Mining history and natural formations are among the defining features of Měděnec. The history of the settlement is closely linked to mining at Mědník; the Sfingy reveal gneiss in a variety of forms created by frost weathering. A Baroque rotunda chapel on the summit adds to the historic traces. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on different aspects, from former mining to architectural history and views of the landscape.

From mining settlement to mining landscape

The settlement of Mědník, later renamed Měděnec, developed in close connection with mining on the hill of the same name. Mining probably took place there as early as the 10th century. The first documented reports date from 1449. These details refer to different points in time: a probable early beginning and the year of the first documented reports. From 1520, Měděnec was a mining town and held the privilege of freely purchasing silver.

The Mědník Mining Landscape documents the mining of iron and copper ores and, to a lesser extent, silver ores. The period covered extends from the mid-15th to the mid-19th century. Earlier workings are also part of the landscape’s history: more than 100 shafts and adits once lay on the slopes of Mědník. Numerous collapsed entrances and spoil heaps have survived. These traces add concrete features of the former mining area to the history of mining.

Historic adits and traces underground

The Mědník underground mining area is currently accessible through two historic adits. They preserve evidence of manual labor and the enlargement of underground spaces by fire-setting, dating from the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Štola Panny Marie Pomocné, also known as the Mariahilfstolln, is an extensive system of passages of various ages. Its oldest hand-hewn passages date from the 16th century. Part of this adit is now open to the public.

Štola Země zaslíbená also preserves evidence of historic hand mining and rock loosening by fire-setting. Its entrance is on the southwestern slope of Mědník, directly below Kaple Nejsvětějšího srdce Páně. The adit was probably excavated in the 17th or 18th century. The differing dates make the two workings interesting to compare: while the oldest hand-hewn passages of Štola Panny Marie Pomocné are dated to the 16th century, Štola Země zaslíbená is thought to have been created later.

Chapel on the summit of Mědník

Kaple Neposkvrněného početí Panny Marie is a Baroque rotunda chapel built in 1674 on the summit of Mědník. Its construction and later reconstruction are two distinct chapters: in 1994, the chapel was completely renovated, including its interior. Visitors interested in architectural history can thus distinguish its founding in the 17th century from the comprehensive reconstruction in the 20th century.

An annual tradition is also associated with the chapel. Every September, a procession makes its way there during the Měděnecká pouť. If the procession is important to your travel plans, check the dates for the year of your visit.

Sfingy and the nature trail offer other discoveries

The Sfingy rock formations offer a different perspective on the area’s natural history from the underground evidence of mining. They were formed by frost weathering of gneiss and display a variety of shapes. The rocks offer views of the Ore Mountains and the Doupov Mountains. Two different processes can therefore be seen side by side: natural weathering of the rocks and traces of human labor in the mining landscape.

The historic Cesta z města educational trail offers another way to explore the surroundings. It starts in Útočiště, a district of Klášterec nad Ohří, and ends at the church in Měděnec. Its two named endpoints give the route a clear direction and distinguish it from the individual architectural and mining traces in the town.

If you plan to visit the section of the adit that is open to the public, check the booking and access conditions in advance; for the educational trail, it is advisable to check local conditions. This allows you to plan your trip around the actual opportunities for visiting without assuming a fixed order for the individual stops.

Discover more travel destinations: Domašín, Kalek, Vysoká Pec U Jirkova, Všestudy, Křimov, Radonice, Mašťov, Loučná Pod Klínovcem

For the regional travel overview: Chomutov District.