The history of Čertův Důl can be seen particularly clearly at Srázný: near the village, at the foot of the mountain, lies a historic mining site with a small, partially underground limestone quarry. In addition to the mining history, the valley landscape, nearby routes and how to get there are all relevant when planning your trip.
Mining history at Srázný
The mining site is on the eastern slope of Srázný, near the blue-marked hiking trail at the upper end of Čertův Důl. The historic workings lead into an underground chamber about eight metres long. The quarry extends for around 50 metres and runs approximately northeast to southwest. The measurements show the difference in scale: the chamber is much shorter than the quarry’s overall length. Those interested in mining history can thus get a concrete sense of the dimensions described.
Čertův Důl was also historically known by its German name, Geiersgraben. In the 1950s and 1960s, exploration work to prospect for uranium mineralisation was carried out on the slopes of Srázný in the area around the village. This work is part of the area’s mining history, but it does not represent current mining. The limestone quarry and uranium prospecting refer to different activities and time periods: the historic quarry on the one hand, and exploration work from a specified period on the other.
Valley, routes and getting your bearings
Čertův Důl is the inhabited part of the largely overgrown valley of the Čertovodolský potok, designated as MKR 1.7. The inhabited section of the valley and the mining site on the eastern slope of Srázný are separate geographical reference points. If you want to visit the historic site specifically, check access and trail conditions in advance.
The blue-marked hiking trail runs near the mining site and provides a point of reference for planning. For cyclists, cycle route 4308 continues via Pod Homolí to Velká Deštná or Anenský vrch. The hiking trail and cycle route offer different ways to include outdoor activities in your stay. Check the current route and trail conditions before setting out.
Getting there and finding accommodation
The nearest bus stop is Zdobnice, hotel, about 2.5 kilometres away. The nearest railway stations or stops are in Rokytnice v Orlických horách, Pěčín and Rychnov nad Kněžnou; these locations are about 16 to 20 kilometres away. The distances are therefore quite different: around 2.5 kilometres to the bus stop and about 16 to 20 kilometres to the railway locations. Check timetables and connections before travelling, as stops and transport services may change.
When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth considering your travel plans alongside what you want to focus on during your stay. If you are mainly interested in the mining history, use the site’s location at the upper end of Čertův Důl, near the blue-marked hiking trail, as a reference point. This makes it easier to balance local history, routes and travel arrangements according to your plans.
For the wider travel overview: Zdobnice.
