Apartment Apartment Jáchymov 2

The Ore Mountains are a 150 km long mountain range on the border of Germany and the Czech Republic. This area is the basin of the Ohře (Eger) and Labe (Elbe) Rivers, with extensive coniferous woods stretching along the banks. It is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The exploitation of silver and cobalt has come to a standstill here but Jáchymov (Joachimsthal), with its royal mint (now a museum), is commemorated forever in the word “dollar” that finds its origin here: thaler > daalder > tolar > dollar. The mountains are rich in healing springs and you can find a number of larger and smaller resorts here, Jáchymov being one of them. The radioactive spring water (discovered thanks to Madame Curie) has given and continues to give Jáchimov its world-wide fame as a spa. From the ruins above the town you can enjoy a wonderful view of the town and its spa buildings. Klášterec nad Ohří (29 km) also has mineral waters, a 19th century castle, a park with fine sculptures and a porcelain museum. Karlovy Vary (20 km), the most famous of all Czech resorts, is definitely worth a visit. One of its numerous springs spurts 72º C [hot] water to a height of up to 12 meters. The architectural style of the 19th century can still be admired in all its glory here. Take a walk along the so-called colonnades where Tsar Peter the Great, Goethe, Beethoven and Karl Marx once walked! The minerals of the Ore Mountains began the development of the crystal and porcelain industry. That’s why there are so many shops filled with, among other things, Bohemian crystal and porcelain with the famous “onion pattern”. Today the mountains are primarily known for their ski resorts, such as Boží Dar (6 km), the highest situated village in Middle Europe (1028 m). In the medieval town of Ostrov (10 km) there is a renaissance-baroque castle with a park. In the main square of medieval Kadaň (36 km) you will find a beautiful town hall and a baroque Holy Trinity pillar. There are also ruins of old walls and a former executioner’s house here.