From Bobsleighs to UFOs: Discovering the Secrets of Malý Špičák
Tucked into the woods just a short distance from our rental cottage, Chalupa U Tří srnek, lies a mountain peak with a history as wild as its scenery. While many visitors flock to the famous Tanvaldský Špičák for skiing and panoramas, its smaller neighbor, Malý Špičák, hides a pioneering sports legacy and some of the most striking modern architecture in the Jizera Mountains.
Long before it became a peaceful hiking destination, Malý Špičák was a hub for early winter adrenaline sports. Before World War I, its steep, rocky cliffs served as the starting point for the historic Tanvald Bobsleigh Track. Later rebuilt in 1965 as Bobovka, this intense 1.5-kilometer ice channel regularly hosted national championships for two-man and four-man bobsleighs. While the ice track has faded into history, its thrilling spirit lives on—the old route has been cleverly repurposed into dynamic downhill tracks for the Bikepark Tanvaldský Špičák.
In 2020, the summit underwent a futuristic transformation. The town of Tanvald installed an unconventional lookout platform named Vyhlídka Špička. Designed by the renowned Liberec architecture studio Mjölk, the structure looks like a shiny metallic pod, a giant spoon, or a sleek UFO resting on a steel tripod. This bold shape is a deliberate nod to the aerodynamic shells of the bobsleighs that once sped down the mountain. The most magical feature is its mirror-like underbelly, which distorts and reflects the shifting colors of the surrounding granite, pine trees, and passing hikers.
The Ultimate Loop Trail Right from Our Doorstep
The best part? You can experience all of this on a beautiful, refreshing foot tour that begins right outside Chalupa U Tří srnek. We highly recommend grouping these sights into a scenic mountain circuit:
The Warm-Up: Set off from our cottage in Mariánská Hora for a gentle, pleasant walk through the quiet forest trails toward Malý Špičák.
The Sci-Fi View: Ascend to the shimmering Vyhlídka Špička to catch sweeping views of Tanvald and take unique photos in the reflective canopy.
The Peak Experience: Follow the ridge trail up to the neighboring peak to visit the historic stone Špičák lookout Tower, built in 1909, where a panoramic 360-degree view of the Jizera and Giant Mountains awaits you.
The Grand Circuit: Complete your adventure with a leisurely walk around the base of the mountain, enjoying the pristine nature before heading back to the cottage to unwind.