Horní Podluží: Světlík, Velký rybník and ski resort

Between a pond landscape, a cultural monument and winter sports

Horní Podluží lies as a long, stretched-out village in the Lužničky valley, on the border between the Lužické hory and České Švýcarsko landscapes. The village therefore combines various travel ideas: you can discover protected wetlands and migratory birds, follow educational trails on foot or by bike, visit a historic windmill or explore the local ski resort. Even before the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, textile production was firmly established in Horní Podluží.

Světlík and Velký rybník

The Světlík windmill lies about 1.5 km north of Horní Podluží in the Světlík district (Lichtenberg), at an altitude of 500 m and on the edge of the Světlík Nature Reserve, on the shore of the pond of the same name. In the cadastral area of Horní Podluží, it is registered as an immovable cultural monument. The windmill can be reached via the Velký rybník–Světlík educational trail, thereby combining a cultural destination with a waterside landscape.

Velký rybník lies on the western edge of Horní Podluží. The 46-hectare pond is a nature reserve, part of the European Natura 2000 network and an important ornithological site where numerous migratory birds stop to rest. It includes wetlands near the shore with protected plants. The Světlík site also features wet and waterlogged meadows, as well as a transitional bog in the northern part of the pond. The crane has been recorded there as the most significant breeding bird species; a large population of the large copper demoiselle (Leucorrhinia pectoralis) is also found there. These wetland habitats lie close together: the wetlands near the shore, wet and waterlogged meadows and transitional bog complement the water surface. This creates different focal points for nature observation – from resting migratory birds and the crane as the most significant breeding bird species to the large population of the large copper demoiselle.

Educational Trails and Cycling Routes

The educational trail around Velký rybník is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists and connects Rybniště with Horní Podluží. A 4 km educational trail begins in Rybniště. The 4 km length provides a clear framework for route planning, while its suitability for pedestrians and cyclists enables two different ways of exploring the area. There are also connections for cycling: one cycling route runs between Horní Podluží and Jiřetín pod Jedlovou, while another leads from Varnsdorf via Horní Podluží towards Česká Kamenice.

Horní Podluží Ski Resort

In winter, the Horní Podluží Ski Resort complements excursions into the pond and hilly landscape. It has three slopes with a total length of 650 m. For families with children, the children's park with passage gates and slalom poles is a separate area within the ski resort. Snowboarders will find obstacles and jumps of varying difficulty levels there. The facilities on offer have different focuses: slopes for skiers, a children's park with passage gates and slalom poles, and a snowboarding area with obstacles and jumps of varying difficulty levels.

More destinations for your research

For further research, you can also find Rumburk, Dolní Habartice, Děčín–Bodenbach, Old Ehrenberg, Rynartice, Starý Šachov, Hostice and Staré Křečany.

To the higher-level travel overview: Děčín District.