Harrachov is a town full of charm and interesting tourist attractions in northern Bohemia, in the Liberec Region in the Giant Mountains, about 4 km from the border crossing in Szklarska Poręba Jakuszyce. Its biggest attraction is the Čerťák ski jumping complex. Harrachov is an excellent base for trips to the Karkonosze Mountains as well as the Jizera Mountains. The international route E65 runs through the town.
The name of the city Harrachov comes from the surname of the landowners - the count family of Harrachov. Its history dates back to the 17th century, and the city boasts over 300 years of glass production tradition. In addition to the Glassworks Museum, in Harrachov you will also find, among others: The Mining Museum with a 1,000-meter tunnel, the Ski Museum and the Glassworks with a restaurant, brewery and Beer SPA. The picturesque Mumlavy waterfall is also an undoubted tourist attraction.
Čerťák ski jumping complex
The complex of eight ski jumping hills was built on the slope of Certova Hora (Devil's Mountain). The first ski jumping hill was built here in 1920. The critical point of the hill is 40 meters. Higher on Czarcia Góra there is a ski jumping hill with a critical point of 120 meters and a mammoth ski jumping hill with a height of 185 meters.
Active recreation in Harrahov – what attractions does the town offer for skiers?
The Harrachov sports complex offers skiers approximately 7 km of slopes, and around the city there is a ski main line with a length of approximately 30 km.
You can take one of two chairlifts to the top of Certova Hora. The town of Harrachov is also a thriving cross-country skiing center.
The Harrachov ski resort offers artificially snowed slopes, ski services, ski rentals and ski schools.
What to see in Harrachov?
Mining Museum with a 1,000-meter tunnel
The museum and the adit are located at the foot of the Ptačinec peak. Here you can admire traditional miners' machines, tools and equipment, as well as mined minerals. The exhibition is enriched by old maps and photographs showing the work of miners. The museum offers a tour route, the tour with a guide lasting approximately 1 hour. Due to the low temperatures, it is worth purchasing warmer clothes in advance.
Huta Novosad & Syn with a restaurant, brewery and Beer SPA
A private glassworks founded in the early 18th century, which still produces objects in a traditional way. You can see there, among others: 100-year-old antique grinder. There is a small beer brewery and a tasteful restaurant with traditional Czech cuisine connected to the steelworks.
Beer is brewed here in front of visitors, and specialties such as pork knuckle, roasted sausages and marinated ribs are served. There is also a Beer SPA at the brewery, where local unpasteurized beer is used for bathing.
Mumlava Waterfall – a natural pearl of Harrachov
Mumlava Waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in the area. It is made up of cascading rock blocks about 8 meters high. The water flows into a 10-meter-deep trough here. The waterfall is located a short distance from the Mining Museum. There is also a restaurant nearby, located in a former forester's lodge. Near the waterfall there is also the Mumlav Mountain Shelter at an altitude of 789 m above sea level
The bee path of Count Jan Harrach
Tourists visiting the town of Harrachov can take a walk along the educational path dedicated to beekeeping, which is over 3.5 km long. The path includes a total of 11 stops. It starts at the bus station and ends at the Renata guesthouse. The path is tailored to the needs of mothers with children and the elderly.
Rack railway between Tanvald and Harrachov
A national technical monument, which in ancient times was a very important connection between Poland and the Czech Republic. It is very popular among railway enthusiasts from all over Europe. It covers 12 kilometers of tracks affectionately called "Korenovskaya rack" or "Polubenka". The route leads, among others, through five tunnels and is characterized by the largest level difference in the Czech Republic.
Cerny Rybnik – a mysterious pond in Harrachov
You won't find such an attraction in ordinary tourist brochures. Only locals know it. Swimming is not allowed in the Cerny Rybnik pond. Why? Because it is used to produce wooden molds for glass. There are wooden beams at the bottom of the pond that do not float. They are caught only after a few months.
Other interesting facts about the tourist attractions of Harrachov
In 1925, the town was hit by a powerful storm, which caused enormous damage. Four years later, larch trees were planted here and arranged in the shape of the number 10 (in honor of the 10th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia). Impressive 100-meter trees are clearly visible from the opposite mound.