Follow the beads: Czech city unveils colorful new walking trails

Visitors to the northern Czech city of Jablonec nad Nisou can now explore its streets by following colorful glass beads embedded directly into the pavement. The city has completed two new walking trails that combine sightseeing with a tribute to its centuries-old glassmaking and jewelry traditions.

The red and green routes lead pedestrians past architectural landmarks, cultural attractions, and historic squares, offering an unusual alternative to conventional tourist signs.

According to Czech Radio, which reported on the project Thursday, October 15, the new trails are part of a wider effort to make the city easier to navigate while highlighting its distinctive identity.

The green trail begins at Jablonec's town hall and continues through Horní náměstí, along 28. října Street, and through General Mrázek Park. It passes the post office and municipal theater before returning to the town hall via Komenského Street.

The red route focuses more closely on the city's cultural heritage. Starting at St. Anne's Church, it passes the Museum of Glass and Jewelry, continues through Dr. Karel Farský Square and Mírové náměstí, and eventually returns to its starting point.

Together, the two new trails stretch nearly two kilometers and feature approximately 540 red and green glass beads set into the sidewalks.

They build on an existing half-kilometer trail introduced in 2022, which connects the Scheybal House, home to the local tourist information center, with the town hall.

That original route includes an interactive treasure hunt, allowing visitors to answer questions along the way and collect a reward at the tourist information center.

The bead-marked paths are particularly popular with families and children, offering a playful way to explore the city on foot.

Jablonec nad Nisou has long been associated with glassmaking and costume jewelry production, making the colorful beads a fitting symbol for its new pedestrian routes.

The project also includes 18 new red metal signposts installed at key locations, including railway stations, the city center, and the area surrounding the Jablonec reservoir.

According to the city's official announcement, the improvements cost CZK 2.5 million, with funding provided by the municipality, the Ministry for Regional Development, and the Liberec Region.

The new signage is designed to help residents and tourists navigate between attractions while encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known corners of the city.

The walking trails also offer a way to experience Jablonec's glassmaking identity beyond its museums and workshops, bringing one of the region's most recognizable traditions directly into its public spaces.