Měděnec: Rock Formations and Mining History

Two themes shape the profile of Měděnec: the Sfingy rock formations and the mining history of Mědník. There are also chapels, historic adits and the Cesta z města nature trail. When choosing this destination, you can weigh up different interests: landscape and geology, religious architecture, or the history of ore mining.

Rock Formations and Mountain Views

The Sfingy rock formations were created by frost weathering of gneiss and have a variety of shapes. The rocks offer beautiful views of the Ore Mountains and the Doupov Mountains. At Sfingy, the focus is therefore on the formation and shape of the rock, as well as views of two mountain landscapes. Those interested in geology will find a distinct point of interest here alongside the town’s historical themes.

Mining History at Mědník

The settlement of Mědník was closely connected with mining on the hill of the same name; the town was later renamed Měděnec. Mining probably took place there as early as the 10th century. The first documented reports of mining in Měděnec date from 1449. From 1520, Měděnec was a mining town with the privilege of freely purchasing silver. These represent different stages in the town’s history: probable early mining activity, the first reports, and its later status as a mining town.

The Mědník Mining Landscape is an authentic mining landscape. It documents the mining of iron and copper ores, and to a lesser extent silver ores, from the mid-15th to the mid-19th century. The slopes of Mědník once contained more than 100 shafts and adits; numerous collapsed entrances and spoil heaps have been preserved. Together, the period and surviving traces show how extensively mining shaped the landscape.

Chapels and Historic Adits

The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, Kaple Neposkvrněného početí Panny Marie, stands on the summit of Mědník. It is a Baroque rotunda chapel dating from 1674. In 1994, it was fully reconstructed, including its interior. Its history therefore encompasses both its construction in the 17th century and a comprehensive restoration at a later date. Every September, a procession makes its way to the chapel during the Měděnec pilgrimage.

The underground mining area of Mědník is currently accessible via two historic adits. They preserve significant evidence of manual work and of underground chambers being expanded by fire-setting from the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Check local visiting conditions before your trip.

The Štola Panny Marie Pomocné

Part of the Štola Panny Marie Pomocné (Mariahilfstolln) is now open to the public. The extensive system comprises mine passages of various ages; the oldest hand-hewn passages date from the 16th century. Check local booking and access conditions before visiting.

The Štola Země zaslíbená

The entrance to the Štola Země zaslíbená lies on the southwestern slope of Mědník, directly below the Chapel of the Most Sacred Heart of the Lord, Kaple Nejsvětějšího srdce Páně. The adit preserves unique evidence of historic manual mining and rock loosening by fire-setting. It was probably created in the 17th or 18th century.

Cesta z města Nature Trail

The historic Cesta z města nature trail begins in Útočiště, a district of Klášterec nad Ohří, and ends at the church in Měděnec. If you include the trail in your plans, check local conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Libědice, Háj, Kalek, Bílence, Strupčice, Vysoká Pec U Jirkova, Otvice, Horní Halze

See the overview of the wider area: Chomutov District.