Žacléř: Mining History, Porcelain and Views of the Krkonoše Mountains

Žacléř is a suitable destination for travellers who want to connect their stay with specific cultural and historical themes. The Městské muzeum focuses on regional history, hard coal mining and porcelain; the Hornický skanzen complements the mining theme with the Štola Jitřenka and views from the winding tower. There is also a historical route and destinations in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel in Žacléř, these different themes can help you define the focus of your stay.

Regional history and porcelain at the museum

The Městské muzeum Žacléř has five permanent exhibitions. They cover regional history, notable figures, hard coal mining, the lives of local residents and porcelain production. The history of hard coal mining spans more than 400 years; the porcelain exhibition focuses on the porcelain factory founded by the Pohl brothers in 1878. Regional and social themes are thus presented alongside mining and porcelain production.

A special focus is the porcelain collection of Václav Petira: it comprises 800 objects on display and documents porcelain production at the Pohl brothers’ factory. While the permanent exhibitions bring several themes together, the collection focuses specifically on porcelain production. Visitors who want to explore this subject further will find a clearly defined collection alongside the broader range of exhibitions.

Underground mining and views

The Hornický skanzen Žacléř is the last surviving monument to underground hard coal mining in East Bohemia. The Štola Jitřenka leads about seven metres below the surface. There, visitors can see and touch two coal seams and learn about the combination of steel “hajcmanová” and timber shoring. From the winding tower of the Jan shaft, visitors can enjoy views of the Krkonoše Mountains panorama and Královecký Špičák. The skanzen thus combines insights into underground mining with views of these named landscape features.

Destinations in the surrounding area

In the area around Žacléř, a guided tour of the Dělostřelecká tvrz Stachelberg takes visitors through more than one kilometre of unfinished corridors and halls, reaching a depth of 50 metres below the surface. Its focus differs from that of the Hornický skanzen: Stachelberg is about unfinished corridors and halls, while the skanzen focuses on underground hard coal mining.

The Eliška observation tower in the surrounding area is open free of charge during the day from 1 April to 30 November; in winter, it is open when weather conditions are favourable. From there, views stretch over Žacléř, across the Libavské sedlo to Poland, and towards the extensive Vraní Mountains. If you plan to visit the tower in winter, check its weather-dependent opening in advance.

Dvorský les is also located near Žacléř, as part of the Rýchor ridge. The beech primeval forest there extends across an area at almost 1,000 metres above sea level. This woodland area adds another landscape dimension to the themes of mining, local history and viewpoints.

The Žacléřská naučná trasa

The Žacléřská naučná trasa is 16 kilometres long and leads through the history of Žacléř and its districts. At Růžový palouček in Černá voda, it also commemorates J. A. Komenský. A free map of the route is available at IC Žacléř. The two formats offer distinct options: the museum brings together five permanent exhibitions, while the route also includes the districts.

Discover more destinations: Dolni Lanov, Jivka, Vitezna, Bernartice U Trutnova, Havlovice, Hostinne, Rudník, Klášterská Lhota.

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Trutnov.