Nové Město pod Smrkem: Mining History and Nature

Nové Město pod Smrkem offers various reasons to stay: you can explore the town’s mining history, discover cultural monuments, or make time for hiking, mountain biking, and viewpoints. The town was founded in 1584 in connection with tin mining and the mining of other non-ferrous metals in the surrounding area. This history features in several of the places described and gives you a concrete starting point for planning your trip.

History and cultural monuments

The town museum features permanent exhibitions on the nature and sights of the Frýdlantský výběžek, as well as the history of Nové Město pod Smrkem. It is located on the first floor of a building it shares with the town library. The exhibitions therefore introduce both regional topics and the history of the town.

Among the protected buildings is Klingerova vila, which is surrounded by an English garden. The Klinger Mausoleum is also listed as a cultural monument: it was built in 1901 by the descendants of the founder of a textile company and was declared a cultural monument in 1993. Its restored interior can be visited by prior arrangement. Check before your visit whether a tour can currently be arranged. The Catholic church in Nové Město pod Smrkem is also an important cultural monument.

Another protected building is the town’s Art Nouveau spa building. The building includes a swimming pool, a whirlpool, and a sauna. Alongside the historic exhibition and religious buildings, the spa building’s architecture and facilities offer another perspective on the town.

Views and special places

The observation tower on Smrk offers an unusual panoramic view of the Krkonoše, Jizera, and Lusatian Mountains, as well as far-reaching views into Saxony and Poland. It is freely accessible year-round; check the current conditions before your visit. The far-reaching views make this viewpoint a different kind of excursion destination from the local museums and cultural monuments.

The Novoměstská kyselka springs lie on the left bank of the Ztracený potok, in a valley between Měděnec and Sviňský vrch. This description locates the springs in relation to the stream and the two hills. You can include this natural feature as a destination in its own right, while Smrk is primarily associated with its panorama.

Hiking and mountain biking

Mountain bikers can ride Singltrek pod Smrkem, a network of narrow singletrack trails winding across forested slopes. The trails are designed for riders of all ability levels. The nonprofit organization Singltrek pod Smrkem manages and maintains the trail network and provides information about possible closures and current trail conditions. Check this information before setting out so you can plan around the conditions on each trail.

Another option is the Novoměstské dolování hike. It passes through extensive forests and birch groves and explores the history of local mining. The route starts and ends at Mírové náměstí in Nové Město pod Smrkem. This identifies both its theme and its two reference points; the hike is a concrete alternative to the narrow mountain bike trails. As trail conditions can change, check the current situation before setting out.

When choosing your stay, you can weigh up different interests: visiting the museum and cultural monuments, enjoying the view from Smrk, hiking a route linked to mining history, or mountain biking on the Singltrek network. A prior arrangement is required to visit the mausoleum; for the observation tower and trails, checking current conditions is a practical part of planning.

Discover more destinations: Pěnčín U Turnova, Mníšek, Pertoltice, Kobyly, Kunratice, Horení Paseky, Stráž Nad Nisou, Hrádek Nad Nisou

For the broader travel overview: Okres Liberec.