The Křížky natural formation comprises an exposed rock outcrop of massive bronzitic serpentinite. Habitats of rare and endangered plants are home to species such as Cerastium alsinifolium, Asplenium adulterinum, Asplenium cuneifolium, and Galium sudeticum. Prameny lies in the Slavkovský les Protected Landscape Area and is surrounded by deep forests, peat bogs, and spring areas. Hiking and nature observation are possible activities here. Those interested in geology will find a clear focal point at the rock outcrop; the plant life offers a second perspective on the nature around Sangerberg (Prameny).
On foot along the nature trail
The Mnichovské hadce nature trail is a 12-kilometer walking route of moderate difficulty. It begins at the junction near the Křížky and Upolínová louka national natural monuments. Eight information boards cover the distinctive serpentinite flora, the influence of serpentinite rock on vegetation and mineral waters, and the historical use and processing of serpentinite. The medieval structure Dlouhá stoka is also among the topics. The nature trail thus combines natural history with cultural history, rather than focusing solely on the rock formation.
A shorter option is described as a one-kilometer out-and-back hike from Křížky and Upolínová louka to Dlouhá stoka and back. It offers a considerably shorter route than the 12-kilometer nature trail. Route conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Springs and geological sites
The Gisela and Rudolf springs were restored in 2012 and opened to the public. The covered spring area of the Giselina and Rudolfova springs near Prameny offers natural lounging areas. Remains of a former swimming pool can still be seen by the Gisela, Rudolf, and Nový Lázeňský springs. These are remnants of a former facility, not a swimming pool in use today.
A blue-marked side path from the junction in Prameny leads to Barochův pramen. The Lázně Prameny geological site is accessible without restriction; it can be reached by car to within 250 meters. These places offer different starting points for planning: a marked side path to a spring, a geological site to visit, and spring areas with surviving traces of earlier use.
Mining and spa history
The first inhabitants of Prameny were miners who settled there at the beginning of the 14th century. The first written mention of the town dates to 1357. Tin and silver mining in the surrounding area peaked in the 16th century. This sequence of dates traces the story from the early settlers, through the first written mention, to the mining boom in the surrounding area.
The former use of the springs is also part of the town’s history: Rudolfův pramen was used for therapeutic treatments at the historic spas in Prameny. The former spa complex no longer exists. The remaining traces of a former swimming pool and the recorded spring names help distinguish the present-day landscape from its spa history.
Historic sites in the landscape
Tři kříže stands on a rocky promontory at an elevation of 817 meters, to the right of the road toward Nová Ves and above the depression where the former town stood. Upolínová louka lies around it. The late Baroque Chapel of Panny Marie stood around 1750 on the wooded Kalvárie, about 600 meters west of Prameny. Over time, it became a popular destination for outings and pilgrimages.
Another trace of the town’s history is the former Church of sv. Linharta: it was demolished in 1958, but faint wall remnants remain on the site. Together with the historical information about mining and the former spas, this site broadens the picture beyond the themes of nature and springs.
Discover more destinations
Franzensbad, Haslau, Trebendorf, Untersandau, Wilkowitz, Mühlbach, Skalka U Chebu, Miltigau
For the overview of the wider region: Eger District.
