Name Jizera was assumed by the Slavs from Germanic tribe of Celts. The same origin applies to many rivers in other European countries where the Celts used to live, such as Iser in France, Isar in Bavaria, Ijzer in Netherlands.

Jizera - nature, human

Jizera deep valleys and its confluences maintained their semi-natural ecosystems. The river, surrounded in its upper stream with coniferous and combined forests, flows through the lowland meadows with creeping plants on the river banks in the lower stream. The locations of relatively intact nature became homes for a number of plant and animal species, are protected within small nature reserves. With some luck we may spot bird species: Kingfisher, wagtail, and heron. The swans and wild dugs live on the river in the towns. The water cleanliness in Jizera is supported by a large number of fish species and the fact that crayfish sensitive to water quality keeps gradually returning to some mountains areas.

Jizera did not avoid the thousand years of human activities. Towns and villages grew on the river banks with a number of industrial plants using the river power, from mills to textile factories and water power plants. Dozens of bridges and footbridges cross Jizera. Only the beginning of the upper stream was spared the human activities because it is subject to nature protection within CHKO Jizera Mountains and KRNAP (Nature Resort Jizera Mountains and KRNAP).

River flow

Jizera stream is on Czech side of Smrk hill in Jizera Mountains in about 1000 m above sea level. From the stream it flows through plateau Velké jizerské louky between wide spreading moor land. The area is included in European network of most recognized locations with moor and plants societies. The first right confluence Jizerka is connected under Bukovec and it flows into a closed valley with large stones and cascades. The river forms the state border with Poland up to Kořenov. In Mýtiny, local part of Harrachov, Jizera enters Krkonoše and passes through picturesque corners of the national park. Under Harrachov, wild Mumlava, known for its waterfalls, brings water from Krkonoše to Jizera.

The watercourse attractions include „large pans“ – round stones with diameter ranging from several centimetres to several meters. Ruins Nístějky, which used to be a guarding point for the old commercial route passing through Jizera valley, is placed near Hradsko by Vysoké nad Jizerou on a rock buttress above Jizera. Nístějka is also known as natural landmark with hackelia deflexa occurrence. In Poniklá, Jizera passes through a small karst area, which includes wide spreading Ponikelská cave (not accessible to public).

Jizerka, another left confluence has a stream near Horní Mísečky and brings water from Krkonoše. It flows to Jizera in Horní Sytová. It is the second confluence of the same name; therefore there is Jizerka from Jizera Mountain and from Krkonoše. Jizera turns to the west and approaches Semily with large meanders.

Many bridges lean over Jizera, and some were included within technical memorials. For example the bridge from 1912 in Peřimov, which was then the largest concrete bridge in Bohemia, and roofed wooden bridge in Bystrá nad Jizerou from 1922.

The upper stream of Jizera shows signs of textile industry, which became one of the main living sources in the 19th century. The first spinning mill was constructed in the local part of the river near Semily by an industrialist Franz Schmitt from Český Dub in 1861-1865, and other mills soon followed. Let’s remember at least the first Czech spinning mill in Jizera stream constructed by František Matouš in Benešov near Semily in 1882. There is not much left from the textile plants‘ fame, but the architecture and the locations of the buildings have become a goal of so called „industrial tourism“.

After 50 km in Semily, Jizera connects with Oleška streaming in Staropacké Mountains. Under Semily, Jizera enters the canyon with Rieger route. The rocky valley similar to a canyon was in 1951 announced as Jizera Valley Nature Reserve. The attractions on Rieger route include spálovská hydro-generating plant from 1921-26, where water is introduced by means of 1300 m long tunnel.

In Podspál, Kamenice River flows toJizera bringing water from the north from Jizera Mountains. Palackého route passes alongsideKamenice to Návarov castle and then to Tanvald. From Spálov, Jizera continues via Železný Brod to Malá Skála. The river divides Maloskalsko to the river bank with Vranovský ridge on one side and the river bank with jagged silhouette of Suché skály on the other. Jizera flows to Turnov through Dolánky with Dlaskov farm, the jewel of rural architecture.

Near Turnov, the gate to Český ráj, Jizera enters the Bohemian cretaceous basin and valley with a wide shallow alluvial plain with many villages on both sides. The river flows through the west part of Český ráj, there it includes Libuňka and Žehrovka, and Mohelka from the right side. Under Mnichovo Hradiště, so called Jizera rock cabins were formed in the river banks due to erosion. Jizera passes under castles Zvířetnice and Michalovice, Klenice connects in Mladá Boleslav and the river flows through a wide valley placed in marlstone towards Polabí. The long river route ends in Labe near Lázně Toušeň, close to Brandýs nad Labem.

Jizera and free time

Jizery valley is an attractive location for sports and tourism. It is ideal for hiking and cycling. The upper stream provides a suitable location for hiking and cycling between Jizerka, Kořenov, on Planýrka to Paseky nad Jizerou. A dense network of cycling routes passes Jizera river flow in Semily area.

An attractive hiking place is the Jizera valley with Rieger hiking route near Semily, which in Pospálov connects to Palackého route alongside Kamenice. A popular tourist location is Maloskalsko with its viewing points high above the river. Additionally to hiking and cycling, it provides good conditions for mountain climbing.

Interesting cycling routes are between Turnov and Mnichovo Hradiště, despite a missing signposted cycling route alongside Jizera. Pojizerská cycling route number 241 passing through Dolní Pojizeří approaches Jizera in Monastry Hradiště nad Jizerou and continues through Benátky nad Jizerou to Jizera outfall to Labe.

Jizera is also attractive for the fans of water sports. Jizera pass from the confluence with Mumlava to Horní Sytová is during spring months a paradise for the fans of wild water and rafting. The section between Malá Skálou and Turnov is popular particularly for leisure watermen. Jizera is navigable for watermen from Spálov to the outfall to Labe.

Jizera ranks amongst the cleanest rivers in the Republic and is filled with fish. Therefore, it is popular amongst fishermen. The upper and central stream includes mostly salmon trout and grayling. Jizera is also attractive for the lovers of natural swimming, who are not afraid of colder waters.

Within the whole stream, Jizera offers many attractions and tourist landmarks. The lovers of nature, rural architecture, technical attractions, history, and sports will be also fulfilled. The whole Pojizeří is an interesting invitation for the visit and free time due to the connection of Krkonoše, Jizera Mountains, and Český ráj.

Resource: Information center Semily
www.semily.cz