Most District: Lakes, Mountains and Culture

Most District presents the Czech Republic in an unusually diverse form: uplands, basin landscapes, reclaimed lakes, reservoirs and striking cultural monuments come together within a shared regional setting. This creates a journey that combines nature experiences, urban history and active excursions without limiting itself to just one type of landscape.

Landscape between uplands and water

Most District includes the Krušné hory, which are described as the southeastern extension of the České středohoří, as well as the Žatecká plošina and the Most Basin. The district’s highest point is Loučná, at 956 metres above sea level. Those seeking an overview of the contrasting landscapes will find Zlatník, a 521-metre-high, forested phonolite peak. From there, views extend towards the České středohoří and Krušné hory.

The transformation of the landscape is particularly evident at Most Lake. The lake was created by flooding the former Ležáky open-cast lignite mine near Most. It covers 311 hectares, is approximately 2.5 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, and reaches a maximum depth of 59 metres. Another distinctive waterscape is the Fláje Reservoir near Český Jiřetín. It was built on the Flájský potok to provide a water supply.

Most between a turbulent history and art

An extraordinary chapter in the city’s history is told by the late Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Most. In 1975, it was moved 841 metres using an unusual relocation technology. Inside, you will find rich furnishings with paintings and sculptures, as well as an exhibition of Gothic and Renaissance art from northwestern Bohemia. Directly beside it, Most’s Baroque hospital and the Church of the Holy Spirit form a connected heritage area.

Litvínov also offers a clearly recognisable historic urban setting. Five Art Nouveau houses stand on Smetanova Street; they were built between 1901 and 1906. Nearby are the Church of the Archangel Michael and Voigtovy sady. For another view of Most, the tower of Hněvín looks out over the city, towards the volcanic hills of the České středohoří and in the direction of the Krušné hory.

Water, routes and winter sports

The Matylda leisure complex near Most has a 39-hectare natural body of water intended for outdoor swimming. It is complemented by cycle paths and a four-kilometre asphalt track for inline skating and cycling. This makes it possible to combine time by the water with a clearly defined route for physical activity.

In the uplands, the Český Jiřetín ski area has three pistes and four lifts. There is also a 100-metre-long natural toboggan run leading towards the Church of St John the Baptist. This specific combination of a ski area, lifts and toboggan run distinguishes the location from the water-based excursion destinations around Most.

Further discoveries in Most District

For orientation in the region, the directory of educational trails in Most District currently lists 17 published routes. The Podkrušnohorské Technical Museum also offers a specialised perspective on the history of the landscape. Its focus is on underground and open-cast mining, coal processing, other uses of coal, and the chemical industry in the lignite basins of northwestern Bohemia.

Further places you can visit for your travel planning include Želenice, Becov U Mostu, Brandov, Braňany, Skršín, Horní Jiřetín, Český Jiřetín, Havraň, Hora Svaté Kateřiny, Klíny, Korozluky, Louka U Litvínova, Luzice U Mostu, Mariánské Radčice, Meziboří, Nová Ves V Horách, Obrnice, Bělušice, Lišnice, Patokryje, Polerady, Volevčice, Litvínov, Loučná, Svinčice and Brüx.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ústí nad Labem.