The Vápenka lime kiln lies in the wooded landscape between Háj u Loučné pod Klínovcem and Kovářská. It was fully restored in 2019 and is open to the public. Two octagonal Rumford shaft kilns and the remains of other buildings preserve parts of the original complex, which was built in the mid-19th century. The two kilns and the building remains make the surviving extent of the complex tangible. A cycling route also explicitly includes Vápenka: the 15 km loop runs via Loučná, Háj, Vápenka, Kovářská and České Hamry before returning. It is an easy cycle ride with 295 m of elevation gain and is also suitable for children. This brings together a publicly accessible structure and a clearly described cycling option.

Mountain meadows and woodland transitions

Horská louka u Háje lies in the valley of the Černá voda stream and is part of the Novodomské rašeliniště–Kovářská Bird Protection Area. The peat-rich mountain meadow is a habitat for rare and endangered plant species. Its habitat forms a mosaic of peat meadows, wet cabbage thistle meadows, meadowsweet stands, golden oat-grass meadows and matgrass swards, as well as transitions to wet and bog spruce forests. The natural setting therefore encompasses different types of meadow and woodland transitions. It is clearly distinct from Vápenka’s architectural heritage and gives the landscape its own focus.

Routes by distance and viewpoint

You can distinguish between the routes by length, stops and viewpoints. The Kolem Vápenky Nordic walking loop is 8 km long and offers views of the former Vápenka lime kiln, Palouk mrtvých and the Švédský pomník. The Loučná pod Klínovcem nature trail is just under 17.5 km long and has 13 stops. It is therefore considerably longer than the 8 km loop; its stops also give it a different profile from the named viewpoints along the Nordic walking route. The Loučenský okruh climbs via Háj to Meluzína and offers views of Oberwiesenthal and Loučná pod Klínovcem. The routes therefore differ in format and focus: Kolem Vápenky combines a Nordic walking loop with viewpoints, the nature trail combines distance with stops, and the Loučenský okruh combines a climb with views of two towns.

Winter lessons in Háj

In winter, the Klínovec Ski and Snowboard School adds another option. Its visitor address is Háj 178, 43191 Loučná pod Klínovcem. During the winter season, it offers ski and snowboard lessons to the public for children and adults. The school has two private lifts and its own gentle slopes with safe run-outs for lessons. Several beginner courses in skiing or snowboarding take place each year, with groups for complete beginners and those with a little experience. This makes it possible to assess the winter offering by season, course type and skill level. If lessons are one reason for choosing a winter stay, you can take these groups and the seasonal period into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Černovice U Chomutova, Klášterec Nad Ohří, Kryštofovy Hamry, Místo, Okounov, Loučná Pod Klínovcem, České Hamry, Chbany

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Chomutov.