Review: pony riding in the Jizera Mountains

Why pony riding in the Jizera Mountains

You can combine a family-friendly experience with a visit to a goat farm in nearby Pěnčín, Liberec's Ještěd or another of the dozens of amazing destinations in the Jizera Mountains.

You can take 3 children at once or a mother and 2 children.

The magical surroundings of Horní Černá Studnice promise a pleasant day spent in the fresh air.

The ponies are very nice and kind, as are the ranch owners.

Mrs. owner offers rides on 2 smaller ponies with a "carrying capacity" of up to 50 kg and one larger pony that can carry up to 70 kg. During the ride in the Jizera Mountains each pony has its own driver, or the mother can go alone, etc. Everything is by arrangement with the owner, who is very nice and helpful.

You can enjoy the ride every day from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Sunday.

Upper Black Well

The Jizera Mountains are famous for their impressive number of lookout towers per square meter. If you wanted to visit them all, even a week's stay would not be enough. Just below the lookout tower in Černá Studnice, your pony ride experience will begin. If you want to go on a pony ride towards the lookout tower, we recommend it in the low season, or at least on a weekday. Otherwise, you will meet a lot of people along the way and maybe even a tour train.

So if you want to take the beautiful route up the gentle hill to Černá Studnica, arrange a suitable date in advance with the owner. You will be rewarded with a visit to one of the most beautiful stone lookout towers in our area. It rises at an altitude of 869 m above sea level.

There's no problem getting off your horse, hiking up to the lookout tower, or enjoying fresh chips or a hot dog. The lookout tower and refreshments are always open Thursday through Sunday.

If you come on a weekend or in high season and want to avoid the crowds, the owner will choose a quieter route. There, the children will fully enjoy the views and relax on horseback.

From meeting the horses to saying goodbye

You will meet the owner directly in Horní Černá Studnica. You can't miss the ranch or the parking lot. You'll get to know each other and go together to get the horses for grazing. In doing so, you will receive the necessary instruction on how to behave around horses - not to shout, approach them from the left side, etc. Together you will clean the horses and mount them - either with a western saddle or a classic English saddle, depending on the agreement.

The route and content of the ride is determined by you in agreement with the owner. If needed, each horse has its own experienced guide. Safety is paramount here - the owner will lend you a helmet, but it's not a problem to bring your own cycling helmet. However, it is important to come in comfortable clothes that children can get dirty.

Once the horses and you are ready, you'll be on your way. You can either go with the children or "hand them over" to the owner and have a snack during their ride, for example in the restaurant Černá Studnice. The children will have a beautiful ride through the picturesque landscape of the Jizera Mountains. It doesn't matter which direction you take from the ranch. It's beautiful everywhere. During the ride, the owner teaches you how to sit properly and shows you various attractions so that your child enjoys the ride as much as possible. For advanced riders, a ride without a guide is also possible, even at a gallop. For beginners, however, the views and the experience in stride are sufficient. The legs hurt a lot anyway.

On your return, you will saddle the horses and return to the pasture. They'll probably roll right off on their backs, a sign of relaxation and good work.

What next? Dozens of options

The surrounding countryside is so beautiful that it would be a shame to drive straight home. Start in the nearby village of Krásná. Here you'll find a nature trail in the footsteps of the legendary Dr Kittle. There's a lot of talk about him. For example, that he flew to patients covered in his magical cloak. In addition to Dr. Kittle's birthplace, called the Burg, you will also be impressed by the local church and herb garden.

Other options for trips with children in the Jizera Mountains include:

Goat farm and the Pěnčín excursion area

The excursion area in Pěnčín is located a short distance from Krásná. It is also the departure point of the excursion train. Its route leads through Krásná to Černá Studnice and back. In the excursion area you will get acquainted with farm animals from goats and sheep to pigs or cows. You will pet a local donkey, enjoy the sight of alpaca llamas, all with the majestic mountains in the background. Skilled children can try their hand at bead making.

Museum of Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou

For those who are more interested in pearls and costume jewellery, we recommend a visit directly to the Jablonec Museum of Glass and Costume Jewellery. It also offers special programs for children, such as making Christmas ornaments or beaded animals.

Ganov nad Nisou Bobsled Track

Have action-packed kids? Take them to the bobsleigh track in Genoa. From here it is only a short walk to Bedřichov and the picturesque nature of the Jizera Mountains.

Aquapark and iQPark Babylon in Liberec

When your feet are aching, relax in the aquapark or enjoy a mix of entertainment from iQ challenges to funfair in the Babylon Centre in Liberec. You'll have a great time even in bad weather. It's all under one roof.

Whichever direction you go, a trip to the Jizera Mountains is definitely worth it. Combined with pony rides, it is an unforgettable experience that we recommend to everyone.