A Look Back at Open House Day

The last weekend in May was marked by something truly extraordinary in northern Bohemia. If you were traveling through the region during those days—from the Šluknov Hook through the Lusatian Mountains to the Kokořín and Frýdlant areas—you may well have noticed the unusual bustle surrounding the picturesque log cabins. That’s because the traditional Open House Day for half-timbered houses was taking place, and we have to say right off the bat—it was absolutely fantastic! Even though last weekend was literally bursting at the seams with a flood of other enticing cultural, sporting, and social events, interest in these architectural gems exceeded all of the organizers’ expectations.

Traditional architecture that continues to captivate

More than 2,500 people from all corners of the Czech Republic set out on a journey to discover history. On the Czech side, a total of 44 sites participated in the event this year, and many of them were packed to capacity—including houses where guides counted over a hundred enthusiastic visitors in a single day. Specialized guided tours in Rumburk and Merboltice were also a great success, attracting more than a hundred participants in total. On Sunday, the event also beautifully connected with neighbors in Germany and Poland, where a similar program was taking place simultaneously.

The event involved both public venues—such as the Glass Museum in Kamenický Šenov, the Vísecká Rychta in Kravaře, and the House of Czech-German Understanding in Jablonec nad Nisou—and a number of private owners. For some of them, this was a major debut, as they were opening their private properties and gardens to the public for the very first time.

„The event has long been well-received not only by visitors but also by the homeowners themselves. They are able to share not only the history of their buildings but also, in many cases, the traditional construction methods and craftsmanship that are inextricably linked to half-timbered houses ,“ that’s how Marie Kárová, director of DMO Lužické hory, sums up the past weekend.

From 18th-century history to the aroma of fresh bread

Visitors were able to view an incredibly diverse range of buildings. On display were both meticulously maintained historic houses from the mid-18th century , such fascinating new buildings that have sprung up in recent years using traditional, time-honored techniques. In addition to the architecture itself, the accompanying program was also a draw, making the visit a wonderful experience:

🍞 At several locations, people had the chance to taste crusty bread baked right in a traditional bread oven.

🎨 The atmosphere was enhanced by stylish art openings and intimate concerts.

🕳️ Another major attraction was the chance to look down into fascinating historic wells that were several dozen meters deep.

The main purpose of this event, which takes place every year organized by DMO Lužické hory, z. s. …is to raise awareness of the unique folk architecture of northern Bohemia and highlight the immense cultural value these buildings represent. Half-timbered houses are a global rarity, and thanks to the people who lovingly breathe new life into them, the character of our landscape remains as enchanting and authentic as ever.

Source: DMO Lužické hory press release