*The Hřebenovka ridge trail between Jizerka and Smědava, a 20 km circular route*

• The Hřebenovka ridge trail is a historical pathway created in the early 20th century by the mountain and tourist associations of northern Bohemia, Germany and Poland to enable hikers to discover the most important landmarks, peaks and ridges of the Bohemian and Moravian mountainous border lands. In 1902 the first section was created, heading westwards for 200 km from Jestěd mountain through the Lužické hory. A year later, the eastwards section from Jestěd to Snězka was created. Within a few years, the trail had grown to over 800 km of consistently marked mountain paths, a remarkable endeavour which left its legacy in the highly accessible and brilliantly marked routes found today across all the Czech mountain ranges.
• Currently, part of the E3 European long distance hiking route follows the historical Hřebenovka ridge trail through the Jizerské hory. One of the most attractive sections of that pathway runs between the settlements of Jizerka and Smědava. Both of these spots are well known as important cross-roads and meeting spots for thousands of cross country skiers in winter. However, they are equally popular starting points for summer and autumn hikes.
• Jizerka is one of the more accessible higher settlements in the mountains with bus connections from the regional Kořenov train station and a large paid parking area below Bukovec mountain. At 862m, Jizerka is the highest settlement in the Jizerské hory. The original village dates from the late Middle Ages, but only became regionally important in the early 19th century when a glassworks was established by the famous Bohemian-Austrian Riedel glassmaking family. Most of the current picturesque village architecture dates from this period.
• A nicely varied circular route can be created starting at Jizerka, first climbing onto the the ridge trail and passing several characteristic and photogenic Jizerské granite outcrops, which for the adventurous can be scaled (there is a marked route up the second outcrop – the Pytlácké kameny) for an exceptional view. Note – the route is unsecured and without railings.
• The route circles through the forest areas and then descends to reach the Smědava junction, where there is a popular buffet restaurant. The suggested return follows the mountain road, but just before reaching Jizerka village there is an option to divert to visit the short nature trail that follows the bends of the Jizerka stream. the trail has interesting information boards, highlighting the nature of the wetland area, including the important peat bogs. It has some very scenic stretches and is highly recommended.
• On the return to Jizerka there are several options for refreshment and by the parking area/bus stop, including the historical Pyramida and Panský dům buildings in the center of the village. The total route is around 20 km long, with just over 300m of height to ascend/descend. Apart from the (optional) scramble to the summit of the granite outcrops the paths are not difficult.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• From the trail signpost next to the parking area/bus stop, take the RED trail down the road through Jizerka village to reach the trail junction after 1.8 km
• At the junction, turn right off the road staying on the RED trail and climb towards the ridgeline
• Follow the RED trail for 2 km to reach the first of the granite outcrops – Jelení stráň. This can be climbed for the view, but the second outcrop is an easier ascent and has the better view
• Continue on the RED trail for a further 1.4 km to reach the Pytlácké kameny granite rocks. These can ascended for a super view – but care is required as there is no protection
• Continue on the RED trail for 4.6 km to reach the Předěl junction. Here, turn left onto the GREEN trail in the direction of Smědava
• After 2.8 km reach the junction of Smědava – most. Here if wanting to visit the buffet restaurant in Smědava turn to the right, staying on the the GREEN trail for a further 200m
• After visiting the restaurant, return back to the Smědava – most junction and then continue along the mountain road – signposted to Jizerka, but not given trail markings
• Follow the road for 4.5 km until reaching the signpost for Rašeliniště Jizerky – there is an optional visit to the peat bog, along a 200m wooden walkway
• After visiting the bog, continue a further 200m along the road, until on the right just after crossing a bidge, the nature trail (green-white diagonal stripes) branches off the right. Take this branch
• Follow the nature trail for 1.2 km beside the stream and then re-join the main road through the village and return back to the car park/bus stop in 1.6 km