Louschnitz: Valley, Views and Local History

Louschnitz combines a valley setting shaped by a stream with named viewpoints, traces of glassmaking and local cultural venues. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these different aspects to focus on, depending on whether you are most interested in the landscape, the history of craftsmanship or cultural facilities.

Landscape, Water and Views

The Kopaňský potok flows through the entire length of the Louschnitz valley and divides the municipality into two parts. State Road No. 10/E65 from Prague to Harrachov runs alongside the stream. The Loužnické lavičky are maintained as places to rest, take walks and enjoy beautiful views of the landscape. The guide lists eight spots: U Modřínu, U Posrané hrobky, U Zvoničky, U Chaty, U Velkého vršku, U Albíny, Na koupališti and Na Vyhlídce.

Another connection with water is Louschnitz’s emergency water reserve. In the summer months, you can swim there at your own risk. The reserve is supplied by the Plchovský potok, which flows through a protected area. The two streams have different connections to the municipality: the Kopaňský potok shapes the valley, while the Plchovský potok supplies the reserve.

Mill and Glassmaking

Mill No. 1 stands on the northern edge of Louschnitz, on the Kopaňský potok, a left-bank tributary of the Žernovník. The route of the millrace and its banks are clearly visible in the terrain. Both the mill’s location and the course of the millrace can therefore be seen as distinct features of the landscape.

The manufacture of costume jewellery is also part of the area’s history. In 1894, several businesses in Louschnitz were engaged in this trade. One of them was the Link family’s factory, where glass rods were made into beads. Shortly before the First World War, bead pressing in furnaces was introduced in Louschnitz. On Kopani, there was a workshop for grinding glass rings, locally known as Bengle. These activities represent different forms of glassworking: making beads from glass rods, pressing beads in furnaces and grinding glass rings. The name Bengle refers specifically to the glass rings.

Culture and Local History

The Louschnitz bell tower was rebuilt and restored. On 28 September 2014, the tower and a statue of Saint Wenceslas carved from a fallen lime tree were consecrated. The Loužnický Betlém has been made by Bedřich Rathouský since 2017.

The Sokolovna cultural centre has been in existence since 1963. Its rooms are suitable for cultural and dance events, discos, theatre and film screenings, lectures, exhibitions, sporting events and gymnastics classes. The municipal library is also regularly housed there. The building thus brings together a range of local activities, from performances and lectures to sports and library services.

Discover more destinations: Puletschnei, Wlastiborsch, Koberwald, Pintschei, Josefsthal, Woleschnitz, Kleinskal, Drschke

For the regional travel overview: Okres Jablonec Nad Nisou.