Heřmanice U Frýdlantu: Views, Glass and History

Several different themes come together in Heřmanice U Frýdlantu: views, an outdoor game, glass, a former narrow-gauge railway and distinctive local landmarks. When choosing a destination, you can focus on what interests you most—an observation tower, insights into glassmaking, cycling or local history, for example. The following destinations and themes offer some concrete ideas.

Observation Tower and Outdoor Game

The observation tower in Heřmanice is 25 m high and open to visitors free of charge all year round. Check local access information before you set out. There is also “Do nitra sopky,” an outdoor family game that can be played using a mobile app or a handy notebook. The game starts at a tourist car park below the observation tower, where parking is available. The tower and the game offer two different points of interest: a distinctive structure and a game that lets you choose between a digital format and a notebook.

Glass Products and Insights into Production

Sklárna Josef Novotný makes handcrafted glass products. Its range includes everything from small ornaments and functional glassware to monumental glass objects. Visits are possible on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; weekend opening is irregular. Check visiting hours in advance if you are planning a visit.

At SpiderGlass, visitors can see the technological production process, a studio gallery of glass and jewellery, and an exhibition room displaying original ceramic moulds. This highlights different aspects of glassmaking: the range of handcrafted products at Sklárna Josef Novotný, and insights into the production process, gallery and moulds at SpiderGlass. The visiting arrangements differ, so it is worth checking what each place offers when planning your visit.

Narrow-Gauge Railway and Local History

The Heřmanička was a former narrow-gauge railway running from Frýdlant to the border village of Heřmanice. Historically, it connected Frýdlant via the Saxon narrow-gauge railway network to what are now Bogatynia and Žitava. The railway can therefore be viewed on two scales: as a connection between Frýdlant and Heřmanice, and in the context of the cross-border network. The Heřmanička should be understood as a historic railway.

Kodešova skála also links a distinctive landscape feature with local history. The basalt rock massif has a rock face where the fan-shaped arrangement of the basalt columns is clearly visible. The rock was named after Otakar Kodeš, a teacher from Frýdlant. He was shot there on 22 September 1938 by a member of a Sudeten German organisation. The name of the place thus refers to a specific event and a specific person.

Cycling Route and Heřmanické peklo

Cycle Route 1 connects Hrádek nad Nisou, Václavice, Albrechtice u Frýdlantu, Heřmanice and Frýdlant. For cyclists, Heřmanice is part of a route linking several named places. The place names give a concrete sense of the stops listed in the route description.

Heřmanické peklo is an attraction that is open to visitors free of charge all year round. It features wooden figures of five adult devils, a she-devil and two little devils. There are also three bears, a hell mask with a spider’s web and a hell throne where you can sit. The figures and throne give the place a distinctive appeal alongside the views, glass and historic traces in Heřmanice. Before your visit, you can weigh up which of these very different themes best suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Příšovice, Doubi, Černousy, Svijanský Újezd, Jeřmanice, Oldřichov V Hájích, Rynoltice, Cesky Dub.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Liberec.