Hora Svatého Šebestiána: History and Hiking Routes

Hora Svatého Šebestiána combines the history of a Bohemian mountain town with marked long-distance hiking trails and a landscape in which the raised bog provides a distinctive accent. If you would like to combine culture, historical traces, and hiking on your trip, you will find various reasons here to explore the place in greater detail.

History and Monuments in the Town

The former town hall and courthouse is an Empire-style building constructed around 1800. Above its portal is a cartouche bearing the town coat of arms. The history of the place probably dates back to the first half of the 16th century, when Hora Svatého Šebestiána was founded as a mining town on the Chomutov estate. In 1597, Emperor Rudolf II elevated the place to a royal mining town.

At the northern edge stands the Holy Trinity Column from 1908. It is a copy of an older Baroque work and was declared a cultural monument in 2022. A local monument commemorates 110 soldiers and residents who fell in the Second World War. The former Church of St. Sebastian is also part of the town’s eventful history: it was blown up on March 25, 1967.

Near the Hora Svatého Šebestiána–Reitzenhain border crossing, the Stülpnerův pomník commemorates Karl Stülpner, who is considered the most famous poacher in the Ore Mountains. Another historical trace is the railway bridge near Hora Svatého Šebestiána. It was part of railway line No. 137 Křimov–Reitzenhain; today, only its outer abutments remain.

Hiking on the Hřebenovka and the Memorial Route

Hora Svatého Šebestiána lies on the 143-kilometre eastern Hřebenovka Krušné hory. The route passes through the town as a stage or junction point and runs along a red-marked trail for its entire length. The Hřebenovka can therefore be viewed as a longer hiking connection, while the Pochod smrti na Chomutovsku Memorial Route offers a shorter, clearly defined tour: it begins in Hora Svatého Šebestiána, is approximately 17 kilometres long, runs mostly downhill, and ends in Chomutov, in Horní Ves or at the town cemetery.

In April 2026, two modern wooden tourist shelters with emergency overnight accommodation were opened in Hora Svatého Šebestiána. They serve as official infrastructure for the Stezka Českem and Hřebenovka long-distance hiking trails. Each shelter accommodates four people; for an overnight stay, you need to bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag. This specific equipment distinguishes the shelters from ordinary accommodation and is particularly relevant when planning a multi-day hike.

Raised Bog and Municipal Ponds

The Prameniště Chomutovky Nature Reserve is located in the surrounding area and is characterised primarily by a raised bog. Fishing is possible at the municipal ponds with a permit issued by the municipal office. Nature observation and a locally regulated leisure activity thus complement the town’s historical and hiking-related themes.

More Places for Your Research

If you would like to compare Hora Svatého Šebestiána with other destinations, you can also include Chbany, Svahová, Pysna, Černovice U Chomutova, Kryštofovy Hamry, Otvice, Komotau and Křimov in your further search.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Chomutov.