Czech-Saxon Switzerland

Village description

VARNSDORF

Varnsdorf 

The town of Varnsdorf is situated in the hollow basin of the river Mandava neighbouring on Lužické mountains,  and from three sides  surrounded by the border of Germany. The original village started up in the first half of the 13th century. When Old Varnsdorf fused with five neighbouring settlements in 1849, the largest village in the Austrian  empire, counting 10.000 inhabitants, was found. In 1868 Varnsdorf was proclaimed the town. In last two centuries the town was mostly made up by the development of the textile industry. The town signed on the cultural history with the liturgical  premiere of Beethoven´s "Missy solemnis" and after-war living of the composer Bjarnat Krawcec and his daughter Hanka Krawcec. In the square of E. Beneš, there is a Church of St. Peter and Paul, one of the most interesting sights in the town, built in 1774 - 1776 from the original church from the 13th century. In the local museum you can visit the constant exhibition of the pictures of the nativity, the shooting clubs and the beginnings of the textile production in Varnsdorf´s region.
From Varnsdorf you can set on many trips to the surroundings or even behind the border to neighbouring Germany. The most popular is the mountain Jedlová with its stone viewpoint. In winter you can go skiing there -  the trails are long more than 1 km. It is also possible to try many trails for cross-country skiing. Not far from the mountain Jedlová you can find the ruins of the castle Tolštejn with the observation restaurant or the Way of the Cross. All these attractions are connected by the  touristic trail. Do not forget you will be very close to the border  so it is better to have your ID with you all the time.