Teplice District: Mining History and Culture

In Teplice District, you’ll encounter traces of mining alongside the history of monasteries, castles and spa towns. In Krupka, centuries of tin mining shape the mining landscape and museum. Teplice adds its long spa tradition, while Osek and Duchcov are known for their important monastic and castle history. When planning your trip, you can take these different points of interest into account, as well as hiking destinations, a garden and seasonal skiing options.

Mining history around Krupka

Hornická krajina Krupka has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. Krupka is considered the oldest tin deposit in Central Europe; tin mining continued there for 800 years. Numerous late-medieval and early modern mine workings have been preserved in the mining landscape. The Večerní hvězda, Václav, Barbora and Prokop adits in the Knötel mining district are also protected cultural monuments and part of this historical heritage.

The Starý Martin adit houses a mining museum that is open year-round. The exhibition covers mining technology, minerals, miners’ lamps, breathing apparatus, tools and vehicles. If you’re interested in working life underground, this collection offers a close-up look at various pieces of equipment and technical subjects. The Hornické krajiny Krupka Information Centre is the starting point for the Po stopách horníků educational trail; check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The traces of mining are also visible in the landscape. Below Komáří vížka lies Velká pinka, a depression created by mining that is up to 75 metres deep. In 1857, an excursion restaurant was added to the original stone tower at Komáří vížka. These two details tell different chapters in the area’s history: the visible transformation of the terrain and the historical development of an excursion destination.

Monasteries, castles and spa history

The Cistercian monastery in Osek serves as a cultural and tourism centre and has been a national cultural monument since 1995. Duchcov Castle is also a national cultural monument. It is associated with the Valdštejn family and Giacomo Casanova. At Teplice Castle, the visitor route includes a courtyard with a Romanesque display: visitors can see the remains of Queen Judith, as well as the remains of a Romanesque basilica with a preserved crypt. The contents of the tour may change.

Teplice’s spa tradition dates back to the 12th century. Lázně Teplice is considered the oldest spa in Central Europe. Lázeňská ulička is a pedestrian street of historical and architectural significance to the city. If you’re interested in a hands-on activity, Tvořivá dílna Mýdlárny u Zámku offers the chance to make your own soap; additional courses are also available there. The course programme may vary.

Hiking destinations, plants and winter activities

For hikers, specific route details lead to a variety of destinations. A red-marked hiking trail in the Osek area heads towards Rýzmburk Castle and the junction below Stropník. Along the Stropník route, Dušanova vyhlídka offers views towards České středohoří and of Osek, Duchcov and Teplice. Visibility from the viewpoint depends on the weather. Check trail markings and the latest route information before setting out.

The Teplice Botanical Garden is considered the only botanical garden in the Ústí nad Labem Region. Notable specimens include Afrocarpus gracilior, Encephalartos villosus and Dasylirion serratifolium. These plant names give the garden a different focus from the district’s historical sites: here, the diversity of individual plants takes centre stage.

Winter sports are also a seasonal attraction: there are three ski areas in the Mikulov and Nové Město area. Bouřňák has six downhill runs, including a children’s ski slope called Údolíčko. The configuration and services may change seasonally; check the latest information before travelling.

Getting here by train

Teplice v Čechách railway station serves domestic and international passenger services and also handles reservation documents. It is on railway lines connecting Lovosice, Děčín, Kadaň předměstí, Ústí nad Labem and Litvínov. Routes and services may change. Check the latest timetable and available station services before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Duchcov, Jeníkov, Hrob, Nove Mesto V Krusnych Horach, Teplitz-Schönau, Žalany, Bžany, Dubí, Bílina, Krupka, Bystřany, Háj U Duchcova, Hostomice Nad Bílinou, Hrobčice, Kladruby U Teplic, Košťany, Kostomlaty Pod Milešovkou, Modlany, Lahošť, Ledvice, Novosedlice, Ohníč, Proboštov, Pytlíkov, Rtyně Nad Bílinou, Zabrušany, Světec, Újezdeček, Žim, Bořislav, Měrunice, Osek, Lukov U Bíliny, Muschelberg, Srbice, Moldava.

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