The Jívka mine tailings heap brings together two sides of its history: it is the former settling facility of the Bohumír copper mine and copper ore processing plant, and also a mosaic of dry, extremely nutrient-poor and wet habitats. Several orchid species grow there. This contrast gives nature enthusiasts a concrete point of reference when planning their trip.
Mining as Industrial Heritage
The Měděný důl Bohumír reopened to the public in 2015. Visitors can walk through the underground mine where miners once worked and experience an authentic industrial monument. On display are original mining technology, mine carts and tools, as well as authentic buildings, machinery and preserved details of local mining.
The mine serves as a wintering site for protected bats and as a refuge in summer. Its significance therefore extends beyond industrial heritage: technical history and two distinct seasonal functions for wildlife meet here.
Landscape and Route to the Mine Tailings Heap
The best way to reach the mine tailings heap is via the red-marked hiking trail from Horní Vernéřovice towards Malé Svatoňovice. The Jívka, odbočka SKJ bus stop is a possible starting point. Check public transport before your trip so you can plan the start of your hike accordingly.
Village Architecture and Sacred Heritage
The village conservation area of Dolní Vernéřovice in Jivka is characterized by loosely scattered masonry and log buildings in the style of the Podkrkonoší and Silesian house. The village area thus presents a different scale of cultural heritage than individual buildings: the focus is on its distinctive, loosely scattered village landscape.
The Church of sv. Maří Magdalény is a branch church and was formerly a parish church. Its present function and former role as a parish church offer a distinct ecclesiastical perspective on the history of the place.
Jivka is also home to a group of three Renaissance and Baroque boundary stones. They document the historical marking of the boundary between two estates. The column with the Pietà group (Sloup se sousoším Piety) is considered a valuable example of regional sculpture and stonemasonry.
The Chapel of sv. Antonína Paduánského in Jivka is another of the sacred buildings described here. This rural chapel is aligned, has a polygonal apse, a porch and a small roof turret; it is an example of vernacular sacred architecture. A polygonal apse means that the end of the chapel has several sides.
The dates place these landmarks across several eras: the boundary stones date from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the Pietà column is attributed to the late 17th century, and the chapel dates from 1752. The Dolní Vernéřovice conservation area has been protected since 1 January 2005.
Discover more destinations: Chotevice, Bílé Poličany, Batňovice, Radvanice V Čechách, Doubravice U Dvora Králové, Beckov, Havlovice, Dolni Lanov.
View the broader travel guide: Okres Trutnov.
