A nature trail through the peat bog, historic traces of mining and paths for different seasons shape the discoveries around Gottesgab (Boží Dar). A museum, a Baroque church and a mountain bike trail add to the natural and cultural experiences.
Peat bog and paths through the landscape
The Božídarské rašeliniště nature trail runs through part of the national nature reserve of the same name. The reserve is designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The trail is 3.2 kilometres long and runs mostly along boardwalks. These protect visitors, the peat bog and the rare plants and animals found there. Twelve information panels cover the environment and the bog’s special features, as well as the history of peat extraction in the Ore Mountains.
The Ježíškova cesta offers another way to explore the area. It can be used year-round on foot, with a pushchair or by bicycle; in winter, it is also accessible on cross-country skis. The same route can therefore be travelled in different ways, including a dedicated winter option.
Mining history and culture in Gottesgab
In the 20th century, Boží Dar developed from a lively medieval mining town with 2,000 inhabitants into an important centre for winter and summer sports. The local cultural sites also reflect its mining history: the Muzeum Boží Dar displays minerals from the Ore Mountains, equipment used in mining and peat extraction, and nativity scenes. The exhibits also include a bell dating from 1594, considered the town’s oldest movable monument.
The Church of St. Anne in Boží Dar is a Baroque building with Neoclassical features. It was built in 1772 on the site of a demolished Renaissance church and contains a pewter baptismal font. The church and museum offer different points of focus: the church centres on building history and architecture, while the museum covers minerals, mining and peat extraction, as well as nativity scenes.
The Blatenský příkop and the UNESCO mining landscape
The nature trail along the Blatenský příkop begins about 1.5 kilometres beyond Boží Dar and ends near Horní Blatná. It follows a canal approximately 12 kilometres long and has 23 stops. The Blatenský příkop is a unique technical cultural monument. Its water system first supplied the mines in the Ore Mountains and later provided water to industrial facilities. The path along the canal thus combines route-finding with insights into the historical use of water.
A broader picture emerges in the UNESCO mining landscape of Abertamy–Boží Dar–Horní Blatná. Through its surface and underground mining monuments, particularly at Zlatý Kopec near Boží Dar, it documents iron mining from the 16th to the 20th century. This includes mining from quartz veins containing hematite and from skarn deposits containing magnetite.
Cross-country skiing and mountain biking
The Boží Dar–Špičák area has four cross-country ski trails measuring 2, 7, 10 and 20 kilometres. There is also a 7-kilometre trail for skating technique. The area can be reached from Boží Dar via the Krušnohorská magistrála. The different lengths offer a practical choice for planning, and the skating trail is listed as a separate option.
Mountain bikers can ride the Boží trail near Boží Dar. The trail was built in 2003 and renovated in 2020. Banked turns, jumps and tables feature along the route, which is suitable for beginners and also appeals to more advanced riders. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Visiting the Štola Johannes mine
A reservation and ticket purchase in advance are required to visit the Štola Johannes mine. Both can be arranged at the Boží Dar information centre or through the online reservation system. Check the visitor regulations before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Ryzovna, Gießhübel B. Buchau, Grasengrün, Welchau, Sichlau, Waltsch, Donawitz, Petschau
Return to the main travel overview: Karlovy Vary District.
