Where to go on a trip Horní Slavkov

At the foot of the Slavkovský les in the Karlovarský kraj, the royal Gothic hrad Loket towers on a rocky promontory above the Ohře river. This castle in the village of Loket in the Sokolov district was already one of the strongholds on the border with the Chebsko region in the 13th century; it is quite possible that it was built as a border fortress. Since 1989, it has been accessible to the public, who may view an exhibition of porcelain, weapons, and an impressive exhibition on torture law in the premises of the former prison.

The exact date of the founding of hrad Loket is unknown, and the name of its founder is not known with certainty either, but it is assumed that the history of the castle began in the second half of the 12th century. There are written reports from 1234, but it became better known to us only at the beginning of the 14th century, when the future king Karel IV was imprisoned at hrad Loket. In the Middle Ages, hrad Loket faced attempts at conquest many times, but it withstood all attacks and was never conquered. In the 16th century, it became the property of Loket burghers, and city councillors even held meetings here. After being besieged by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War, the castle became a border fortress, and at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, it was converted into a prison, which operated until 1948. Since 1992, after several changes, the castle has once again been the property of the city, which has begun a new chapter for the castle, restored its ancient beauty, and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Hrad Loket offers several "bests". For example, the 12th-century rotunda sv. Anežky, which was discovered in 1966, is the smallest rotunda in the world due to its diameter of 3.6 metres. Visitors will also see the largest Czech meteorite here, which allegedly fell into the Loket courtyard. The most prominent landmark of hrad Loket is the 26-metre-high tower, which offers a view of the wide surroundings. In the past, there was a room with a fireplace and a medieval toilet here. Below the castle tower, visitors may visit the permanent exhibition of historical weapons, where both firearms and so-called cold weapons can be seen. The exhibition is also supplemented by plate armour, helmets, and shooting targets. Mothers and grandmothers, in particular, will be delighted by the exhibition of porcelain from the 19th and 20th centuries, manufactured, among other places, in the local Loket porcelain factory. And there is a treasure hidden at hrad Loket, too. Not in a chest, but on the walls. Wall paintings from the beginning of the 15th century were discovered here. However, what interests most visitors the most is the exhibition of torture law. Several cells, which served as a prison between 1822 and 1948, have been preserved at Loket in their original form. For strong stomachs only, there is an authentic depiction of the torture process of the accused, who were supposed to confess to their crimes.

When visiting hrad Loket, however, visitors do not have to rely solely on permanent exhibitions. Cultural events are also frequently held here, offering entertainment for children and adults. Visitors may attend evening or night theatre performances, and children will love the puppet theatre. In the summer months, knightly festivals are held here, vintage festivals in the autumn, and Christmas markets in the winter. In short, hrad Loket is vibrant all year round.

When you decide to arrive, do not forget to choose accommodation near hrad Loket in time. The town of Loket itself has limited accommodation capacities, but less than 7 kilometres from the castle, visitors may use accommodation in Karlovy Vary, where both apartments and guesthouses can be found. These can also be found, for example, in the nearby village of Nová Role. Should you plan a trip with a larger group and need an entire cottage for yourselves, such can be found in Hroznětín or Kolová.

Depending on where exactly you stay, you may also choose the nearest attractions. In Karlovy Vary, you should not miss the Sklářské muzeum Moser, where the greatest gems made of glass can be seen. Although it might seem nonsensical, the Vánoční dům is also in operation here all year round, so why not remember Christmas in the middle of a hot summer? Children will be captivated by the Motýlí dům, and gentlemen by the Jan Becher muzeum. When you crave nature, you may go for a walk around the Březová dam, hike up to the Diana lookout tower, or see where the proverbial warmest spring, Vřídlo, originates. There is truly plenty of entertainment, history, and art to be found in the vicinity of hrad Loket.

Monumental granite formations in the Ohře river canyon

Svatošské skály, officially named Národní přírodní památka Jan Svatoš, represent a geomorphologically unique granite rock formation located in the romantic valley of the Ohře river, in the Karlovarský kraj, between Karlovy Vary (the Doubí district) and the town of Loket. These rock massifs are composed of Loket granite and were formed by the erosive action of the river, frost weathering, and the gradual removal of rock, which led to the creation of massive rock pillars, prisms, and pyramids. Some of the rock towers reach an impressive height of up to 50 metres. The area was declared protected as early as 1933. According to an ancient legend about Jan Svatoš, who broke a promise made to a water nymph, the nymph turned his entire wedding procession into stone formations. The rocks are thus named after the individual wedding participants and bear names such as Ženich (a massive rock chimney), Nevěsta, Páter, Svědkové, Muzikanti, and Tchyně. This picturesque place inspired the famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud.

How to get there

Svatošské skály are located approximately 10 km southwest of the centre of Karlovy Vary and are accessible exclusively to pedestrians, cyclists, and water tourists, as motor vehicles are prohibited from entering this protected area. The most popular and simplest access is on foot or by bike from Karlovy Vary, specifically from the Doubí district. In Karlovy Vary-Doubí, there is a park-and-ride car park, from which a flat path leads along the Ohře river. From the car park, a route approximately 2.5 to 3 km long leads to the rocks following the blue tourist trail, which is also part of cycle route No. 204. From the centre of Karlovy Vary, you can also reach Doubí by bus number 305. A second option is to set out on foot from the town of Loket, where a route approximately 7 km long begins at the Goethův pomník. Directly at the rocks, a romantic suspension bridge intended for pedestrians and cyclists serves to cross the river.

What you can discover in the surroundings

Svatošské skály are located on the Naučná stezka Doubí – Svatošské skály, where you will learn interesting facts about the geology, archaeology, and history of this place at twelve stops. Directly at the rocks, on the opposite bank of the Ohře, there is a tourist restaurant, Jan Svatoš, and the newly renovated Svatošky dětský ráj complex with a playground. Less than 7 km upstream, the Gothic-Romanesque Hrad Loket rises, which is a landmark of the picturesque town of the same name. In nearby Karlovy Vary, visitors may visit the famous spa colonnades with thermal springs, primarily the Vřídlo, and take the funicular up to the Vyhlídka Diana, from which a magnificent panoramic view of the entire spa town is offered.

Krytý bazén Sokolov is located in the town of Sokolov in the Karlovarský kraj (Karlovy Vary Region) in the Česká republika (Czech Republic). It is a public indoor swimming facility designed for recreational swimming, swimming training, and relaxation. The facility includes a main pool, recreational features, and visitor facilities. The complex is used by town residents and visitors to the region throughout the year. The facility serves for sports activities and leisure time spent in the water.

What Can Be Found Here?

Inside, there is a main swimming pool with marked lanes, which is primarily intended for sports swimming. The complex also includes a recreational pool with water features, suitable for relaxation and free swimming. Visitors can also use a water slide that flows into the pool area. Relaxation zones by the water are also available in戈 the pool space. The facility includes basic visitor infrastructure, including changing rooms, sanitary facilities, and spaces for relaxation.

Who Is the Place Suitable For?

The indoor pool is suitable for families with children who are looking for swimming opportunities throughout the year. It is also used by recreational swimmers or visitors who prefer relaxation in the water. Schools or sports groups can also use the facility for swimming activities.

What Can Visitors Explore in the Surroundings?

In the town of Sokolov, visitors can explore, for example, Zámek Sokolov, which serves as a cultural centre and museum. The historic town centre of Sokolov and the monastery church of sv. Antonína Paduánského are also located nearby. In the wider surrounding region, it is possible to visit, for example, hrad Loket in the town of Loket or the spa town of Karlovy Vary.

If you are in the vicinity of Sokolov and looking for an ideal spot for outdoor recreation and sports, you should definitely head to jezero Medard. Previously, the site was occupied by a coal basin that required a new purpose. To ensure easy access for both locals and tourists, a bypass was completed in 2019, which significantly simplified its transport accessibility. Near jezero Medard, you will also find the Svatava railway station, which may be a good option for tourists who do not have the possibility of travelling there by car.

The history of this body of water is closely linked to the end of coal mining, after which it was necessary to proceed with the overall reclamation and revitalisation of the affected area. Mining in the pits ceased in the year 2000. However, another 8 years passed before the filling of Medard could begin. It only reached its planned water level in 2016. An interesting fact is that in 2020, it was the largest artificially created lake in the Czech Republic. Its total area is 500 ha, it is 4 km long, 1.5 km wide, and its depth is an impressive 57 m.

Primarily, jezero Medard serves as a venue for water sports. For swimming, the nearby jezero Michal, which serves as a natural swimming pool, is more suitable. Furthermore, the surroundings of jezero Medard are still undergoing extensive revitalisation, which brings visitors fishing clubs and bird islands, allowing for the real-time observation of water birds. You can also look forward to a walk along the Alej přátelství, which was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Republic. It is interesting to note that buckets are available next to the trees, which can be used to draw water from the lake for watering. A cycling path also leads through its surroundings, so cycling enthusiasts will certainly enjoy their time here as well.

Are you considering securing accommodation near jezero Medard in one of the local facilities? In that case, you will also have plenty of time for other trips in the area. One good tip is the Muzeum Sokolov, which is housed in a romantic chateau building. In the countryside around Habartov, there is an interesting rock formation called Velký kámen. Come and explore this constantly forming tourist destination, which will convince you how easy it is to turn the old into the new.