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Zlaté Hory Gold Mines

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Zlaté Hory Gold Mines (Czech Republic)

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The mining area of Zlaté Hory (Zuckmantel) is home to over 800 years of history in the extraction of gold and precious metals. Rich gold deposits were discovered here as early as the 13th century, leading to the town's establishment and the region's economic growth. Mining initially took place in open pits before progressing to deep underground shaft systems, some of which are now accessible as mining museums. A highlight of the area is the Gold Mining Open-Air Museum, featuring reconstructed medieval ore-crushing mills and water-powered gold washing plants. Over the centuries, copper, lead, and zinc were also extracted, with industrial mining only coming to a final halt in 1993. The region remains famous for its unique geological features and the living tradition of gold panning, which is celebrated through annual international competitions. The preserved tunnels serve as a testament to the hard labor of miners and the technical advancements made across different historical eras.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-139141820201494-1
Rain mm413640427781836962474038

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This historic site preserves the rich legacy of mining in the Jeseníky Mountains, illustrating how gold and complex ores shaped the region's economy over centuries. It stands today as a profound educational monument dedicated to geological and industrial history.
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Visiting
Visitors can actively explore parts of the historical underground workings through guided tours that usually provide protective gear and historical context. The surface also features a mining skansen with functional replicas of medieval ore-crushing mills.
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Where to view it
The open-air museum section and the scenic valley itself offer excellent views of how human industry integrated with the rugged mountain terrain. The entrance portals to the adits provide a dramatic photo opportunity against the forest backdrop.
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Local products
The local ticket offices and nearby tourist shops frequently sell mineral samples, regional crafts, and educational books detailing the mining lore. You might even find locally panned gold flakes enclosed in small souvenir vials.
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Active season
The site is overwhelmingly active during the warmer summer months when family tourism peaks and outdoor museum features are fully operational. Winter visits are often limited, with underground access potentially restricted depending on safety conditions.
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Nearby
After delving into the mines, hikers can tackle the surrounding Jeseníky Mountain trails or visit the nearby Rejvíz peat bog. The scenic spa town of Karlova Studánka is also a fantastic place to recover from a day of industrial exploration.

Geography

Coordinates
50.25030, 17.39860

Facts

  • Mining began around 1220
  • Industrial extraction ended in 1993
  • Host of gold panning championships
  • Replicas of medieval crushing mills
  • 120 types of minerals found here
  • The 'Zlatý chlum' shaft is 100 m deep

Explore nearby

Notable places around

GłuchołazyGłuchołazy7 km · NExplore →
Rejviz Moss LakeRejviz Moss Lake7 km · WExplore →
JeseníkJeseník14 km · WExplore →
PrudnikPrudnik15 km · NEExplore →
Karlova StudánkaKarlova Studánka20 km · SExplore →
Bílá Opava ValleyBílá Opava Valley22 km · SWExplore →
SerakSerak22 km · WExplore →
Hruby JesenikHruby Jesenik22 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zlaté Hory Gold Mines (10)

svatý Rochus

Chapel of Saint Roch in the Jeseník District of the Olomouc Region, a religious building.

Městské hornické muzeum🏛 museum

Town Mining Museum, admission: adults 30 CZK, children 20 CZK.

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Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the Jeseník District of the Olomouc Region.

Městský úřad Zlaté Hory

Town hall of Zlaté Hory, seat of the municipal administration.

Edelstein

Castle ruins, one of the largest Silesian castles, only small remnants of masonry remain.

Edelštejn

Castle ruins, one of the largest in Silesia, founded to protect nearby gold mines, first mentioned in 1281.

Leuchtenstein

Castle ruins in the Czech Republic, remains of a medieval fortress.

Nad Petrovou chatou

Peak or viewpoint above the Petrova chata mountain hut.

PP Černé jezero

Černé jezero natural monument, a protected area with a small lake.

Biskupská kupa

Mountain peak, a viewpoint in the Hrubý Jeseník range.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Zlaté Hory gold mine?
A historical mining area in the Jeseníky Mountains, famous for medieval gold mining.
Can I visit the mine?
Yes, the 'Speira' gallery is open to visitors and provides insight into the mining history.
Is there an open-air museum?
Yes, the Mining Park (Zlatokopecký skanzen) showcases functional replicas of medieval gold mills.
Can I pan for gold myself?
Yes, at the open-air museum, visitors can try gold panning themselves under guidance.
When is the best time to visit?
From May to October, when the open-air museum and the galleries are open for tourism.
Zlaté Hory Gold Mines: where is it located?
Zlaté Hory Gold Mines is located in Czech Republic.
Zlaté Hory Gold Mines: what is there to see?
Highlights include svatý Rochus, Městské hornické muzeum, Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie.
Zlaté Hory Gold Mines: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zlaté Hory Gold Mines: why is it worth visiting?
The mining area of Zlaté Hory (Zuckmantel) is home to over 800 years of history in the extraction of gold and precious metals.
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