The common thread running through Krupka is tin mining: its well-preserved relic landscape was shaped by intensive tin mining and the remains of hundreds of mines dating from the 14th to the 20th century. For a stay focused on culture and history, this theme offers a clear starting point; you can also choose individual museums and buildings to suit your interests.
Mining Landscape and Historic Town
The Krupka mining landscape is considered the oldest tin-mining area in the Ore Mountains. It contributed to the development and transfer of techniques for extracting tin ore in the Ore Mountains and Central Europe. The Steinknochen mining district preserves numerous traces of this history, including collapsed entrances to shafts and adits, as well as striking terraced spoil heaps. More than 150 tin mines operated there from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 19th century.
The townscape also reflects the long history of mining. Numerous valuable ecclesiastical and secular buildings, particularly from the 14th to the 17th century, have been preserved in the medieval mining town of Krupka. Krupka Castle was built as a fortified watchtower at the beginning of the 14th century to protect the trade route to Saxony, the tin mines and the developing town. Its observation tower offers panoramic views of Krupka and Teplice. The castle grounds are freely accessible year-round; check local notices before your trip.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows is surrounded by cloisters with seven chapels and features elaborate Baroque furnishings. The Krupka Firefighting Museum is housed in a restored Baroque rectory. Its eight themed exhibition rooms display historic firefighting technology as well as historical equipment and gear.
Museums and Unique Visitor Experiences
The Starý Martin Mine operates year-round as a mining museum, with a permanent exhibition of historical and modern mining technology. Minerals, mine lamps, breathing apparatus and work tools are also on display. This offers a way to explore the history of mining through actual equipment and materials.
At the Krupka Toy Museum, visitors can try out some of the toys or take part in creative activities. The educational programme “Krupka – hlavní město cínu” takes place in Krupka’s authentic historic setting. Group activities and presentations cover the society and architecture of the mining town, as well as tin ore extraction. Advance arrangements may be required for the programme.
Seasonal visitor arrangements apply to St Wolfgang’s Chapel. Under these arrangements, a guide welcomes visitors there and shares information about its history and present-day life. An exhibition provides information about the Krupka mining landscape as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Routes and Local Access
The cable car from Bohosudov to Komáří vížka is considered the oldest passenger aerial tramway still in operation in the Czech Republic. A 4.3-kilometre hiking trail leads from the Bohosudov cable car station to Kyšperk. A blue-marked tourist route also runs from Komáří vížka via Fojtovice to the state border with Germany. Access to the entire Kyšperk Castle ruin site is prohibited until further notice due to falling masonry. Check local notices before setting out, as the closure may change.
Discover more destinations: Hrob, Kostomlaty Pod Milešovkou, Muschelberg, Kladruby U Teplic, Pytlíkov, Háj U Duchcova, Hostomice Nad Bílinou, Bžany.
Return to the main travel overview: Okres Teplice.
