Liberec city
Liberec is a city 110 km north of Prague with a population of 100,000. It lies in the foothills of the Jizera Mountains. The highest peak, Ještěd, has a hotel at its summit which has been proclaimed the building of the 20th century of the Czech Republic. Liberec is a tranquil city circled by hills. The area is an excellent destination for a one-day trip to enjoy the city centre and its natural surroundings.
HOW TO GET TO LIBEREC FROM PRAGUE
Car
The R 10 highway takes visitors directly to Liberec and the trip takes just over an hour.
Train or bus
Getting to Liberec by train requires changing lines and the trip takes 3 hours. Instead, visitors should use the direct bus connection provided by the bus company, Student Agency. The bus leaves every hour from Černý Most and takes the same time as by car. Tickets cost 200 CZK for the return trip and it is necessary to buy them in advance at this website.
WHAT TO DO IN LIBEREC
Ještěd Lookout Tower
GPS: 50.7326872N, 14.9845903E
The Ještěd peak, with a height of 1012 metres, dominates the landscape. The views from the top are magnificent. There is a hotel and a restaurant at the top and visitors can explore the inside of the unique building. They can also dine in the hotel’s fine restaurant. For a more casual meal, there is a snack bar located outside the hotel.
A road leads to the top of Ještěd and parking is available in the hotel’s car park. However, for a different and worthwhile experience, visitors can also take a cable car ride to the top. The more adventurous can use the 4.5km walking trail. However, it is a steep climb and is only suitable for those who are physically fit.
There is a tramway from the Fugnerova bus terminal at Liberec which stops at Ještěd, at the cable car stop and at the stop at the beginning of the hiking trail in Horní Haychov. Tickets can be purchased via SMS or at a ticket machine and cost 25CZK. More information can be found on website of a transport company.
City Hall and Central Square
GPS: 50.7692344N, 15.0579433E
A historic square is located only a few minutes walk from the Fugnerova bus terminal. The town hall, built in 1891, is worth visiting. More information is available on the official site of the city of Liberec.
There are several restaurants near City Hall as well as a large shopping centre. For convenience, visitors can finish up their day trip in the city centre where the bus terminal is located and catch a bus back to Prague.
A trip to Jizerské hory
GPS, Bedřichov municipality: 50.7899794N, 15.1458292E
A nature conservation area in the Bedřichov municipality, Jizerské hory, is situated just outside Liberec and is an excellent choice for exploring. Pathways are paved and it is suitable for families with children and prams. The No. 18 bus from the Fugnerova bus terminal in Liberec takes visitors to the village of Bedřichov, the starting point for exploring the area.
There are several trails in Bedřichov and in winter it is the central point for the many cross-country ski trails in the area. Around Bedřichov, there are a number of trails to choose from of varying lengths depending on the time available and/or the weather. One of the many tracks is a 10 km circuit which crosses a water reservoir.
Šámalova chata is a restaurant situated near the village of Bedřichov which is typical of the area. There are several other restaurants that are open throughout the year.
IQlandia and Babylon Aquapark
GPS: 50.7610144N, 15.0531408E
Liberec has a very unusual and ornate aquapark called Babylon Aquapark. The IQlandia science centre is adjacent. Both are definitely worth a visit and are located only a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal. IQlandia is a planetarium and has an interactive exhibition with hundreds of exhibits. A visit can take several hours and the exhibitions are very engaging for children and adults alike.
