Kryštofovo Údolí: Nativity Scenes, Church and Viaduct

Kryštofovo Údolí combines ecclesiastical architectural history, unusual nativity scene art, technical monuments and paths into the wooded surroundings. This gives you a place with a variety of discoveries: You can view a historic church complex, explore a large collection of nativity scenes, see a protected railway viaduct or, depending on the season, include events and a children's ski area in your plans.

Church and Nativity Scenes in the Village Center

The church complex of the Church of Saint Christopher includes a Baroque rectory, a mortuary and a bell tower. The present church was built between 1683 and 1684 by the carpenter Michl Schöbel from nearby Žibřidice together with his assistants. There are no regular tourist tours in the church during the year. However, it is possible to look inside through the glazed doors – an important distinction for anyone planning a visit without a scheduled tour.

A separate cultural attraction is the Nativity Scene Museum with more than 90 nativity scenes. Its collection includes a mechanical Tyrolean nativity scene created by the carpenter Franc Pohl around the turn of the 19th century. Jírův betlém has also stood in the village center as an outdoor nativity scene since 1999. The installation is 16 meters long, and its figures are up to 3 meters high. The two nativity scene experiences therefore differ considerably: In the museum, you will see an extensive collection featuring a historic mechanical work, while in the center there is a large-scale display under the open sky.

Clock Tower and Railway Viaduct

The Hodinová věž is located in a former transformer station in the center of Kryštofovo Údolí. It has 14 bells. The Novinský Viaduct creates a different impression: It is 230 meters long, has 14 arches and is a state-protected technical monument. From Kryštofovo Údolí, you can reach the railway viaduct on foot via local paths and roads. Thus, alongside the small, detailed nativity scenes, a structure whose impact derives primarily from its construction and size also takes center stage.

Hiking, Getting There and the Seasons

The Chapel of Saint Christopher can be reached from the village center via a green-marked hiking trail that leads up into the forests. Kryštofovo Údolí can also be reached by public transport route 16 operated by the Liberec City Transport Company. The Kryštofovo Údolí and Novina railway stations are located on the Liberec–Česká Lípa railway line.

The course of the year also brings its own occasions. Údolský masopust is an annual masked and costumed procession accompanied by music from the Jizera folklore ensemble. Údolská pouť takes place every year on the last weekend of July and has been celebrated, with some interruptions, since 1862. Travelers with children can also make use of a children's ski area with a ski school and ski and snowboard equipment rental.

Discover More Places

If you would like to see other places in addition to Kryštofovo Údolí, you can also find Doubi, Jindřichovice Pod Smrkem, Hlavice, Dětřichov, Vrtky, Albrechtice U Frýdlantu, Soběslavice and Dlouhý Most.

For the overarching travel overview: Liberec District.