Sangerberg: Serpentinite, Springs and History

If you are planning a stay in Sangerberg, the main attractions are its landscape, geology and local history. Prameny lies in the Slavkovský les Protected Landscape Area. Deep forests, wetlands and spring areas surround the village; hiking and nature observation are possible activities there. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to spend most of your time in nature or also explore traces of the past.

Forests, Wetlands and Serpentinite

The Křížky natural formation includes an exposed rock outcrop of massive bronzite serpentinite. It is home to rare and endangered plants, including Cerastium alsinifolium, Asplenium adulterinum, Asplenium cuneifolium and Galium sudeticum. The combination of rock, geology and plants makes this place particularly interesting if you are interested in geology and nature observation.

The Mnichovské hadce nature trail is twelve kilometres long and classified as a moderate walking route. It starts at a crossroads near the Křížky and Upolínová louka National Natural Monuments. Eight information panels cover serpentinite flora, the influence of serpentinite rock on vegetation and mineral waters, and the historical use and processing of the rock. The medieval structure Dlouhá stoka is also among the topics.

If you prefer a shorter route, you can take a one-kilometre out-and-back section of the nature trail from Křížky and Upolínová louka to Dlouhá stoka and back. The distances show the difference in scope: the short walk is one kilometre, while the full nature trail is twelve kilometres. Check current trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Springs and Getting Around

A blue-marked turn-off from the crossroads in Prameny leads to Barochův pramen. The Lázně Prameny geological site is accessible without restriction; it can be reached by car to within 250 metres. The spring basins at the Gisela and Rudolf springs were restored and opened to the public in 2012. The covered spring area of the Giselina and Rudolfova springs has natural reclining areas.

Traces of earlier use are also visible: remains of a former swimming pool have been preserved near the Gisela, Rudolf and Nový Lázeňský springs. Rudolfův pramen was used for therapeutic treatments at the historic spa baths; the former spa complex no longer exists. The spring sites and spa history offer different perspectives on the local past.

History and Historic Sites

The first written mention of Prameny dates to 1357. The first residents were miners who settled there in the early 14th century. Tin and silver mining in the surrounding area reached its peak in the 16th century. These details describe different stages: the early settlement, the first written mention of the village and the later flourishing of mining.

Around 1750, the late Baroque chapel of Panny Marie stood on wooded Kalvárie, about 600 metres west of Prameny. Over time, it became a popular destination for outings and pilgrimages. Tři kříže stands on a rocky promontory at an elevation of 817 metres, to the right of the road towards Nová Ves and above the hollow of the former town. Upolínová louka lies around the crosses.

Other historical traces tell of later changes: the former Church of sv. Linharta was demolished in 1958; indistinct wall remains can still be seen on the site. Together with the mining and spa histories, these traces offer a picture of the village to keep in mind as you explore Sangerberg alongside its natural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Großloh, Liebenstein, Lázně Kynžvart, Klinghart, Schanz, Einsiedl, Groß Sichdichfür, Scheibenreuth.

For the broader travel overview: Eger District.