"Liberec/Reichenberg" Top 5 Page for this destination Liberec by german_eagle

Liberec Travel Guide: 145 reviews and 182 photos

I took the chance that Good Friday is no holiday in the Czech Republic (unlike in Germany) and did a day trip to Liberec from Dresden. Since Feb 2005 it is an easy (but quite long) train ride at a really cheap fare (see my transportation tips).

I have been to Liberec a dozen times before the wall came down, mostly on transit to the Krkonose (Riesengebirge) mountains for hiking/skiing. I never thought it's a beautiful city and was curious to see what had changed since then. Recently I saw that my friend Michael (globetrott) provides an excellent page on Liberec here. His Restaurant tip about the Viennese style coffeehouse was finally the reason to go.

A beautiful house in pitiable condition

Honestly, I still don't think it is a destination worth a trip alone, but it is an interesting relatively small city, an eye-opener if you've been to stunning, touristy, crowded Prague and are curious what "normal" places in the Czech Republic are like. Looking back I regret I did concentrate on taking photos of beautiful spots, facades, interior only.

Soukenne namesti

Finally, before you continue browsing (and hopefully rating :-)) my tips I'd like to provide some facts about Liberec.

It's located about 100 km northeast of Prague at the foot of the Jizerske Hory (mountains) and Mt. Jested (1012 m) at an elevation of 350 - 400 m. It is a small city with a population of approx. 100,000 and the centre of the Northern Bohemia region.

Until the end of WWII Liberec/Reichenberg was the biggest city of the so called "Sudetenland", a region where the German minority in the Czech Republic lived. After WWII the Germans had to leave their homes and were expelled. As always in such cases, this also meant a loss of wealth and know-how for the former centre of textile and glass industry in Bohemia. It is obvious that Liberec has a long way to go to reach the same wealth as in the late 19th century.

Intro Written Mar 27, 2005
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Reviews (18)

Erotic shop only a few steps from the town hall - Liberec

Erotic/Sex shops Local Customs (2)

A somewhat confusing "local custom" are the numerous Erotic/Sex shops in Liberec. I was very surprised to see so many of... more travel advice

Market Local Customs (2)

Every friday there is a market on the square in front of the town hall. Craftsmen from the region offer their... more travel advice

Architecture - Empire style Favorites (2)

A bit west of the town hall, on the square where the St. Antonius church is located, you'll see some beautiful houses in... more travel advice

Architecture - Art Nouveau Favorites (2)

The city centre is pedestrian zone. From the Market square (Nam. Dr. E. Benese) with the town hall down to Soukenne Nam.... more travel advice

Things to Do (8)
See All Jested
Hotels (1)
Belle Epoque ambience
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Comments (8)

Kathrin_E Jun 17, 2011 at 1:40 AM Report Abuse

Muss mich doch langsam mal einlesen...
yumyum Jan 3, 2008 at 1:13 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page Ingo! Especially valuable are the transportation tips.
matcrazy1 Apr 14, 2005 at 9:03 AM Report Abuse

Great job as your usual! Haha, still old ski-lifts? Well, I am sure, they will change it soon...
bugulma Mar 31, 2005 at 9:55 PM Report Abuse

I should read Michael's tip about coffehouse :-)) In any way you tip about is great too. Maybe to go to Liberec? :-)) Nice pics of the city!
mtncorg Mar 29, 2005 at 12:31 PM Report Abuse

Past Hapsburg glory, coffee houses, Bohemian glassware, skiing and sex shops all making Liberec the place to be! ;-\
HORSCHECK Mar 28, 2005 at 8:47 AM Report Abuse

Fabulous and funny updates here. I shall visit Liberec in 2009 for the nordic ski-championships. Keep up the good work ... :o)
Nemorino Mar 28, 2005 at 5:59 AM Report Abuse

Those architects Fellner & Helmer must have been really prolific, they seem to have built theaters and opera houses just about everywhere, even in Liberec. I've never been there, but I might have a business trip to Zittau later this year, so who knows.
globetrott Mar 28, 2005 at 5:52 AM Report Abuse

a good start with 18 excellent tips and pics ! I will be back, but cannot agree with Holger, as I think that travelling to Liberec is absolutely worth it, even if you go there just to have Palazinki in that beautiful Viennese Cafe....