The chapel on Mariánská Hora, Mariánské schody and the routes to Protržená přehrada reveal different sides of the area. Its history spans a revived pilgrimage tradition and a historic link to Desná. A marked route continues on foot to the reservoir, while a ski lift is located on the southern slope. When planning, you can therefore choose between religious heritage, routes and outdoor activities.

The chapel and pilgrimage tradition

In the 16th century, a chapel was built on Mariánská Hora for a statue of the Virgin Mary found by a former local resident named Bittner. The pilgrimage tradition to the chapel was revived in 1990. After local parishioners restored a new statue of the Virgin Mary, the chapel was consecrated again in 1995. These milestones connect the founding of this religious site with its later history. Visitors interested in religious heritage will find a specific topic here that encompasses both the construction of the chapel and the pilgrimage.

Mariánské schody and the link to Desná

Mariánské schody are in the eastern part of the settlement, about 300 metres from the chapel. They connect Mariánská Hora with Desná and are therefore not only a historic stretch of path but also a link between two places. A simple Stations of the Cross once ran along the steps. According to tradition, there were originally 365 steps. This religious background adds a historical dimension to the route’s present-day role, without treating the traditional number as the number of steps today.

Routes to Protržená přehrada

To reach Protržená přehrada from Mariánská Hora, park there in the part of Albrechtice v Jizerských horách and then follow a marked route for 3.7 kilometres on foot. At the destination, you will find a memorial to the victims of the disaster, a nature trail, detailed information boards and twelve wooden sculptures. A footbridge connects the two riverbanks. This excursion thus combines remembrance and information about the reservoir with the other features described along the river.

A route description prepared in 2024 for the Josefův Důl Information Centre also describes a route marked with snowshoe symbols. It starts at the trail junction near Mariánské schody in Albrechtice v Jizerských horách and leads to Protržená přehrada. The starting point and signage provide clear guidance for this snowshoe route. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Ski lift on the southern slope

The Mariánská Hora ski lift is located below the mountain on the southern slope, at an altitude of over 700 metres. It is 260 metres long and serves a slope with an elevation difference of 60 metres. Its location, length and elevation difference describe the facility from different angles and give you specific details for planning. Operating conditions may vary; check them in advance if you intend to make the ski lift a fixed part of your itinerary.

Mariánskohorské boudy

The Mariánskohorské boudy are located on the Mariánskohorský ridge. They are a popular destination for tourists and form a shepherds’ enclave of the type known as mountain huts in the Giant Mountains. The enclave was founded in 1705. Its classification as a mountain-hut enclave and its founding year give this landscape both a regional connection and a historical date.

For the broader travel overview: Albrechtice.