Semily District: Culture, river valleys and wide-open views

The Semilsko region lies in the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains and forms the northeastern part of Český ráj. Its landscape combines nature with traditional vernacular architecture: wooden houses, bell towers, crosses and small monuments of folk architecture are part of the scenery, as are the deep river valleys. The Jizera and its tributaries—the Mumlava, Jizerka, Oleška and Kamenice—shape these valleys; Semily District has numerous hiking trails.

Scenery, viewpoints and trails

Kozákov is the highest mountain in Český ráj. Its viewpoint offers sweeping views in every direction. The Bozkov Dolomite Caves provide a different natural highlight: the cave system extends for more than 1,000 metres and is considered the largest known cave system in northeastern Bohemia.

Those wishing to explore the landscape on foot will find trails with a variety of characteristics. The Kamenický Trail runs along the upper edge of the Jizera Valley and leads to several rocky viewpoints, including Myší skála. The Riegrova Trail passes through the Galerie natural monument and the Údolí Jizery and Bítouchova nature reserve. The KČT Semily maintains around 100 kilometres of hiking trails in the Semilsko region.

For a route that is mostly on paved surfaces, Semily has an approximately 9-kilometre circular trail. It runs mainly on asphalt and paved paths and is recommended for families with strollers. This makes it a good option to choose according to different criteria than a hike focused on rocky viewpoints, such as the Kamenický Trail.

Winter sports are also among the activities available in Semily. The Nad nádražím ski area has a 400-metre slope, a platter lift, ski and snowboard lessons, and night skiing. Check current operating conditions and snow conditions before visiting.

Castle ruins and museums

The Trosky Castle ruins date back to the late 14th century and stand on two volcanic basalt rocks. Its towers are called Baba and Panna. Take the bus to Hrubá Skála, Borek; from there, follow a 3.5-kilometre walking route on the blue-marked trail. Direct bus connections are available from Turnov, Jičín, Hradec Králové and Liberec. Timetables may change, so check them before travelling. Marked trails also connect the castle with Sobotka, Hrubá Skála, Valdštejn, Borecké skály and Podtrosecké rybníky.

In Semily, the Muzeum a Pojizerská galerie presents art exhibitions, themed exhibitions and fairs. Permanent exhibitions are devoted to notable people from Semily and the region’s past; the exhibition and events programme may change. Gallery XY focuses on regional art and crafts and offers workshops and opportunities to meet craftspeople. This programme may also change.

The Muzeum techniky in Háje nad Jizerou displays historic cars, motorcycles, stationary engines, cameras and radios; the collection may change. The Muzeum drahých kamenů – Votrubcův lom features a gemstone exhibition and the opportunity to visit the quarry. Visitor arrangements may change.

The Muzeum Českého ráje in Turnov covers topics including geological and mineralogical exhibitions, demonstrations of gemstone processing, historic jewellery and a permanent mountaineering exhibition. Exhibition content may change. The Muzeum pilníků is located at an authentic former file-making site; check access before your visit.

If you are looking for a hotel in Semily District, you can use your planned excursions as a starting point for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Valterice, Roztoky U Semil, Studenec, Kruh, Slana, Roprachtice, Mirova Pod Kozakovem, Kostalov, Zalesni Lhota, Stepanovice, Loukov Nad Jizerou, Troskovice, Rychlov, Prikry, Mrklov, Mricna, Morcinov, Martinice V Krkonosich, Krckovice-Hrubá Skála, Jestrabi V Krkonosich, Jesenný, Hruba Skala, Horní Dusnice, Háje Nad Jizerou, Dolni Stepanice, Bukovina U Turnova, Bozkov, Vysoke Nad Jizerou, Vítkovice V Krkonoších, Vichova Nad Jizerou, Turnov, Tatobity, Hochstadt An Der Iser, Semily, Rovensko Pod Troskami, Rochlitz An Der Iser, Poniklá, Paseky Nad Jizerou, Nová Ves Nad Popelkou, Lomnice Nad Popelkou, Jilemnice, Jablonec Nad Jizerou, Horni Branna, Burany, Bradlecka Lhota, Benecko, Harrachsdorf, Ohrazenice, Rakousy, Karlovice, Ktová, Syřenov, Veselá, Benešov U Semil, Bělá U Staré Paky, Čistá U Horek, Libštát, Žernov U Semil, Přepeře, Roztoky U Jilemnice, Vyskeř, Stružinec, Bukovina U Čisté, Bystrá Nad Jizerou, Záhoří U Semil, Holenice, Horka U Staré Paky, Chuchelna, Kacanovy, Klokočí U Turnova, Radostná Pod Kozákovem, Levínská Olešnice, Loučky, Modřišice, Olešnice, Peřimov, Svojek, Bítouchov, Končiny, Štěpanická Lhota, Podmoklice, Václaví, Košov, Pelešany, Chutnovka, Prackov, Sekerkovy Loučky

For the higher-level travel overview: Liberec.