Hora Svatého Šebestiána

Hora Svatého Šebestiána can be explored through its history as a mountain town and the hiking trails that pass through or start here. In addition to buildings and monuments, the routes offer practical points of reference for planning a stay.

Mountain Town History and Monuments

Hora Svatého Šebestiána was probably founded as a mining town on the Chomutov estate in the first half of the 16th century. In 1597, Emperor Rudolf II elevated the town to the status of a royal mining town. This history is reflected in several distinct memorial sites.

The former town hall and courthouse was built around 1800 in the Empire style. Above its portal is a cartouche bearing the town coat of arms. On the northern edge of Hora Svatého Šebestiána stands the Holy Trinity Column, dating from 1908. It is a copy of an older Baroque work and was declared a cultural monument in 2022.

The local memorial to the victims of the Second World War commemorates 110 fallen soldiers and residents. The former Church of St. Sebastian is also part of the town’s history: it was blown up on March 25, 1967. These memorial sites highlight different chapters—from the town’s development to the remembrance of war and destruction.

Another chapter is the Křimov–Reitzenhain railway connection. The railway bridge near Hora Svatého Šebestiána was part of line No. 137; today, only the outer abutments of the former bridge remain. Near the Hora Svatého Šebestiána–Reitzenhain border crossing, the Stülpner Memorial commemorates Karl Stülpner, regarded as the Ore Mountains’ most famous poacher.

Hiking Trails and Emergency Overnight Shelters

The eastern Hřebenovka Krušné hory is 143 kilometres long and passes through Hora Svatého Šebestiána as a stage or junction point. Along its entire length, it follows a red-marked trail. The Pochod smrti na Chomutovsku memorial route also starts in the town. It is about 17 kilometres long, leads mostly downhill and ends in Chomutov, in Horní Ves or at the town cemetery.

The two routes differ significantly in length: the Hřebenovka is 143 kilometres long, while the Pochod smrti is around 17 kilometres and runs mostly downhill.

In April 2026, two modern wooden tourist shelters with emergency overnight accommodation opened in Hora Svatého Šebestiána. They serve as official infrastructure for the long-distance trails Stezka Českem and Hřebenovka. Each shelter can accommodate four people. You will need to bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag.

Nature and Fishing

The Prameniště Chomutovky Nature Reserve is located nearby, and its landscape is shaped primarily by a raised bog. This brings a natural area with its own distinctive character into focus alongside the town’s monuments.

Fishing is possible at the municipal ponds with a permit issued by the municipal office. As permit requirements may change, check with the municipal office directly before your visit. This distinguishes fishing from the hiking and cultural activities: a permit is an essential part of planning a fishing trip.

Discover more destinations: Spořice, Bílence, Výsluní, Kalek, Radonice, Jirkov, Mašťov, Kovarska

For the broader travel overview: Okres Chomutov.