Tanvald is a town in Jablonec nad Nisou District in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 6,100 inhabitants.

Administrative parts

The town part of Šumburk nad Desnou and the village of Žďár are administrative parts of Tanvald.

Etymology

The original German name Tannwald literally means 'fir forest'. The Czech name was created by transcription of the German name.

Geography

Tanvald is located about 9 km east of Jablonec nad Nisou. It lies in the Jizera Mountains. The highest point is the mountain Špičák at 810 m above sea level. The town is situated at the confluence of the rivers Kamenice, which flows along the southern municipal border, and Desná, which flows across the eastern part of the municipal territory.

History

The first written mention of Tanvald is from 1586, when it was described as a lumbering settlement. In 1895, the village was promoted to a market town and in 1905 to a town. In 1848, Žďár was joined to Tanvald. The first written mention of Šumburk nad Desnou is from the 17th century, it was probably founded between 1565 and 1581. In 1906, it was promoted to a market town and in 1925 to a town. In 1942, Tanvald and Šumburk nad Desnou were merged into one municipality. From 1938 to 1945 Tanvald was annexed by Nazi Germany and administered as part of Reichsgau Sudetenland. The majority Sudeten German population was expelled in 1945. The town was then resettled with Czechs.

Demographics

Transport

Tanvald is located on the railway lines Prague–Tanvald and Liberec–Szklarska Poręba. Historic trains also run on the Tanvald–Harrachov cog railway.

Sport

On Špičák mountain there is a ski resort.

Sights

The landmark of the town is the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. It was built in the neo-Gothic style in 1899–1901. Špičák mountain is known for the Tanvaldský Špičák observation tower. This stone tower was built in 1909 and is 18 m high.

Notable people

Twin towns – sister cities

Tanvald is twinned with: