Tanvald consists of three municipal parts (in brackets population according to the 2021 census):[2] The original German name Tannwald literally means 'fir forest'.

[3] Tanvald is located about 9 km (6 mi) east of Jablonec nad Nisou.

The highest point is the mountain Špičák at 810 m (2,660 ft) above sea level.

[4][5] The first written mention of Šumburk nad Desnou is from the 17th century, it was probably founded between 1565 and 1581.

[4][5] From 1938 to 1945 Tanvald was annexed by Nazi Germany and administered as part of Reichsgau Sudetenland.