Novy Bor: Glass History and Architectural Heritage in the Foothills

Novy Bor combines a long history of glassmaking with its location in the foothills of the Lusatian Mountains (Lužické hory). The town’s history has been closely connected with glass since the late 17th century; at the same time, its location offers opportunities for summer and winter tourism. When looking for a hotel in Novy Bor, you can weigh up different travel interests: glassmaking and works of art, historic buildings, or an excursion to Klíč. Which of these is most important to you will give your stay a clear thematic focus.

Landscape and an Excursion to Klíč

The foothills location offers opportunities for summer and winter tourism. This seasonal aspect is one consideration when choosing when to travel. The excursion to Klíč offers a more specific option: it starts in Novy Bor and follows the red-marked hiking trail. This gives you a defined starting point in town for planning your day. The hike can be treated as a focus in its own right, alongside exploring glass and architecture.

Glassmaking and Works of Art

The connection with glassmaking has been part of Novy Bor’s history since the late 17th century. At the Novotný Glass Museum, visitors can watch master glassmakers at work. A visit will also appeal to travellers who want to focus on the production process.

The museum’s collection includes more than 300 works of art, including Bořek Šípek’s largest glass collection. The collection and the work with glass offer two different perspectives on the same subject: the works of art on the one hand, and the production process on the other. If you would like to give your trip a cultural focus, you can choose between viewing the finished works and gaining an insight into the work of the master glassmakers.

Buildings on náměstí Míru

Novy Bor Town Hall is listed as a cultural monument in the Central Register of Immovable Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic and is the main landmark of náměstí Míru. The square is also home to the late Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with its rare Rococo organs. The town hall and the church offer different points of interest: the town hall stands out for its importance as a landmark and its monument status, while the church is notable for its architecture and distinctive organs.

Glass History at LASVIT – Skleněný Dům

The LASVIT – Skleněný Dům complex includes two historic wooden houses that were already used by glassmakers in the late 18th century. Their history adds a specific architectural connection to the town’s longstanding ties with glassmaking. Guided tours with commentary are offered on Fridays that fall on working days at 9:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 14:00; online booking is available. As availability may vary, check when booking before your visit.

Travel Information

For information about bus and train connections, contact the Novy Bor Tourist Information Centre. If a particular connection is important for planning your trip, check the information with the centre before travelling, as services may change. Together with the seasonal opportunities, the excursion to Klíč and the different cultural attractions, this provides a practical basis for deciding what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Skalice U České Lípy, Prachen, Bohatice U Zákup, Ralsko, Svor, Sloup V Čechách, Chotovice U Nového Boru, Horní Police.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.