Přebuz (Frühbuß) combines the history of tin mining with a distinctive landscape. A clearly defined starting point is the 5.2 km Hornická poznávací trasa Přebuz (Přebuz Mining Discovery Trail), with 13 stations. Other evidence reveals different aspects of the subject: tunnels and hoisting facilities, former ore processing, and hollows, springs and rock outcrops in the terrain. The history of the town can thus be explored both through technical relics and through the landscape features.
Mining history across several periods
The Přebuzský vodní příkop, also known as Erbgraben, is considered Přebuz’s oldest mining monument. The Šlik family built it in the mid-16th century. Another important drainage tunnel was the Alžbětinská dědičná štola (St Elizabeth’s Heritage Tunnel), which served this function from the 16th to the 19th century. The Jitřní štola (Good Morning Tunnel) represents the beginnings of mining in Přebuz in the 16th century; in the 20th century, it was converted into an explosives store. At these sites, water management, mining and later uses can be seen as different chapters in the history.
Technical installations and traces in the terrain
The headframe of the Hlavní jáma (Main Shaft) is a technical monument. Beneath the concreted shaft opening is a flooded labyrinth of mine workings extending to a depth of 190 m. The Panský důl (Gentlemen’s Mine) offers insights into rugged open-cast workings, collapsed tunnels, depressions, disappearing streams and springs left behind by tin mining from the 16th to the 19th century. Rows of subsidence hollows also shape the mining landscape: tin mining in Přebuz operated under the name Čerstvé štěstí (Fresh Fortune) from 1909 to 1914 and as Ritterův důl (Ritter Shaft) from 1931 to 1958. It reached a depth of 120 m.
Other relics point to ore processing. Buchar (Bucherich), on the uphill stretch of road to the church, was a facility for crushing tin ore and supplied a nearby ore-processing plant and smelter. A processing plant for tin and arsenic ores operated from 1933 to 1945. At the tailings pond (Odkaliště hlušiny), sandy residues created during ore washing can be found. Together, these places provide insight into different stages of the work, without being equated with a single tunnel.
Landscape, protected area and views
At 987 m, Hartelsberg (Čertova hora) is a conical landmark in the landscape of Přebuz. From there, views extend over the Krušné hory, Smrčiny, Český les, Slavkovský les, Tepelská vrchovina and Doupovské hory. On the way to Hartelsberg, the Skalka rock outcrop displays characteristic textures of tin-bearing granite. Looking at these rock formations adds a geological perspective to the historical evidence.
The Přebuzské vřesoviště protected area preserves near-natural habitats that developed after peat extraction. They provide a refuge for rare and endangered plants and animals. Visitors must observe the rules of the protected area. Alongside the traces of tin mining, these habitats are also a focus, and their present-day value is connected to their history of formation.
Plan tours and access
The Hornická poznávací trasa Přebuz (Přebuz Mining Discovery Trail) is 5.2 km long and has 13 stations. Trail conditions can vary; take this into account when planning. For a visit to the tin mine near Přebuz, the car park is at the junction between the church and the cemetery. From there, the mine is reachable via about 700 m of paved path. If there is no vehicle access ban, it is possible to drive to within about 250 m. Check local conditions before your visit, as terrain and site conditions may change.
Discover more destinations: Liebauthal, Schönfeld, Chodau, Unterneugrün, Rothau, Bukwa, Silberbach, Schwaderbach.
Go to the main travel overview: Falkenau an der Eger District.
