The mine is part of the 'Mining Cultural Landscape of Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří', a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The uranium extracted here during the Cold War era was primarily sent to the Soviet Union for their nuclear program.
The Jáchymov mines were the source of the pitchblende used by Marie and Pierre Curie to discover radium and polonium.
Between 1949 and 1953, the area contained several forced labor camps housing political prisoners of the Czechoslovak communist regime.
The specific tunnel, Štola č. 1, was reopened for public tours in 2008 to demonstrate the working conditions of the era.
The site illustrates the geological rarity of the Jáchymov ore district, known for its complex hydrothermal vein system.
Štola č. 1 is a preserved historical uranium mine located in the Ore Mountains, functioning as an educational site documenting the region's mining heritage and the forced labor era of the 1950s. The site features an underground tunnel system where visitors can observe original mining techniques and equipment used during the mid-20th century. It is part of the broader Jáchymov mining landscape, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The museum provides context regarding the exploitation of uranium during the Cold War and the harsh conditions faced by political prisoners incarcerated in the nearby labor camps. Displays include mining wagons, drills, and geological samples characteristic of the local hydrothermal deposits.
The entrance portal to the tunnel offers a clear view of the industrial infrastructure against the mountain backdrop.
Dress in warm layers, as the tunnel temperature remains low and constant year-round.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the potentially uneven and damp underground paths.
Check the official website ahead of your visit to confirm whether a prior reservation is required for guided tours.
Do not attempt to touch or remove geological samples from the tunnel walls.
Closed on Mondays throughout the season; typically open from spring until late autumn.
Hard hats are provided and must be worn inside the mine; stay with the assigned guide at all times.
