A tour of the mining open-air museum Žacléř
History of hard coal mining
The Žacléř mining open-air museum was established on the territory of the former Jan Šverma coal mine. The open-air museum was opened to visitors on 29 June 2012. The first mention of hard coal mining in the Žacléř region dates back to 1570. The mining of black coal on an industrial scale dates back to the 1930s. Deep mining at the Jan Šverma mine was terminated on 31 December 1992 on the basis of a resolution of the Government of the Czech Republic due to the unprofitability of mining. About 75 million tons of hard coal remained in the mine's underground.
Cloakroom
We were the first to go through the locker room, where the miners changed into parishes. They hung their dirty clothes on a hook and pulled them on a chain to the ceiling. The chain system is functional and we had the opportunity to try it.
Trolleys
Coal was transported here in carts with a sophisticated rail system. The target was a „tipper“ who turned and emptied the cart (see photo).
View from the mining tower
Part of the tour is a visit to the mining tower from where we have a beautiful view. It is said that we were lucky that Sněžka was also seen :)
View from the mining tower
We also see the whole area of the open-air museum in the palm of your hand, including the „hill“ of rubble.
Mining pits
We visited both mining pits. Mining is no longer taking place here and all underground corridors are now gradually backfilled.
Stole
Part of the tour is an artificially created gallery. We can see mining equipment here and also the above-ground outcrop of black coal, which is a local rarity.
Articles nearby
