This historic mining town in northern Moravia has a 13th-century gold mining museum and hiking trails leading to medieval mine shafts in the surrounding hills.
Zlaté Hory, a town in Czechia's Jeseník District near Poland, has a history tied to gold mining and forested hills. The area, once named Cukmantl, includes Renaissance and Baroque structures around Svobody Square, where 19th-century facades cover older building cores. Trails take you to peat bogs in the Rejvíz Nature Reserve, castle ruins on hillsides, and a stone observation tower from 1898 with views into Poland. Former mining tunnels now host wellness treatments, and local museums detail witch trials and the industry that brought wealth. Though compact, the town works well as a convenient place to stay while exploring the Zlatohorská Highlands and their network of trails.
Svobody Square and Historic Buildings
Begin your visit at Svobody Square, where pastel buildings with arched doorways and iron details reflect Zlaté Hory’s 17th- and 18th-century growth. The Old Post building, finished in 1698, has Corinthian columns and detailed stucco work inside; its Town Museum holds mining equipment, gold ore specimens, and records of witch trials. The Baroque town hall across the square includes a clock tower and a facade rebuilt after a 1945 fire. Two churches define the area: the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with a green dome and ceiling paintings, and the smaller Church of the Holy Cross, recognized for its carved wooden altar. Streets leading from the square pass craft workshops and cafes selling trdelník pastries.
Gold Mining Legacy
Gold mining here began in the 13th century, sparking conflicts between local leaders and Wrocław bishops. The Zlaté Hory Open-Air Museum, 2 km northeast, recreates medieval gold-washing channels and smelting methods. Guides show how workers processed ore, and you can try panning for gold in a managed stream. Recent surveys since 2019 have explored deposits of gold, copper, and zinc, suggesting possible future mining. The Town Museum also explains how the last mine closed in 1993, ending an era that shaped the region.
Forests, Peat Bogs, and Hiking
The Rejvíz National Nature Reserve, part of the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area, covers 328 hectares of peat bogs with carnivorous plants and uncommon birds. A wooden walkway crosses the largest bog, winding past dark-water pools and stunted pines. For wide views, hike 3 km south to Biskupská kupa Mountain, where a 59-foot stone tower from 1898 looks over the Opawskie Mountains. Trails from town also reach Edelštejn Castle ruins, a 13th-century fortress destroyed in regional wars, and the less-visited Koberštejn Castle remains. In winter, maintained cross-country ski trails replace hiking routes.
Wellness Stays and Practical Information
Since the 19th century, people have visited Zlaté Hory for underground sanatoriums treating breathing issues. Mineral springs and pine forests create a setting for wellness programs, with hotels providing spa packages. The City Information Centre on Bezručova Street gives trail maps and schedules for mine tours. Buses connect Zlaté Hory to Jeseník (14 km west) and Mikulovice, while drivers can reach Poland’s Głuchołazy in 15 minutes. Lodging options include family guesthouses and the Rejvíz Resort, famous for its carved wood furnishings.
Day Trips Beyond Zlaté Hory
Drive 45 minutes to Jeseník to visit the Priessnitz Medical Spa, known for water therapy methods. East of Zlaté Hory, Poland’s Głuchołazu has a 13th-century market square and trails up Biskupia Kopa. South of town, the village of Heřmanovice serves as a starting point for hikes into the Hrubý Jeseník range, including the 1,204-meter Orlík peak. Cyclists can follow the paved path along the Bělá River past old mine entrances and waterfalls.
