One building brings together much of Rudolfov’s mining history: the Perkmistrovský dům was built in 1591 as the residence of the royal mining official, the Perkmistr, and is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Following its renovation, it was ceremonially reopened on 13 September 2014. Today, it houses the Hornické muzeum, a tourist information centre and a specialist library.
Mining history in the museum and townscape
The Hornické muzeum Rudolfov presents three exhibitions that explore the town from different perspectives: one is devoted to the history of mining in Rudolfov, another to Emperor Rudolf II and alchemy. The third covers life in the town from the Napoleonic Wars to the present day. This gives you the opportunity to learn about both local mining history and other chapters in the town’s history.
The dates also tell a story of different historical layers. The Renaissance Church of St. Vitus was built between 1556 and 1583, was originally Protestant and has been Catholic since 1636. It was therefore built before Rudolf II’s privilege of 1585, which raised Rudolfov to the status of a free mining town with extensive privileges, and before the Perkmistrovský dům was built. A period of around sixty years of productive silver mining had an undeniable influence on the development of the surrounding area.
The historic Hornické slavnosti celebrate this mining heritage. They take place every year on the first Saturday in June; the specific programme may change. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and programme for the relevant year.
Trails and historic water landscape
The Rudolfovská trasa starts and ends in Rudolfov. It is considered easy and is recommended for sightseeing year-round. The educational trail “Cesta kolem hornického města” is also in Rudolfov. These two options offer different ways to explore the area if you are interested in trails and the town’s history as well as its exhibitions.
The Královský rybník is also part of the mining history: it is a registered significant landscape feature in Rudolfov and part of a cascade of ponds created along the Rudolfovský potok in the 16th century for ore mining. This offers a different perspective on the historic use of the landscape, alongside the exhibitions and named trails.
Gardens, courses and events
Zahrada Anastazie offers excursions for specialists and the interested public, as well as courses on natural gardens. The “Zahrady nad městem” grounds complement this with courses for adults, programmes for children and events for the public. As the programme may change, check the current events calendar before your visit.
The Vílí stezka is open as part of events held at the grounds; schools and the general public visit the community gardens. On the Vílí stezka, children receive a map and can search for fairies in the nooks and crannies of the community garden. Before your visit, check the latest event and access information to see whether the trail fits into your plans.
The activities also differ in when they take place: the first Saturday in June provides a recurring date for the Hornické slavnosti, while garden activities depend on the events scheduled. The Rudolfovská trasa is recommended for sightseeing year-round. When looking for hotels in Rudolfov, you can therefore choose your travel dates based on your main interest: mining history, a garden programme or the trail.
Discover more destinations: Pasinovice, Jivno, Nuzice, Srubec, Chraschtian, Zirnau, Hlawatetz, Ledenice
For the overview of the wider area: Okres České Budějovice.
