The first written mention of this market village dates back to 1291. Světlá is probably the best known and most popular village in Podještědí and simultaneously one of the oldest villages in the region. The village is also known from books of the writer Karolína Světlá who lived there from 1853 to 1865. The stay of Karolína Světlá is remembered in several places in the village and its environs. You may see them if you take a circular trail named Cesta Karolíny Světlé, marked in green.

The surroundings of the village are also attractive for tourists who will find good conditions for holidays and sports there. In winter skiers should visit Pláně and a ski lift in Černý kout offering excellent conditions for downhill skiing.