Discover Jirkov: History, Culture and Nature

Jirkov combines historic sights and exhibitions with parks and routes towards the Ore Mountains. The information centre provides information about sights, natural areas, tourism and leisure activities in Jirkov and the surrounding area. When planning your stay, you can focus on different aspects of local history, culture and outdoor activities.

Culture and History in Jirkov

Městská věž houses an exhibition about the name Jiří. Its 40 representative exhibits come from the fields of visual, dramatic and musical arts, sport, travel, photography and science. Městské historické sklepy offer a different glimpse into the town’s history: they were excavated between 1555 and 1595 in a sandstone hill in the town centre. This underground system is considered the oldest of five comparable underground mining complexes in the Czech Republic.

The Firefighting Museum features a permanent exhibition on the development of firefighting technology and the history of the volunteer fire brigade in Jirkov. An interactive computer game simulates firefighter training, responding to a traffic accident and fighting a fire. The multimedia town exhibition complements these topics with audiovisual projections about sights, notable people and historical themes from the past to the present.

Buildings and Cultural Sites

Děkanský kostel sv. Jiljí stands on the site of an early Gothic fortified church dating from around 1300. It was rebuilt in 1568, with parts of the earlier building preserved. The synagogue in Jirkov was built in 1846–1847 in the Classicist style. In 1853, it was consecrated by David Pick, district rabbi of Teplice.

Kludského vila houses the town library, lecture rooms, an exhibition about Karel Kludský and a recreation area for children and adults. The villa’s park draws on the circus theme, with ring-shaped pavilions and playgrounds featuring circus elements. Those interested in sculptural heritage can explore Jirkov’s Baroque sculpture through the cultural walk “Po stopách rodiny Brokofů”.

Parks, Routes and Activities

Telšské údolí follows the Bělá stream from the western edge of Jirkov through Orasín and into the Ore Mountains, making it a suitable destination for walkers and cyclists. With its dense, continuous woodland and several small clearings, Smetanovy sady has an almost forest-like character. Olejomlýnský Park has play equipment for children, a street workout area and ramps.

Climbing Arena has 50 climbing lines and 150 routes, including bouldering routes. It also offers climbing lessons with professional instructors and climbing camps. Another way to explore Jirkov is the geolocation game “Hledá se kmotr”: it introduces the town’s history and sights in an entertaining way, can be played year-round and requires at least one and a half hours of time.

A cycling route starts at Autokemp with outdoor swimming pool Červený Hrádek, climbs from 310 m to 890 m and heads towards the Ore Mountains plateau. The outdoor pool includes a large pool with water slides and a children’s pool with a paddling area. A nearby excursion destination, the park of Červený Hrádek Castle, lies about 2 km northeast of Jirkov at the foot of the Ore Mountains. It is listed as a cultural monument in the register of immovable cultural monuments and contains rare trees, including the cucumber magnolia. Visitors can freely access the park, courtyard, historic passageways and gallery of coats of arms; the Chapel of St John the Baptist and the castle interiors can be visited on a guided tour.

Discover more destinations: Údlice, Strupčice, Spořice, Vysoká Jedle, Domašín, Březno and Chomutova, Chbany, Loučná Pod Klínovcem.

See the overview of the wider area: Chomutov District.