The best traffic-free bike rides around Dam Souš

There are 8 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Dam Souš listed in this guide. These routes are specifically curated for road cyclists looking for quiet, scenic rides through the Jizera Mountains.

The road cycling routes around Dam Souš are generally challenging. Out of the 8 routes in this guide, 2 are rated as moderate and 6 are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains suitable for cyclists with good to very good fitness. For example, the Královka Lookout Tower – Horská Chata Smědava loop from Antonínov covers over 60 km with nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain.

While many routes in the Jizera Mountains, including those around Dam Souš, are quite challenging, some sections offer gentler climbs and descents. The paved road between Smědava Hut and the Souš Reservoir is known for being quiet and suitable for various fitness levels, though it often forms part of longer, more difficult loops. There are 2 moderate routes in this guide, which might be a good starting point if you're looking for less strenuous options.

You can expect well-paved roads winding through the picturesque highland forests of the Jizerské Hory Protected Landscape Area. The terrain is mountainous, offering a mix of gentle climbs and descents, as well as more challenging ascents, providing a true mountain cycling experience amidst dense woodland and fresh air.

The routes offer glimpses of the beautiful water reservoir Souš through the trees, especially in the late afternoon light. You'll also ride along the scenic Forest Road Between Smědava Hut and Souš Reservoir, which is a highlight in itself. The Jizera Mountains provide a backdrop of highland forests and ferns, characteristic of the protected landscape area.

While the roads encircling or leading to the dam are popular for cycling, direct public entry to the immediate dam area is closed as the Souš Reservoir serves as a drinking water source. However, many scenic road cycling routes incorporate the reservoir into their loops, allowing you to enjoy views of it from the surrounding roads.

The summer season, typically from May to October, is ideal for road cycling around Dam Souš. During this period, the roads are generally clear, and the weather is more favorable for enjoying the mountainous terrain and scenic forest routes. The road around the dam is also open for cars during this season, indicating good accessibility for cyclists.

Yes, many of the routes around Dam Souš are designed as loops, allowing for circular rides without retracing your path. For instance, the Nová Louka Hunting Lodge – Na Čihadle Peat Bog loop from Josefův Důl is a challenging circular route covering over 50 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, well-paved roads through the beautiful highland forests, the challenging yet rewarding mountainous terrain, and the scenic views of the Souš Reservoir and the Jizera Mountains.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on public roads and designated cycling paths within the Jizerské Hory Protected Landscape Area. However, it's always advisable to respect local regulations, stay on marked routes, and be aware that certain areas, like the immediate vicinity of the Souš Reservoir, may have restricted access due to its function as a drinking water source.

For those seeking longer rides, routes like the Královka Lookout Tower – Horská Chata Smědava loop from Harrachov offer a substantial challenge, covering nearly 96 km with almost 1800 meters of elevation gain. Another significant option is the Liberec Town Hall – Ještěd Tower loop from Josefův Důl, which is over 67 km long.