Vysoke Nad Jizerou: Theater History and Winter Trails

Vysoke Nad Jizerou brings together theater and local history with trails and winter sports. If you are choosing when to travel, the Krakonošův divadelní podzim, held annually in mid-October, may be a factor; check the exact event dates before your trip. For a different focus, try the Skijácká stezka or winter sports at Skiareál Šachty.

Theater Tradition and Local History

Krakonošův divadelní podzim is a festival of rural theater ensembles held regularly in Vysoké nad Jizerou in mid-October. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the specific dates in advance. Vysocká pouť is also a traditional pilgrimage event: the main program takes place at náměstí Dr. Karla Kramáře, with the accompanying program at Divadlo Krakonoš. You should also check the dates and program before your trip.

The Divadelní okruh starts in the town square. It was established on August 17, 1986, as part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the local amateur theater. The stone church of sv. Kateřiny was built between 1725 and 1734 around an older wooden church; a porch was added in 1817. The town’s history thus brings together different milestones: a theater tradition, an 18th-century church, and a later addition.

Museum and Town Park

The Vlastivědné muzeum was founded in 1930. It houses the restored moving nativity scene by Jan Metelka Kovárenský of Sklenařice. Created between 1878 and 1914, it is considered an outstanding work of folk art. If seeing the nativity scene is important to your visit, check the current exhibition status, as availability may change.

Městské sady, also known as Park básníků, is located behind Divadlo Krakonoš. The park includes a pavilion with a relief map of the Czech and Polish sides of the Krkonoše Mountains. Městské sady also offers a panorama of the mountains, with the prominent peak of Kotel, also known as Kokrháč. Visibility depends on the weather.

Trails and Winter Sports

The Skijácká stezka is about three kilometers long and runs along paved and forest paths. It is suitable for walkers and cyclists, particularly parents with children and strollers. Along the route are three play features with ball tracks, which introduce children in a playful way to the cycle of life in nature. Seasonal trail maintenance may vary, and some play features may require maintenance. Keep this in mind when planning.

Skiareál Šachty is located on the edge of Vysoké nad Jizerou. Its facilities include a 900-meter-long anchor lift, four children's lifts, and a beginner ski park on Petruškovy vrchy. The facility's configuration may change, so check these details before your trip. There are several cross-country skiing circuits; the listed race courses are one to three kilometers long. Snow and trail grooming vary by season. The fixed trail length and changing winter conditions are therefore two separate aspects to consider when planning.

A Local Tradition

Vysocké zelí is also part of the town’s history. The name is associated with more than 100 years of growing cabbage seedlings in advance in Vysoké nad Jizerou. These seedlings were called hlavatka. This agricultural tradition adds to the cultural and winter themes that shape a stay in Vysoke Nad Jizerou.

Discover more destinations: Zalesni Lhota, Čistá U Horek, Rochlitz An Der Iser, Troskovice, Stepanovice, Kruh, Krckovice-Hrubá Skála, Jilemnice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Semily.