Jáchymov

Jáchymov (German: Sankt Joachimsthal) is a spa town in the Karlovy Vary district, located near the German border, just seven kilometres from the Boží Dar border crossing. Although it has only about 2,300 inhabitants, it is a place with an incredibly rich history. Its 16th-century historic core, with a complete ensemble of Gothic-Renaissance patrician houses, is today an urban heritage zone.

Jáchymov is a mining town. Silver was mined here first, and in 1534 it was even the second most populous town of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The local Svornost mine, dating from 1525, is the oldest still-operating mine in Europe and also the first and, for a long time, only mine in the world where radium was extracted. Later history was also dark — uranium was mined here during World War II, and after the communist takeover political prisoners were put to work here. Mining thus fundamentally shaped the town's fate.

Alongside history, Jáchymov is known above all as a spa. Several spa houses can be found here, among the most unique in the world, as treatment takes place through direct irradiation — that is, radon from local springs. Visitors come here for treatment as well as relaxation in an environment that combines the precious nature of the Ore Mountains with an exceptional heritage.

Jáchymov lies in a mountainous setting, making it a great choice for active recreation too. Nearby are ski lifts, downhill and cross-country trails, and in the grounds of the former Eduard mine you'll now find a sports complex with a biathlon shooting range. This makes it an ideal destination year-round. To fully experience the region, it's worth choosing accommodation right in the town or nearby and treating yourself to several days of spa, history and mountains.