Bezruč Valley

Bezruč Valley is the longest and one of the most attractive valleys in the Ore Mountains. It opens north-west of Chomutov and follows the Chomutovka River for about 13 km through a landscape of forested slopes, water, rock outcrops and quiet mountain air. Locals often call it Bezručák, and for visitors it works as a natural gateway from the city into the Ore Mountains.

The valley received its present name after the poet Petr Bezruč in 1947. Earlier it was known as Grundtal, roughly the broad valley. Its popularity is older than the name: by the late 19th century it had already become a favourite excursion area for people from Chomutov and the surrounding towns. The memorial to Alois Schmidt, a pioneer of local hiking, dates from 1896 and still recalls that early tourism tradition.

Routes and activities

The backbone of the valley is a surfaced cycle path used by cyclists and inline skaters. A blue-marked hiking route runs nearby, together with a nature trail focused on local plants, animals and landscape history. Because the routes can be shortened or extended, Bezruč Valley suits families with children, casual walkers, cyclists and stronger hikers heading deeper towards the reservoirs and uplands.

Highlights along and around the valley include:

• Four waterfalls: Karlův, Medvědí, Dolní and the waterfall near Hora sv. Šebestiána. Each has a different mood; Medvědí waterfall is often the most picturesque.
• Netopýří jáma cave, a natural cave and winter refuge for bats, freely accessible with care.
• Hausberk Castle ruins, remains of a medieval castle on a rocky spur above the valley.
• Model 36 interwar bunker, a small light-fortification structure from pre-war Czechoslovak defences.
• Pašerácký dům, the Smuggler's House, a log building from 1912 tied to local stories.
• Kamenička Dam from 1899-1904, a historic 44-metre stone dam and one of the early works of its type in Bohemia.
• Křimov Dam from 1953-1959, a later 48-metre reservoir structure with recreation nearby.

Nature and protection

The wider valley area includes several protected natural sites. The most important is Novodomské rašeliniště, a national nature reserve with valuable bog vegetation and protected plant and animal species. Other sensitive places include Buky nad Kameničkou, Krásná Lípa and the Chomutovka headwaters.

Information boards in the field include audiovisual guide content in Czech, English and German, so the valley is easy to read not only as a route, but as a living landscape of water, forest, history and protected habitats.

Food, rest and planning

There are several places to eat in or near the lower part of the valley, including Restaurace První mlýn and Restaurace Druhý mlýn, both useful as route stops. Accommodation is available in the wider area, including Penzion Druhý mlýn, Hotel forRest, Hotel Clochard and other options in and around Chomutov.

Practical information

Bezruč Valley is freely accessible all year and there is no entrance fee. Choose clothing and footwear for the weather and your planned route length; sturdy walking shoes are worthwhile for longer trips towards waterfalls, dams or side paths. Parking is available near the valley entrance in Chomutov.

Directions and contacts

• Visitor information: visit.chomutov.cz/bezrucovo-udoli
• Chomutov information centre: U Městských mlýnů, Chomutov
• Phone: +420 800 100 473
• E-mail: infocentrum@chomutov.cz
• GPS for the valley entrance: 50.4967, 13.3439