České Hamry lies on the Polavský potok, which forms the border between Bohemia and Saxony. For travellers who want to combine cycling and hiking with a glimpse into local history, there are several distinct points of interest: regional cycling routes, hiking trails with different connections to the area, and a church that continues to serve the small local Catholic community. The routes differ in scale and description; deciding which one will shape your stay is a good first step in planning.

On the Polavský potok: the border and local history

České Hamry probably began in the 16th century as a settlement of people who worked iron from the nearby mining district around Kovářská. The local history is also connected with the opposite bank: after the Battle of White Mountain, the sister settlement of Hammerunterwiesenthal arose there. Many of České Hamry’s residents fled there to escape religious persecution.

Another specific point of interest is the Church of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. The simple building dates from the 1920s and continues to serve the small local Catholic community. If you plan to attend a service, check the times in advance; service arrangements may vary. Together with its location by the border stream, this local history and the church bring the cultural side of a stay into focus.

Cycling: distinguish between routes, distances and difficulty

Regional cycle route 3002 runs from Stráž nad Ohří to Vejprty through České Hamry. A route update is dated 26 February 2013; check the route locally before setting off. This helps keep your travel plans aligned with the route actually intended.

Another cycle route runs from Vejprty to Chomutov and is 73 kilometres long in total. České Hamry is reached at kilometre 7. The route is rated as challenging and runs along roads as well as the Krušnohorská magistrála. When planning, it is worth distinguishing the total distance from the point along the route: the 73 kilometres describe the entire route, while the kilometre marker indicates where České Hamry lies along it.

The two cycle routes therefore offer different points of reference: route 3002 focuses on the connection from Stráž nad Ohří to Vejprty, passing through the village. For the Vejprty–Chomutov route, there is additional information about the total distance, kilometre marker, difficulty rating and course. It is a good idea to check the planned route locally before setting off.

Hiking: two different route descriptions

A tourist hiking trail runs between České Hamry and Hammerunterwiesenthal. Conditions on the trail and at the border may change, so check them before your visit. The description mentions a connection between the two places, but does not give a walking time.

Another hiking tour is 14 kilometres long and runs from Kovářská to Königsmühle. It initially follows the road towards České Hamry. Shortly before descending into the settlement, the route branches off towards Háj. Compared with the connection between České Hamry and Hammerunterwiesenthal, this description gives a specific distance and a turn-off. This helps you assess the two hiking options based on their respective routes.

Choose the focus of your stay

Depending on the route, the cycling options focus either on passing through České Hamry or on the total distance, kilometre marker and difficulty rating. The hiking descriptions differ in the places they connect and, for the tour from Kovářská to Königsmühle, in the stated distance and described turn-off. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in České Hamry, you can first decide which of these activity options you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Domašín, Chomutov, Horní Halze, Mašťov, Kovarska, Místo, Hora Svatého Šebestiána, Strupčice.

Back to the main travel overview: Chomutov District.