Hora Svaté Kateřiny lies in the Czech part of the Ore Mountains, on the Saxon border. A visit can be viewed through the themes of mining history, the church and the views: the Mikulášská štola leads to historic ore mining, Kostel sv. Kateřiny provides its own architectural highlight, and the Hláska observation tower offers views of the Kateřina Valley and Saxony. When choosing a trip focused on culture and landscape, you can weigh these different perspectives against one another; the town offers specific themes rather than just a general impression of the Ore Mountains.
Mining history between Městský vrch and Mikulášská štola
Hora Svaté Kateřiny was originally a mining settlement. Silver was mined on the slopes of Městský vrch before 1520; copper was later mined there as well. This sequence brings the change in the metals extracted to life. Another point of interest is the Mikulášská štola, which was used to mine silver and copper in the Middle Ages. The two points of interest highlight different aspects of mining history: mining on a hillside and the use of a tunnel.
As of August 2026, about 420 m of the Mikulášská štola had been restored and opened to the public. Guided tours were regularly offered without prior registration. As tour arrangements may change, check the latest information before your visit. This lets you connect the historical context with a specific visitor option without having to plan for a particular date.
The church and the Pietà as distinct historical highlights
Kostel sv. Kateřiny adds a different historical focus. The church was built in 1611–1612 and remodeled in the Baroque style in 1785. The dates represent two different building phases: 1611–1612 marks its construction, while 1785 marks the later remodeling. A Pietà statue dating from 1729 stands in front of the church. A Pietà depicts Mary with the body of Christ; this subject adds a religious artwork to the architectural history. In contrast to the Mikulášská štola, the focus here is not on ore mining and tunnels, but on architecture and imagery.
A viewpoint overlooking the border region
Rozhledna Hláska provides a contrasting landscape perspective. The observation tower is 16 m high and has a covered glass viewing platform with panoramic views of the Kateřina Valley and as far as Saxony. This makes the border location that defines the town's geography tangible through the view. The difference in focus is clear: the tunnel and church draw attention to history, while the platform focuses on the valley and surroundings. Thus, alongside cultural discoveries, there is also a specific landscape to take in.
Practical planning tip
Karavan camp offers sanitary facilities, including showers, for hikers, tourists and cyclists. If these facilities are important for your plans, ask about their current availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Klíny, Obrnice, Nová Ves V Horách, Brüx, Meziboří, Havraň, Bělušice, Patokryje
Return to the main travel overview: Okres Most.
