The best walks and hikes around Dam Bedřichov
4.6
(765)
5,250
hikers
338
hikes
Hiking around Dam Bedřichov offers access to the diverse landscapes of the Jizera Mountains, characterized by ancient beech forests, expansive peat bogs, and distinctive granite peaks. The region features scenic valleys, crystal-clear brooks, and the historic Bedřichov Dam itself. Trails range from gentle strolls around the reservoir to more challenging mountain paths, providing varied terrain for hikers.
Best hiking trails around Dam Bedřichov
- The most popular hiking route is Nova Louka (New Meadow) Lodge – Šámalova Chata loop from PR…
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.4
(13)
35
hikers
4.65km
01:14
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
11.9km
03:19
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(61)
237
hikers
12.8km
03:37
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(5)
63
hikers
19.5km
05:35
440m
440m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(7)
37
hikers
11.1km
02:56
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
It was closed, but there was a cooler with an honesty box under the awning.
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Nová Louka has a history closely linked to Bedřichov. A glassworks had been operating there since the end of the 16th century, which was run by Johann Josef Kittel in 1756. Because he was prospering successfully and the work of the Bedřichov glassworks was not enough to cover orders, he built a glassworks 2 km further north in the forests, around which a small settlement of several houses (of glassworks employees) arose in the following years. In the deep Jizera forests, there was enough wood available, necessary for lighting glass furnaces and for producing potash - an ingredient for glass raw materials. In 1769, Nová Louka came into the hands of the Riedel family, the most important glass entrepreneurs in the Jizera Mountains. In the middle of the 19th century, the glassworks stopped working due to increasingly unfavorable economic conditions (lack of wood, the advent of more modern technologies in glass production). The glassworks and its associated buildings were demolished, leaving only the so-called Manor House, which was rebuilt into a hunting lodge by the estate (owners of the Nové Louka land).
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Šámalova chata, originally a hunting lodge of the Clam-Gallas family, was used during the First Republic by Dr. Přemysl Šámal, chancellor of President T. G. Masaryk. The interior was paneled with larch and the suite with a bathroom was furnished in the same way as in the Černín Palace. Today, the cottage is used by all tourists to recharge their batteries. Nová Louka is a retreat near Bedřichov located on the Blatný stream in the Jizera Mountains. The only building here today is Šámalova chata with a popular restaurant. The retreat is located near the Nová Louka nature reserve, which protects the local peat bog. Another name used today is Šámalova louka in memory of the period when the First Republic Chancellor Přemysl Šámal used the cottage.
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The reservoir lies above the village of Josefuv Dul and is easily accessible from there. Many hikes into the Jizera Mountains start from here. The circular trail around the reservoir is well signposted and suitable for all types of sports. (There is no continuous paved road.)
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There was delicious homemade cake. The staff is very friendly.
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The dam is also known as the Czarna Nysa dam.
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TIP: The following book describes the hikes in the Jizera Mountains, Giant Mountains and the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) and the entire region in detail: Giant Mountains - Bohemian Paradise A travel guide for Bohemia with hikes in the Giant Mountains - Jizera Mountains - Bohemian Paradise & with a long-distance hike from Zittau to Jičín in the Bohemian Paradise Information about the book & possibility to order (free shipping): www.reise-karhu.de/reisebuecher/riesengebirge-boehmisches-paradies.html
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TIP: The following book describes the hikes in the Jizera Mountains, Giant Mountains and the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) and the entire region in detail: Giant Mountains - Bohemian Paradise A travel guide for Bohemia with hikes in the Giant Mountains - Jizera Mountains - Bohemian Paradise & with a long-distance hike from Zittau to Jičín in the Bohemian Paradise Information about the book & possibility to order (free shipping): www.reise-karhu.de/reisebuecher/riesengebirge-boehmisches-paradies.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Dam Bedřichov?
There are over 330 hiking routes around Dam Bedřichov, catering to various fitness levels. This includes approximately 150 easy trails, 140 moderate routes, and over 50 more challenging hikes, ensuring a diverse experience for all visitors.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks near Dam Bedřichov?
Yes, the region offers several easy walks suitable for families. A great option is the Nova Louka (New Meadow) Lodge – Šámalova Chata loop from PR Nová louka, an easy 4.7 km trail that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. This route explores the area around the historic Šámalova Chata, which now houses a popular restaurant, making it a pleasant outing for all ages.
What are some popular circular hiking routes around Dam Bedřichov?
Many trails in the area are circular. A popular moderate option is the Bedřichov Dam – Bedřichov Reservoirs loop from Bedřichov. This 11.1 km route takes you through the scenic area surrounding the Bedřichov Dam and typically takes under 3 hours to complete. The region also features the 'Blue Circle' (4 km) focusing on Bedřichov's history and the 'Red Circuit' (5 km) with outdoor sports facilities.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
The Jizera Mountains are generally dog-friendly, with many trails suitable for walks with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves like the Jizerka Peat Bog, and to be mindful of local regulations and wildlife. Most trails around Dam Bedřichov, including forest paths and reservoir loops, are suitable for dogs.
Are there any challenging hikes with significant elevation gain?
For those seeking a challenge, the Jizera Mountains offer more demanding routes. A difficult option is the Bird Hill – Holubnik (1,071 m) loop from Bedřichov. This 19.5 km trail features over 440 meters of elevation gain and offers a strenuous but rewarding experience for experienced hikers.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while hiking?
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can explore ancient beech forests, expansive peat bogs like the UNESCO-recognized Jizerka Peat Bog, and distinctive granite peaks. The Bedřichov Dam itself is an impressive historical monument. Other notable sights include the basalt cone hill Bukovec, rocky banks along the Hájený Brook, and the Královka Lookout Tower directly above Bedřichov, offering superb views.
Where can I find good viewpoints on the trails?
The Jizera Mountains offer numerous stunning viewpoints. The Královka Lookout Tower, a short hike from Bedřichov, provides excellent panoramic views. Further afield, the Paličník Lookout Tower (944 m) offers exclusive regional vistas after a longer 17.5 km hike. Many trails also offer scenic overlooks of the Bedřichov Dam and the surrounding wooded valleys.
Is there parking available for hikers near Dam Bedřichov?
Yes, Bedřichov serves as a classic entry point to the Jizera Mountains and offers good parking facilities. You'll find designated parking areas within the village, making it convenient to access the various hiking trails that originate from there.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Dam Bedřichov?
The best time for hiking around Dam Bedřichov is typically from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming nature, while summer offers warm weather for exploring and even swimming in the reservoir. Autumn is particularly beautiful with vibrant fall foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, with trails often groomed for cross-country skiing, but requires appropriate gear and awareness of conditions.
Are there any routes that pass by other reservoirs besides Bedřichov Dam?
Yes, you can explore trails that lead to other significant reservoirs in the area. A moderate option is the Josefův Důl Reservoir – Josefův Důl Reservoir loop from Bedřichov. This 12.8 km path offers views of the large Josefův Důl Reservoir, though it's primarily for drinking water and limits water activities.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails here?
The trails around Dam Bedřichov are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 720 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, including ancient beech forests and peat bogs, the well-marked paths, and the picturesque setting of the Bedřichov Dam. The variety of routes, from easy strolls to challenging mountain paths, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any trails that lead to unique geological formations?
Yes, the Jizera Mountains are known for their distinctive granite formations. You can find trails that lead past rocky banks, such as those along the Hájený Brook. Additionally, the Jizerka Peat Bog area features the unique basalt cone hill Bukovec, which is a notable geological landmark to explore.
Most popular routes around Dam Bedřichov
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