Temný Důl offers two clearly distinct route lengths for a cultural and hiking trip: 680 metres along the Křížová cesta to the spring and 8.2 kilometres on the Vycházková trasa Aichelburg. There is also the Kaple svaté Anny, the reconstructed hrádek Aichelburg and a protected industrial monument. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, these different highlights can help you decide: Is the short Stations of the Cross, the history of the buildings or a longer hiking route at the top of your list?

Route options of different lengths

The Křížová cesta na Starou horu runs from the road to a spring and covers 120 metres of elevation gain over 680 metres. The length and elevation gain together help you get your bearings on this route. You can park at the Veselý Výlet information centre in Temný Důl; the excursion to the Křížová cesta starts there. This gives your planning a specific starting point and a clear destination: the spring.

From the spring, the excursion continues along a green-marked hiking trail, which is also designated as the marked K 25 cycle route. As trail markings may be adjusted by the park administration, follow the current signs on site. The Vycházková trasa Aichelburg is 8.2 kilometres long. The Aichelburg Trail was also extended in 2009 via the settlement of Honzův Potok. This gives you both a considerably shorter route and information about longer routes to compare; choose the distance to suit your own plans for the day.

Chapel and industrial history

Kaple svaté Anny was built in 1752 by Johann Bensch and his wife. The brick chapel has a pyramidal roof topped by a bell tower. It is described as one of the oldest religious structures in the eastern Krkonoše region. Its date of construction and architecture give your visit a specific historical focus: alongside its origins, the striking shape of the roof is particularly eye-catching.

Another chapter in the story of the place is the former Dixova brusírna dřeva in Temný Důl. It has been a protected cultural monument since 1996 and is a three-winged industrial complex on the Úpa River. Its features include an octagonal chimney and a former water inlet. While the chapel’s religious architectural history takes centre stage, the complex’s form and former industrial use define the character of this monument.

Aichelburg and its history

The reconstructed Lesní hrádek Aichelburg stands on a rocky promontory high above Temný Důl. The stone castle hall links a specific visitor experience with the history of the place: visitors can borrow a key at the Veselý výlet information centres in Temný Důl or Pec pod Sněžkou and unlock the castle hall themselves. As seasonal access arrangements may change, check before your visit whether it is currently possible to borrow a key.

On 9 September 1863, Lesní hrádek Aichelburg was ceremonially opened, and a bust of Count Berthold was installed in the stone castle hall. The bust on display there was made from a painting by F. Hauptfleisch, a modeller at the glassworks in Temný Důl. The opening date, the location of the bust and its history are different facets of the site. Together with its rocky setting, they help you see the visit not only as a chance to view a building, but also as an encounter with the specific history of the place.

Finding your way around

The Veselý Výlet information centre in Temný Důl provides regional information materials and helps visitors find programmes, places and services. As well as being a car park and the starting point for the excursion, it can therefore serve as a place to go for information about the region. Specific service details may change; if you need assistance or materials, ask the centre about current options.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Dolni Kalna, Žacléř, Horni Brusnice, Malá Úpa, Spindlermühle, Staré Buky, Dolní Brusnice, Dolníky

Back to the main travel overview: Okres Trutnov.