Blatenský příkop Nature Trail

Blatenský příkop Nature Trail follows one of the most remarkable technical monuments in the Ore Mountains: Blatenský příkop, also known in English as the Blatná Water Ditch. Built between 1540 and 1544, this historic water channel carried water from the Černá stream basin near Boží Dar to the mining and smelting works around Horní Blatná. It is still legible in the landscape today, and after a major restoration it once again carries flowing water through forest, bog and mining terrain.

The route is not only a walk beside an old channel. It is a compact lesson in how water shaped the mining economy of the Ore Mountains, powering wheels, washing tin ore and keeping underground works alive. The channel has been protected as a technical cultural monument since 1980.

Trail and interpretation

The educational trail runs for about 11.5 km and has 23 stops. Panels explain the ecology of the Boží Dar peat bogs, the history of Ore Mountains mining, the construction of weirs, aqueducts and filters, and the role of water management in earlier industry.

The terrain is easy: mostly packed earth or forest track with very little elevation gain. In places the top of the channel is only about a metre wide, so walk attentively, but no special equipment is needed in normal conditions. The full trail takes roughly 3.5 hours and suits families, walkers and anyone interested in mining heritage.

The route begins about 1.5 km beyond Boží Dar on the road toward Ryžovna and ends near Horní Blatná. At the far end, it can be combined with the Horní Blatná - Vlčí jámy Nature Trail for a full day of mining-landscape exploration.

Practical information

The trail is free and open year-round. Parking is available in Boží Dar or Horní Blatná; Boží Dar is served by bus, while Horní Blatná has a railway station. In winter, sections may be snowy or icy and are better suited to snowshoes or ski touring than ordinary town shoes.

Directions and contacts

• Start area: road from Boží Dar toward Ryžovna, about 1.5 km beyond Boží Dar, 362 62 Boží Dar
• GPS start: 50.4142, 12.8982
• Boží Dar Information Centre: +420 603 539 020
• Website: bozidar.cz