Žacléř reveals its history through a variety of traces: at the Městské muzeum, mining, porcelain and local life come together, while the Žacléřská naučná trasa explores the history of the town and its districts. An open-air mining museum, a lookout tower and nearby scenic destinations round out these themes. When planning your visit, it is especially helpful to decide whether you want to focus on exhibitions, a longer themed route, insights into mining facilities or panoramic views.
Museum and local history
The Městské muzeum Žacléř has five permanent exhibitions. They cover regional history, notable figures, hard-coal mining with a history spanning more than 400 years, the lives of local people and porcelain production. The porcelain collection of Václav Petira is a special focus: its 800 exhibits document production at the Pohl brothers’ factory, founded in 1878. In this way, the town’s long mining history and a specific local industry sit alongside everyday life and regional history.
The 16-kilometre Žacléřská naučná trasa explores the history of Žacléř and its districts. At Růžový palouček in Černá voda, it also commemorates J. A. Komenský. A free route map is available at IC Žacléř. With its length, the themed route offers a different focus from the permanent exhibitions: it covers the history of several districts, while the museum brings together a range of subjects in its exhibits.
Mining underground and above ground
The Hornický skanzen Žacléř is the last surviving monument to underground hard-coal mining in eastern Bohemia. The headframe of the Jan shaft offers views of the Krkonoše Mountains and Královecký Špičák. At the skanzen, the Štola Jitřenka leads about seven metres below the surface. There, visitors can see and touch two coal seams and learn about the combination of steel “hajcmanová” and timber supports. The site thus combines mining history with insights into the structural support systems used in underground mining.
The Eliška lookout tower is close to Žacléř. It is open free of charge during the day from 1 April to 30 November; in winter, it is open when weather conditions are favourable. The view stretches from Žacléř across Libavské sedlo to Poland and the expansive Vraní Mountains. Also nearby, Dvorský les is part of the Rýchor ridge; its beech primeval forest extends to almost 1,000 metres above sea level. The Dělostřelecká tvrz Stachelberg offers a different historical perspective: a guided tour follows more than a kilometre of unfinished passageways and halls to a depth of 50 metres below the surface.
Seasonal activities
From spring to autumn, mountain bikes, trekking bikes and road bikes are suitable options in Žacléř. Another distinctive railway experience is a tourist handcar ride on the actual railway line from Žacléř towards Lampertice. It offers children and adults an unusual experience as well as views of the Krkonoše Mountains. If you plan a ride, check the operating days in advance.
The different highlights can help you plan your stay: the museum and porcelain collection offer a different experience from underground visits, the themed route or the viewpoints. Consider which of these discoveries you would most like to focus on, and use that to guide your search for a hotel in Žacléř.
Discover more destinations: Dolni Dvur, Trotina, Strazne, Krenov, Borovnice U Staré Paky, Vlcice, Malé Svatoňovice, Upice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.
