Around the Mining Town

Today, few people would guess that silver was once mined in the České Budějovice region. It was specifically the small town of Rudolfov and its immediate surroundings where silver mines were located.

Silver mining in this area is first mentioned in 1385, although actual mining activity likely predates this. Intensive mining operations began in the mid-16th century. Approximately sixty years of productive mining had a major impact on the development of the entire region. At the time, Rudolfov was one of the most important mining sites in Bohemia. Mining in Rudolfov came to an end with the Estates Revolt and the subsequent Thirty Years’ War.

If you want to learn more about the mining history of Rudolfov, take the new educational trail “Around the Mining Town”. It replaces the original trail “Rudolf’s Town”, which had existed along the same route since 1990, but needed restoration due to the passage of time. As the name suggests, the trail is themed around mining. Although focused on a single topic, it is very engaging and offers a wealth of interesting information from various fields.

At thirteen stations featuring information panels with historical illustrations, you will gain a comprehensive overview of the beginnings of mining in the Rudolfov area and its development up to its decline. The trail is approximately 5 km long, starts and ends in Rudolfov, and is marked with yellow tourist signage. The recommended direction is from the church in Rudolfov, past the Mrhal pond, and back to Rudolfov (to the area called Amerika). In this direction, the texts on the panels follow a logical narrative sequence.

Stations of the educational trail “Around the Mining Town”:

• Rudolfov – at the church: About the phenomenon of the mining town and all that it entailed. Also about the local church’s history.
• Rudolfov – at the post office: About the history of Rudolfov and its place in Bohemia.
• Rudolfov – at the mining museum: About the local ore district, its importance, and notable monuments.
• Rudolfov – Hornická Street: About mines, miners, and mining entrepreneurs.
• Rudolfov – dam of the Royal Pond: About the architectural development of the mining town.
• Rudolfov – Lesní Street – town edge: About the decline of mining and the reasons for the town’s demise.
• Forest path to Mrhal – former quarry: About the remnants of mining activities around Rudolfov, mining ponds, and a quarry.
• Forest path to Mrhal: About an unknown mining structure – a water channel to the Třešeň mine.
• Dam of Mrhal pond: About the Mrhal pond, the main water reservoir for the Rudolfov mines.
• Forest path to Rudolfov: About the ingenious construction of the Shared Canal in the forests around Rudolfov.
• Forest edge above Rudolfov: About the natural features of the Děkanský forest.
• Rudolfov – town edge – Lustenek: About the Lustenek manor house, a forgotten landmark of the mining town.
• Rudolfov – “Amerika”: About the harsh fate of the mining town of Rudolfov after the mining era ended.