Dessendorf: Nature, Culture and Mountain Landscape

Dessendorf Between Nature and Culture

Dessendorf appeals to travelers who want to combine nature observation, regional history and physical activity in one stay. The Černá Desná natural monument, Riedelova vila, a historic circular trail and a ski resort offer different focal points for your days. This allows you to plan your trip according to whether you want to explore landscapes, learn about the history of the Riedel glassmaking family or experience a mountain landscape in winter.

Water, Forest and Winter Sports

The Černá Desná natural monument protects a valley with a mountain stream, a series of waterfalls, rapids and rock slabs. It also includes erosion formations such as huge potholes and plunge pools, as well as an adjacent hillside forest with the character of an acidic beech forest and endangered herb species. Water, rock and special plant life are therefore closely connected in this area. Water, rock and plant life thus come together in a compact setting for nature observation.

The Černá Říčka ski resort is located on the outskirts of Desná at an elevation of 685–788 m. Skiing there takes place on natural snow. Winter sports therefore form a clear focus alongside the town's natural and cultural attractions.

Riedelova Vila and Paths through Dessendorf

Riedelova vila houses a cultural and information center, a library and a museum. The museum includes permanent exhibitions on regional history and the Riedel glassmaking family, as well as historical documents and glass. Information, reading and museum insights thus come together there. The traditional Sympozium Desná – dřevosochání motorovými pilami is held on the grounds every year.

Another historic site is the Riedelova hrobka. Built in 1889–1890, the family crypt takes the form of a chapel with a crypt and is designed in the Neo-Romanesque-Gothic style. It stands on the boundary between Desná II, formerly Potočná, and Desná III, Dolní Polubný. The 4 km-long Po stopách skláře Riedela circular trail leads through Desná past cultural monuments and attractions near the town center, as well as places that once belonged to the Riedel family. The length of the route gives the connection between local history and physical activity a concrete framework.

The Tanvald–Harrachov cog railway line begins at the Desná – Riedelova vila stop; its maximum gradient is 58 per mille. The cog railway adds a technical theme to the town's history. The preserved remains of the Protržená přehrada near Desná, which was declared a cultural monument in 1996, also form part of the town's history.

Surroundings and Further Destinations

Mariánská hora, Zámky, Slezské Kamení and Hvězda are located in the vicinity of Desná. The wider regional area includes the castles of Zamek Chojnik, Zamek Gryf and Czocha - Zamek XIVw., as well as the Spalona Strażnica ruins.

Other location options include Marschowitz, Plaw, Großhammer, Tannwald, Radschitz, Sassadel, Neudorf An Der Neiße and Friedstein.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jablonec Nad Nisou.