walking in Hruboskalsko, the best-known rock town of the Bohemian Paradise, reached the local way — by train. Expect a proper hike between rock towers, viewpoints and castle walls rather than a coach tour with photo stops. Every one of its reviews so far gives it five stars.
- Travel by train to Hruboskalsko
- A full day among the sandstone towers
- A challenging but rewarding trek with a guide
