In Nový Knín, the history of gold mining can be combined with historic buildings and a variety of trails. The Muzeum zlata Nový Knín is housed in a historic building dating from the 15th century on Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad. An educational trail also starts at the museum. This lets you include the subject of gold in your travel plans both at the museum and along the trails.

Gold History and Historic Buildings

The Muzeum zlata Nový Knín also serves as a tourist information centre. If you need up-to-date visitor information there, check the service before your trip. The museum offers a concrete introduction to a subject that has also shaped the surrounding area: gold mining and gold extraction are explicitly part of the history presented on one of the educational trails.

The Kostel sv. Mikuláše church tells a different chapter in the town’s history. The earlier church burned down to its foundations in the town fire of 1537; it was rebuilt in 1652. The stone-built church also houses a crypt for the town’s primators. The fire, rebuilding and crypt each give the church its own historical significance, without requiring you to follow a particular walking route.

A fountain made of stone blocks stands on Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad and dates from 1837. Several benches are located beside the fountain. In summer, three old lime trees provide them with shade. The square thus combines a specific historical detail with a seasonal place to sit; the shade from the lime trees is specifically a summertime feature.

Gold Mining Along the Educational Trails

The Naučná stezka Nový Knín a okolí starts at the Muzeum zlata and has ten information panels. It passes mine adits and presents the history of gold mining and gold extraction in the area around Kocába and Nový Knín. The museum and trail share a common theme: the history of gold is not confined to the building but is also part of the trail.

Another option is the Naučná stezka Kozí Hory – Libčice, with eight stops. It also passes mine adits, as well as mining collapse sites. The two educational trails therefore have different emphases in their descriptions: the Nový Knín a okolí trail focuses on its ten information panels and the history of gold extraction; for Kozí Hory – Libčice, the listed features and stops include not only mine adits but also mining collapse sites.

Hiking Routes with Different Itineraries

A yellow-marked hiking route passes through Nový Knín and ends at Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad. It is about 16 km long. This approximate distance helps you gauge the scale of this route option; the route passes through the town and ends at the square. Markings and trail conditions may change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.

The regional Hadí řekou – údolí Kocáby route follows a large part of the most scenic section of the Kocába between Nový Knín and Štěchovice. It therefore covers a larger area than the yellow-marked route through Nový Knín. The Kocába and its immediate surroundings were known as a gold-bearing area for centuries. The area known as the Štěchovický zlatonosný revír stretches between Nový Knín and Štěchovice and extends as far as Třebenice. This regional history explains why gold features not only as a museum or educational-trail subject, but also in the landscape associated with the Kocába routes.

Hotels in Nový Knín and Travel Planning

If you are looking for a hotel in Nový Knín, you can start planning around your travel interests: would you like to focus on gold history at the museum and on the educational trails, or make a hiking route the main focus? The yellow-marked route passes through the town and is about 16 km long; the Hadí řekou – údolí Kocáby route covers a section between Nový Knín and Štěchovice. The options therefore differ in their described itineraries, without requiring accommodation in any particular location.

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For the main travel overview: Okres Příbram.