Jachymov Town Guide

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> Introduction to Jachymov
> How to get there
> Where to stay
> What to see
> What to do
> Where to eat & drink

INTRODUCTION TO JACHYMOV

History of the area of Joachimsthal start at the bigining of 16th century, when the silver was found. The city and whole area was grow rapidly and made the Counts von Schlick one of the richest noble families in Bohemia. The Schlicks had coins minted, which were called Joachimsthalers. They gave their name to the Thaler and than to the dollar. In year 1523 was beginning the Reformation. In the Schmalkaldic War (1546-47) Joachimsthal was occupied by Saxon troops. In year 1621 many Protestant citizens and people from the mountains migrated to nearby Saxony.

In the 19th century the town was wery important location of an administrative office responsible for mines and iron production. Mining was still prominent department in this period. Within addition of silver ore, the nickel, bismuth and uranium were also extracted. There were also other industries, for example an enormous tobacco factory, the manufacture of gloves and corks and of bobbin lace.

At the beginning of the 20th century, famouse Marie Curie Sklodowska discovered ore containing uraninite from Joachimsthal, the element radium, for which she won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Until the First World War Joachimsthal was the only known place of uranium in the world.

The first radon spa in the world was established in Jáchymov in 1906. Soon afterwards, the renowned medical institution Radium Palace was built. In 1975, a new large medical facility was put into service, named after academician František Běhounek.

HOW TO GET THERE

WITH BUS

from Florenc Bus Station Prague

WITH TRAIN

from Prague Railway Station Holesovice, or from Main Railway Station first to Karlovy Vary, than with bus

WHERE TO STAY

WHAT TO SEE

Boží Dar

the highest town in the country (1,028m above sea level), major winter sports centre.

Vlčí jámy

the educational trail , where you can find some of the natural curiosities.

Klášterec nad Ohří

a chateau housing collections of Czech, Asian and European porcelain. Next to the chateau there is an English-style park with statues by Jan Brokoff.

Blatenský Canal

dating from year 1540 when takes water to Boží Dar. The canal is a reminder of the years when tin, cobalt, and other metals were mined in the Krušné Mountains.

Jáchymov´s Hell

the educational trail, where uranium was mined under inhuman working by thousands of mens.

Other Sights

the Church of Saint Jachym
the Popovska Mountain
the Castle Ruins of Slikuv Hradek
mining open -air museum Barbora
Jachymov´s Hell
stone lookout tower Klinovec
Royal Mint in Jachymov
the Library of the Latin School

WHAT TO DO

In the town and surrounding area, there are tennis courts, minigolf, bike rental, fitness centres and a solarium. Nearby they are Krušné Hory ( Krusne Mountains ). There are possibilities for crosscountry skiing, hiking and cycling. Tourists can also visit local sights like the Royal Mint (Museum of Mining and Coin Production), concerts in the Church of All Saints or in the Church of St Jáchym.