Krupka: Mining History and Cultural Sites

The Krupka Mining Landscape tells the story of centuries of tin mining: hundreds of mining remains from the 14th to the 20th century shape this well-preserved historic landscape. The medieval mining town itself also preserves numerous ecclesiastical and secular buildings, especially from the 14th to the 17th century. Visitors to Krupka can explore the development of mining from different perspectives through buildings, landscape features and museums.

Mining Landscape and Historic Traces

The Krupka Mining Landscape is considered the oldest tin-mining area in the Ore Mountains. Its significance extends beyond its preserved traces: mining contributed to the development and transfer of techniques for extracting tin ores in the Ore Mountains and Central Europe. Local history is thus linked to a broader technological development.

In the Steinknochen mining district, visitors can find collapsed shaft and adit entrances as well as distinctive terraced spoil heaps. More than 150 tin mines operated there from the Middle Ages until the beginning of the 19th century. The surviving landforms and the historical number of mines describe two sides of the same district: visible remains and the former scale of mining.

Krupka Castle and Sacred Architecture

Krupka Castle was built as a fortified guard post at the beginning of the 14th century. It was intended to protect the trade route to Saxony, the tin mines and the developing town. Its observation tower offers panoramic views of Krupka and Teplice. The castle grounds are freely accessible year-round; check local notices before travelling.

Among the notable sacred buildings is the Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. Cloisters with seven chapels surround the building, whose interior is richly furnished in the Baroque style. Together with the many preserved ecclesiastical and secular buildings, it brings the mining town’s long architectural history to life.

Museums and Insights into Krupka’s History

The Starý Martin adit operates year-round as a mining museum. Its permanent exhibition features historical and modern mining technology, as well as minerals, mine lamps, breathing apparatus and work tools. A visit to the museum adds an insight into the technology and equipment associated with mining to the experience of seeing the mining remains.

The Krupka Firefighting Museum displays historic firefighting technology, equipment and fittings in eight themed exhibition rooms. The museum is housed in a restored Baroque rectory. The Krupka Toy Museum offers a different perspective: visitors can try out some of the toys or take part in creative activities.

The educational program “Krupka – hlavní město cínu” takes place in the city’s authentic historic setting. Group activities and presentations cover the society and architecture of the mining town, as well as tin ore extraction. Prior arrangements may be required. At the Wolfgang Chapel, a guide welcomes visitors and shares information about the past and present; an exhibition provides information about the Krupka Mining Landscape as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These visitor arrangements are seasonal.

Cable Car, Routes and Current Access Information

The passenger cable car from Bohosudov to Komáří vížka is the oldest of its kind still in operation in the Czech Republic. Two route descriptions should be distinguished for hiking: a 4.3-kilometre hiking trail leads from Bohosudov railway station to Kyšperk. A blue-marked tourist route runs from Komáří vížka through Fojtovice to the state border with Germany.

Access to the entire Kyšperk castle ruin complex is prohibited until further notice because of falling masonry. Before setting out, check the current official notice, trail conditions and access information. This helps keep route planning separate from the question of whether the destination area may currently be entered.

Discover more destinations: Žim, Hostomice Nad Bílinou, Žalany, Hrobčice, Proboštov, Duchcov, Bžany, Košťany.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Teplice.