The Tolštejn Region – a diverse world between the Lusatian Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland

The Tolštejn region comprises the territory of the Tolštejn Voluntary Association of Municipalities – five villages (Doubice, Dolní Podluží, Horní Podluží, Jiřetín pod Jedlovou, Rybniště) and two towns (Chřibská and Varnsdorf). Come and visit this distinctive region in northern Bohemia and discover an area of observation towers and panoramic views, bodies of water, green pastures and meadows, traditional folk architecture and well-preserved religious monuments, criss-crossed by numerous hiking and cycling trails.

Let’s start with a major new tourist attraction for 2021: the ‘Cozrovka’ footbridge, built on the Stožecké Saddle, which connects the Tolštejn region with the Ústí and Liberec regions, as well as the areas of Bohemian Switzerland, the Lusatian Mountains and the Zittau Mountains. You can begin your wanderings through the Tolštejn region in the smallest yet uniquely picturesque village of Doubice, where you can enjoy a good meal in the local restaurants and find cultural activities at the Fabrika club or the Cifra gallery.

As you make your way down to Chřibská, you’ll recharge your batteries amidst the tranquillity and beauty of the countryside. In the square, you can enjoy a good cup of coffee or take a look at the exhibition at the Tadeáš Haenke Museum. In Rybniště, you can enjoy a relaxing day at the new children’s park with its inline skating circuit, or try your hand at sport fishing at Školní Pond.

You’ll then head towards Jedlová – ideally by train on the National Park Railway. Refreshed by a meal at the renowned station restaurant, you’ll set out to conquer the summit of Mount Jedlová and climb the steps of the stone observation tower dating from 1891. From Jedlová, you’ll make your way to Luž, the highest peak of the Lužické Mountains, via the new tourist footbridge. Through the Milířka Valley, you’ll descend to Dolní Podluží and stop off at the family-run, artisanal Galli Distillery.

After sampling their regional specialities, you certainly won’t be leaving empty-handed! In high spirits, you’ll head to Horní Podluží to visit the Světlík windmill – the only Dutch-style mill in Bohemia with its original technical equipment still intact.

You can also explore other tourist gems, such as Spravedlnost Hill, the Chřibský Waterfall, the aqueduct on the Chřibská Kamenice, Velký rybník, Malý Stožec, the Jan Evangelista adit, or the Stations of the Cross in Jiřetín pod Jedlovou.

“The Tolštejn region is perfect for exploring the countryside, whatever the season. There’s something for everyone here. The diversity of the area, all within a small space, is unique,” says Petra Vojtěchová, deputy mayor of the village of Rybniště.