A lake on a former open-pit mining site and a church that was moved 841 metres: in the Most District, change can be read in the landscape and buildings. The district includes the Krušné hory, the southeastern foothills of the České středohoří, the Žatecká plošina and the Most Basin. At 956 metres above sea level, Loučná is the highest point. These geographical landmarks alone give the destination a varied setting.
Water, Mining and Leisure
Mostecké jezero was created by flooding the former Ležáky brown coal open-pit mine near Most. Its surface area is 311 hectares; the lake is about 2.5 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide. Its maximum depth is 59 metres. Its present form illustrates the transformation of the land: where brown coal was once mined, there is now a large body of water.
The Fláje Reservoir near Český Jiřetín serves a different purpose. It was built on the Flájský potok to supply water. The two bodies of water thus represent different aspects of the region: Mostecké jezero was formed from a flooded pit, while Fláje was built for water supply.
The Matylda leisure complex also combines water and activity. Its natural body of water covers 39 hectares and is intended for outdoor swimming. There are also cycle paths and a four-kilometre asphalt track for inline skating and cycling. For visitors planning a trip, this means that time by the water and exercise on a paved track are separate leisure options at Matylda.
Architecture and Industrial History
The late Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Most was moved 841 metres in 1975 using an unusual technique. Its relocation is part of its remarkable history. Inside the church, there is extensive painted and sculptural decoration, as well as an exhibition of Gothic and Renaissance art from northwestern Bohemia. The Baroque hospital and the Church of the Holy Spirit form a historic complex alongside the church.
Litvínov offers a different architectural discovery: five Art Nouveau houses along Smetanova Street, built between 1901 and 1906, stand alongside the Church of St Michael the Archangel and Voigtovy sady. The dates of the houses give the streetscape a clear historical context. Those wishing to turn their attention from architecture to industrial history will find a related subject at the Podkrušnohorské Technical Museum. It explores underground and open-pit mining, coal processing and other uses of coal, as well as the chemical industry in the brown coal basins of northwestern Bohemia. Its subject matter thus spans everything from extraction and processing to other industries.
Mountain Views and Winter Activities
The landscape can also be explored from a variety of viewpoints. Zlatník is a 521-metre-high, forested phonolite peak with views towards the České středohoří and Krušné hory. The tower at Hněvín offers views across Most, the volcanic hills of the České středohoří and the Krušné hory. While the two mountain ranges frame the view from Zlatník, from Hněvín visitors can also see the city and the volcanic hills.
For winter activities, there is the Český Jiřetín ski resort, with three slopes and four lifts. A 100-metre-long natural toboggan run leads towards the Church of St John the Baptist. Winter facilities and their operation may vary by season, so check current operating information before your visit.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Brüx, Želenice, Becov U Mostu, Brandov, Braňany, Skršín, Litvínov, Horní Jiřetín, Český Jiřetín, Havraň, Hora Svaté Kateřiny, Klíny, Korozluky, Louka U Litvínova, Luzice U Mostu, Mariánské Radčice, Meziboří, Nová Ves V Horách, Obrnice, Bělušice, Lišnice, Patokryje, Polerady, Volevčice, Loučná, Svinčice.
For the higher-level travel overview: Ústí nad Labem.
