Krupka: Mining History and Castle Views

Krupka is a medieval mining town whose character is shaped by the combination of tin mining, historic buildings and cultural sites. The mining landscape is considered the oldest tin-mining area in the Ore Mountains. At the same time, numerous ecclesiastical and secular buildings have been preserved, particularly from the 14th to the 17th century. If you would like to discover history not only in exhibitions but also in landscapes and buildings, Krupka offers various ways to do so.

Mining Landscape and the Steinknochen Mining District

The Krupka mining landscape is a well-preserved relic mining landscape. It is characterised by intensive tin mining and the remains of hundreds of mines dating from the 14th to the 20th century. Its significance extends beyond the visible traces: the landscape contributed to the development and transfer of techniques for extracting tin ores in the Ore Mountains and Central Europe.

In the Steinknochen mining district, buried shaft and adit entrances, as well as distinctive terraced spoil heaps, preserve the memory of historical mining. More than 150 tin mines operated there from the Middle Ages until the beginning of the 19th century. As a result, the history of the district cannot be reduced to a single building; it is also reflected in the shapes of the terrain.

Krupka Castle, Views and Medieval Traces

Krupka Castle has a viewing tower offering panoramic views of Krupka and Teplice. The castle grounds are freely accessible all year round. The castle was built at the beginning of the 14th century as a watch fortress to protect the trade route to Saxony, the tin mines and the developing town.

Another historic site, however, requires special attention: access to the entire area of the Kyšperk castle ruins is prohibited until further notice due to falling masonry. For a hike, a 4.3 km route to Kyšperk leads from Bohosudov railway station. In addition, a blue-marked tourist route runs from Komáří vížka via Fojtovice to the state border with Germany.

Museums, Religious Buildings and Engaging Interpretation

The Starý Martin Adit Mining Museum operates year-round as a museum with a permanent exhibition of historical and modern mining technology. Minerals, mine lamps, respiratory protective equipment and work tools are also displayed. At St. Wolfgang Chapel, a guide welcomes visitors and provides information about the past and present. An exhibition there presents the Krupka mining landscape as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other topics also enrich the townscape: the Krupka Firefighting Museum is housed in a restored Baroque vicarage and displays historic firefighting technology as well as historical equipment and furnishings in eight themed exhibition halls. The Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady is surrounded by cloisters with seven chapels and features elaborate Baroque furnishings.

Experiences to Discover

The Krupka Toy Museum offers interactive elements where visitors can try out some toys or take part in creative activities. The educational programme “Krupka – hlavní město cínu” takes place in an authentic historic setting and includes group tasks and presentations on the society and architecture of the mining town, as well as on the extraction of tin ore.

More Destinations for Your Planning

If you would like to extend your travel planning beyond Krupka, here are some more destinations: Žalany, Hrobčice, Nove Mesto V Krusnych Horach, Modlany, Pytlíkov, Háj U Duchcova, Teplitz-Schönau and Žim.

For the higher-level travel overview: Teplice District.