Chomutov District: Cultural Heritage and Ore Mountains Nature

Since 1992, Chomutov’s historic centre has been an urban conservation area. Chomutov District also offers a variety of excursions: crafts at the open-air museum, trails through the Ore Mountains landscape, protected nature and seasonal leisure activities.

City History and Crafts

At the museum complex in Chomutov, you can visit St Catherine’s Church, an observation tower, the town hall cellars and a monastery courtyard. The Regional Museum in Chomutov dedicates its permanent and temporary exhibitions to regional history. Family activities, talks and workshops round out the programme.

A visit to the farmers’ market in Chomutov adds another distinctive touch, with handmade ceramics and wooden products on offer. At the Stará Ves Open-Air Museum, meanwhile, you can learn about historical life in the Ore Mountains, including traditional crafts and gardening. A working Dutch-style windmill beside a small vineyard defines the site.

The open-air museum’s permanent exhibitions focus, among other things, on bobbin lace-making, beekeeping, the cultivation and processing of flax, and the making of wooden toys. The open-air museum is open daily during the summer season; admission is included with a valid zoo park ticket. Check seasonal visiting hours before planning your visit.

Hiking Trails, Peat Bog and Geology

Bezručovo Valley is a 6,500-hectare nature park in the Ore Mountains. Its elevation ranges from about 380 to 850 metres above sea level. You can explore the valley on marked trails on foot or by bike. A paved path just under seven kilometres long runs through the valley to Třetí mlýn and can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters.

Another hiking option is the blue-marked route through the Údolí Prunéřovského potoka. It is just under eight kilometres long. The route can be reached by car, bus or bike, or at weekends by train on the Chomutov–Vejprty line. Check the weekend train service in advance if you plan to travel by train.

At Hradiště near Černovice, natural and cultural history come together: the area is a protected natural monument, and its Tertiary quartzite contains plant fossils. A 240-metre-long rampart from a Bronze Age hilltop settlement also survives there. A yellow-marked hiking trail leads from Chomutov to Hradiště. Novodomské Peat Bog is a protected peat bog reserve and bird area, as well as a regular breeding site for black grouse. Kýšovický Waterfall is described as the highest waterfall in the Ore Mountains.

Lake, Winter Sports and Other Excursions

Kamencové Lake covers just under 16 hectares. Its alum-containing water is considered unique in the world. Leisure activities at the lake include beaches, mini golf, boat rentals, pedal boats and paddleboards; the lake is also used for cold-water swimming in a natural bathing setting. Camping options include cabins and pitches for tents or caravans. Leisure facilities may change operationally, and camping options may vary by season, so check what is available for your visit in advance.

Winter sports are also on offer: the seasonal facilities at the Pyšná Ski Area include three slopes, a ski school, a children’s ski park, a snow park and a groomed cross-country ski trail. Check the operating conditions before your trip.

Visitor facilities at Hasištejn Castle include a restaurant and an observation tower; cultural events are also held there. The events programme may change. For a different kind of variety, Podkrušnohorský Zoo in Chomutov covers 112 hectares and is home to around 160 animal species from the Palearctic.

Discover more destinations:Chbany, Kovarska, Pysna, Chomutov, Svahová, Loučná Pod Klínovcem, Horní Halze, Vysoká Jedle, Vejprty, Boleboř, Jirkov, Březno and Chomutov, Droužkovice, Kryštofovy Hamry, Hora Svatého Šebestiána, Strupčice, Hrušovany U Chomutova, Kadaň, Kalek, Klášterec Nad Ohří, Mašťov, Měděnec, Rajov, Místo, Nezabylice, Otvice, Pesvice, Pětipsy, Údlice, Bílence, Spořice, Vrskmaň, Výsluní, Libědice, Černovice U Chomutova, Okounov, Domašín, Křimov, Vysoká Pec U Jirkova, Rokle, Jindrichova Ves, Radonice, Veliká Ves, Račetice, Všehrdy, Všestudy, Nová Víska, Mezihorí, České Hamry, Vadkovice, Háj, Kovářská

For the overview of the wider region: Ústí nad Labem.