the presence of consequences of evacuations in the area at the end of the World War II. The Smědá River heads in the mountains, the wild and cold mountain creek that leads across the entire area, and just before its entry into the Polish area, it gradually changes into the quiet small river with meanders. Aside from the well-preserved nature, we can even find several historical and sacral sights here as well. We could begin our journey in the center of the entire region. The City ofFrýdlant v Čechách is a settlement of approximately 10,000 inhabitants. The Frýdlant State-Owned Castle and Manor House is rising up above the city; it is the most renowned historical sight within the entire region. And the following are the other cities: Hejnice – one of the most popular place of pilgrimage in Bohemia thanks to the “Basilica of Navštívení Panny Marie” (Basilica of the Visitation), Nové Město pod Smrkem having the Natural Outdoor Swimming Pool and “LázněLibverda” (Libverda Health Resort) with a Balneotherapy Treatment Center, and the popular “Obří sud” (Giant Keg) tourist restaurant is located above them all, having the beautiful vista to the Jizera Mountains and to Jindřichovice pod Smrkem, the village mostly known for its above-the-standard development and technological innovation.

There are certainly some smaller tourist sights over here and they give a specific character to the whole area. The basic information about theregion’s history and its population can be obtained in the Frýdlant v Čechách City Museum, Nové Město pod Smrkem Museum, or Jindřichovice pod Smrkem Museum. You can see the Mobile Nativity Scene of Gustav Simon in Frýdlant, and one of the most valuable sets of the Upper Lusatian half-timbered folk architecture in the Village of Heřmanice. It is really worthwhile to see the oldest fishpond in the area – the Dubák; the two exceptionally massive oak trees stand on its dam. If you wantto enjoy the nice view, you can visit Paličník – the group of rock formations above the Village of Bílý Potok (White Creek), where you can enjoy the vista on a top, furthermore, you can enjoy the Smrk Hill lookout tower, or the Frýdlant Hill – you can see the 23-yard (21-meter) tall lookout tower on its top that is accessible on weekends during the summer. Even though the view is partially covered by surrounding trees, it is still an interesting suggestion for your trip. Hiking touristscan walk through the undulated countryside, or they can embark on more difficult roads and to walk around the waterfalls, walk to the rock-formation vistas and on the slopes of the Jizera Mountains beech woods. If you own a good map, you can allow yourself a luxury of making a trip through the region using the meadows and plains that go aside from marked routes, of which there is not that many anyway. The countryside is hospitable to the lovers of bicycle tourism as well. The slightly hillyterrain, an abundance of the side roads, forest and meadow ways, that all is complemented by several local bicycle routes. The most popular ones are the “Pašerácká” (Smuggler’s Route) and “Pohodová” (Unruffled Route). The area is suitable, thanks to its modest character, for the families with children or for the beginning bicyclists. If you really want get sweaty, just go to the slopes of Jizera Mountains. From the viewpoint of winter recreations, the Jizera Mountains are the Meccaof cross-country skiing. The mountainous settlement of Smědava is one of the main starting points to enter the Jizerská magistrála (Jizera Arterial Road); you can get to Smědava by bus from Raspenavy. If you decide to climb into the higher-situated areas of Jizera Mountains directly from the Village of Hejnice, you will be awarded by breathtakingly beautiful vistas.

The Frýdlant Region is considered to be a backland, but maybe that gives the region its main charm. If you do notwant to elbow your way through the crowds of tourists, and if you look for the piece of forgotten land and for tranquillity, and if you want to familiarize yourself with the less known spot of the Czech Republic, you will not be disappointed. You will find adequate accommodations in these areas as well. And maybe, The Frýdlant Region will actually capture your interest by its modesty.