A wide range of sites brings Jáchymov’s story to life, including a collection of chained books, churches and mining sites, as well as traces of the spa industry and educational trails about radioactivity and political imprisonment. Visitors choosing the town for a trip can focus on its architecture, mining history, spa tradition, or themed trails.
Mining, spa history, and UNESCO heritage
The exhibition at the Latin School Library features a unique collection of chained books, known as “libri catenati.” They are connected with the beginnings of the town of Jáchymov in the early 16th century. The Důl Svornost mine is also an important part of its mining history: dating from 1518, it has been the longest-operating mine in Central Europe since 1530. Four healing springs are drawn from the mine and used in Jáchymov’s balneotherapy facilities.
The world’s first radon baths were established in Jáchymov in 1906. They used radioactive mine water from the region to treat musculoskeletal disorders. The UNESCO designation applies to the Jáchymov Mining Landscape, one of five Czech components of the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region World Heritage Site. The town’s history thus brings together mining, coin minting, and spa traditions in different ways.
Churches and collections
The Špitální kostel church is Jáchymov’s oldest surviving architectural monument. Its unique structure is built entirely using half-timbering, and it has also retained its original appearance. Visits are possible at scheduled times with a guide and during cultural events. It is advisable to check the scheduled times before your visit.
The Kostel sv. Jáchyma was built between 1534 and 1540 as the first Lutheran church in Bohemia. After a devastating fire in 1873, it was given its present appearance between 1874 and 1876, based on a design by master builder Josef Mocker. The Královská mincovna Museum explores the history of silver mining and coin minting, including the thaler minted under the rule of the Šlik noble family. The later radon spa industry is also among the museum’s topics.
Underground and along the educational trails
Štola č. 1 is about 250 metres long and was opened to the public in 2008. Guided tours explain its purpose, the original ore-mining techniques, and the mineral veins found there. The visitor route includes authentic mining areas dating from the 16th century. The adit also houses a small exhibition on mining technology, with mine carts, drills, and rails.
The Radon Educational Trail ends in Jáchymov’s spa district. Along several stops, it provides information about naturally occurring radioactivity, how it is measured, and effective ways to protect against it. The 8.5-kilometre Jáchymovské peklo Educational Trail, with its twelve stops, focuses on a different subject: it commemorates the lives of political prisoners in the uranium-mining labour camps around Jáchymov. The trail ends at Šlikovský hrad, which offers sweeping views of Jáchymov and the surrounding Krušnohorské kopce. The two trails thus differ mainly in their subject matter: one focuses on knowledge about nature and protection, while the other addresses political memory.
Cycling route and more activities
Cycling Route 2005 begins at the lower end of the new Horní Žďár–Jáchymov cycle path. It follows the former railway line to Jáchymov, then climbs along Dvořákova ulice to the settlement of Suchá. If you are planning to ride the route, it is advisable to check its current course before setting out.
Aguacentrum Agricola is open to the general public. Facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a sauna, a Kneipp path, a whirlpool, a water slide, and a smaller children’s pool. As access and facilities should be reconfirmed before your trip, check the visitor information for your planned date.
Discover more destinations: Suchá, Nové Město, Bečov nad Teplou, Horní Blatná, Töppeles, Nejdek, Pernink, Potůčky.
Go to the regional travel overview: Karlovy Vary Region.
