Nový Bor Travel Guide

City City in Liberecký kraj, Czechia

Nový Bor built its reputation on glass - workshops, museums and factory outlets draw collectors, while surrounding forests offer hiking and quiet country roads.

Main image
Costs
Moderate European prices
Expect about $60-$110 per day, cheaper outside peak season.
Safety
Safe and peaceful
Very safe; crime is low and visitors walk freely.
Best Time
April-October
Mild spring and autumn are ideal for factory tours and town walks.
Time
Weather
Population
11,318
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good rail and road links, walkable centre, tourist workshops in English; basic hotels and eateries.
Popularity
Draws glass enthusiasts and craft tourists from Europe; quiet otherwise.
Known For
Bohemian glass, crystal workshops, glassblowing factories, Glass Museum, craft tours, historic centre, regional cycling, annual glass fairs, artisan shops
Nový Bor is a long-established centre of Bohemian glassmaking, with many working glassworks and a dedicated Glass Museum.

Why Visit Nový Bor? #

Known across the region for centuries of glassmaking, this town is a center for Bohemian crystal and blown-glass artistry. Workshops and the local glass museum let visitors watch masters at work and buy handcrafted vases or chandeliers. Beyond craft stores, there are small squares and cafés where visitors can sample local pastries and learn about the town’s glassblowing heritage and export history.

Top Things to Do in Nový Bor

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Etropole Monastery (St. Trinity) - Hilltop monastery with 14th-19th-century frescoes and museum exhibits.
  • Etropole Historical Museum - Regional artifacts, manuscripts and displays on local cultural heritage.
  • Tundzha River promenade - Riverside paths, fishing spots and local cafes along Etropole's banks.
Hidden Gems
  • Bacho Kiro Cave trails - Quiet forest walks leading to lesser-known cave entrances near Etropole.
  • Etropole Water Mill ruins - Tucked-away remnants of old mills beside small streams and walking paths.
  • Local pottery workshops - Small studios producing traditional ceramics available to watch and buy.
Day Trips
  • Sofia - Bulgaria's capital with museums, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and a short scenic drive west.
  • Bozhentsi and Tryavna - Preserved Revival-era villages with wooden houses and crafts, roughly one-hour drive.

Best Time to Visit Nový Bor #

Late spring to early autumn offers the best balance-mild summers and long daylight for hiking in surrounding forests. Winters are cold and snowy, limiting outdoor sightseeing.

Winter
December - February · -6 to 3°C (21 to 37°F)
Cold, often snowy winters make the nearby glassmaking workshops atmospheric but can disrupt travel; bring insulated boots and warm layers.
Spring
March - May · 3 to 18°C (37 to 64°F)
Pleasant spring for wandering cobbled streets and visiting artisans; occasional rain and chilly mornings call for a light jacket and umbrella.
Summer
June - August · 12 to 25°C (54 to 77°F)
Comfortable summers are ideal for hiking and beer gardens; mornings are cool, afternoons pleasantly warm, and evenings suit outdoor terraces.

Best Time to Visit Nový Bor #

Climate

Nový Bor's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (716 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
13.6h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
15.3h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 100 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.3h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

How to Get to Nový Bor

Nový Bor in the Liberec Region is easiest to reach via Prague (PRG) or nearby Dresden (DRS) with onward regional train or bus connections. The town has a functioning railway station (Nový Bor) with regular services to regional hubs.

By Air

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG): For Nový Bor, Prague Airport is the main international gateway. From Prague, take a direct train from Praha hl.n. or Praha Masarykovo to Česká Lípa or Liberec and change for Nový Bor; total travel time is around 1.5-2.5 hours by rail and bus combinations. Car rental from Prague is also an option (drive ~1.5-2 hours).

Dresden Airport (DRS): Dresden (Germany) is another practical option for international arrivals-Dresden Airport is about 70-90 km away. From Dresden you can travel by regional train to Zittau/Liberec area and cross into the Czech Republic; travel times vary but are typically around 1.5-3 hours depending on connections.

By Train & Bus

Train: Nový Bor is served by regional and intercity trains; the railway station is Nový Bor (nádraží). Regular České dráhy and regional services connect Nový Bor with Česká Lípa and Liberec; travel from Prague to Nový Bor usually involves one change and takes about 1.5-2.5 hours. Tickets are affordable (CZK ranges depend on distance and type of train).

Bus: Regional buses supplement the rail network and provide direct services to smaller villages and tourist sites around Nový Bor. Buses are useful for destinations not served by rail and for short local hops; fares are modest (typically CZK 20-100 depending on distance).

How to Get Around Nový Bor #

Nový Bor’s centre is compact and easily walkable, with most museums, shops and cafés within a short stroll. The town has rail and bus connections to regional centres, so public transport works well for day trips. Local buses and regional trains are affordable; schedules are suitable for day visitors but check return times if you plan to rely on public transport for evening travel.

Where to Stay in Nový Bor #

Budget
Near town centre / train station - $25-55/night
Nový Bor has a handful of simple guesthouses and budget hotels, often aimed at workers in the glass industry.
Mid-Range
Town centre - $55-110/night
Several comfortable mid-range hotels and pensions cater to visitors exploring local glassworks and nearby countryside.
Luxury
Limited in-town luxury - $120+/night
Luxury options are limited; choose a high-end stay in Liberec or Česká Lípa for more amenities.

Where to Eat in Nový Bor #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Nový Bor's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
Pizza
Kebab
Asian
Czech
Burger
Chinese
No
Local
Sushi
Italian
Vietnamese
Italian Pizza
Mediterranean

Nightlife in Nový Bor #

Nightlife in Nový Bor is modest: bars, pubs and cafés provide evening options and occasional cultural evenings or concerts. It’s not a nightlife destination, but there are pleasant spots for a drink after dinner. For more extensive late-night entertainment head to larger regional towns.

Shopping in Nový Bor #

Nový Bor is a regional centre for glassmaking, so the local shopping scene leans heavily toward glassware and related crafts. You’ll find museum shops, factory outlets and independent glass retailers selling Bohemian crystal and decorative pieces. Everyday shopping needs are met by small supermarkets and local shops; for a larger mall experience, travel to a nearby larger city.

Nearby Cities #