Železný Brod

Železný Brod is a small town in North Bohemia, in the Liberec Region, set along the Jizera River on the edge of the Jizera Mountains, not far from the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj). It is best known for its long-standing tradition of glassmaking: the town is home to several workshops and factories specialising in blown glass and glass figurines, a craft passed down through generations and recognised throughout the country. The modest historic centre retains a handful of traditional regional buildings and a quiet, provincial atmosphere. The surrounding countryside offers excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling, with trails leading into the wooded hills nearby and towards the rock formations of Bohemian Paradise, one of the country's most cherished protected landscapes. The proximity of Jablonec nad Nisou and Liberec also makes it easy to take day trips to larger towns with fuller tourist facilities. Železný Brod appeals mainly to travellers seeking authenticity, local craftsmanship and unspoilt nature, away from the busier tourist routes.