Villa Jelenka
Surroundings
The town received its name of Smržovka from the mushroom known morel. The first written reports of the town come from 1585. Originally, Smržovka was a centre for the flax and cotton industries, but the glass industry also began to develop as early as the 16th century. The glass works, which were established in Smržovka, were the foundation for the later success of the Jablonec costume jewellery industry. One of the most important glassworks was the Zenkner glassworks dating from the end of the 17th century. Other proprietors, such as the Riedels, developed new glass technology and were famous for their products such as artificial pearls, later known as rocailles, glass buttons and bangles.
Smržovka received its town statute in 1905. At present, Smržovka has 3418 inhabitants. The town lies on the southern slopes of the Jizera Mountains and it stretches for several kilometres along the Smržovka Stream. The climatic conditions are harsh and typical for a lower mountain setting. The town is situated of a height ranging from 525 to 585 m above sea level. Part of the town’s territory lies within the Jizera Mountains protected area.
Smržovka can offer its visitors many well marked walking and cycling trails leading in all directions and with the possibility of visiting one of the region’s many lookout towers, such as Černá Studnice, Smržovka, Bramberk and Špičák. The town can be considered to be a winter sports centre. There is access to the Jizera Mountain arterial cross-country skiing trail directly from the town as well as a number of ski tows and lit ski slopes in the vicinity. Smržovka is famous as a bobsledding town and the first bobsled run was built in 1912. The present run dates from 1972-1975.
For lovers of winter sports, there is a slope with artificial snow in the immediate vicinity of the pension, which also offers evening skiing until 9 p.m.
Swimming, relaxation and fun are offered all year round by the swimming pool with whirlpools, a toboggan and other attractions in Jablonec nad Nisou.
More demanding skiers will find their way in the Špičák ski area, which is 10 minutes away by car (or approx. 15 minutes by train).
In summer, the Jabloneck Dam Mšeno offers pleasant swimming and a place to relax.
The skiing resort in Harrachov is 20 minutes away by car.
There are several viewpoints in the vicinity of Smržovka. The closest is Černá Studnice with a restaurant.
Boarding points on the Jizerská highway are in Jablonec nad Nisou, Josefova dole, Desná
A nice nature walk Jedlový důl (near the village of Josefův Důl), where there is a marked educational trail along the Jedlová stream with many waterfalls.
The Babylon Center in Liberec offers entertainment for children and relaxation for adults all year round (20 minutes by car, also available by direct train).
For less demanding tourists, a walk to the Mumlava Waterfall near Harrachov is ideal.
Adrenaline is also offered by the bobo track in Janov nad Nisou (15 min by car).
Another adventure for children is offered by the rope park König in the neighboring village of Nová ves nad Nisou.
Unlike other rope parks consisting of high rope obstacles, the rope park Park König built mainly of cable cars, i.e. crossings from tree to tree.
The excursion area Pěnčín offers a tour of the production of glass pearls and a goat farm. (15 min by car)
Bozkovské dolomite caves are the only accessible caves in the north of Bohemia. Thanks to their rich decoration, however, they have no problem attracting lovers of the underground realm from landscapes much further away. The largest underground lake in Bohemia is located here. These caves were announced for their uniqueness a national natural monument (30 minutes by car)
The Neo-Gothic castle Sychrov is 30 minutes away by car. The castle served as a residence of the originally French family of Rohan, you know from the fairy tale Goldilocks or the Immortal Aunt.
Sklarna Novosad a son in Harrachov offers a tour of the traditional method of glass production here. A unique 100-year-old historic glass grinding plant, which is powered by transmissions and a water turbine. In In 2002, a microbrewery with a restaurant was built directly on the premises of the glass factory (20 minutes by car)