Stráž nad Nisou was first mentioned in 1469. It lies above the confluence of the Černá Nisa and Lužická Nisa. The confluence of both rivers had so much water in the 18th century that it could be used for floating timber from Jizerské hory and driving mills and saws. Stráž has an advantageous location close to Liberec and Jizerské hory and it is a good starting point for excursions to the eastern part of Lužické hory as well.