CZ, Ore Mountains – Sleeping in the Open, Bikepark and Swimming

Měděnec is a village in the Ore Mountains, which lies at an altitude of 845 meters above sea level. The Baroque Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, located on Mědník Hill, is worth a visit. Not far from it are historic galleries that remind of the mining past of the village. The entire mining area on this hill is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of the Erzgebirge / Ore Mountains Mining Region). In the village on the square there is a baroque church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and a sculpture of the Holy Trinity from the 18th century.

However, we go to spend the night to another very popular tourist place around this small village. It is a natural monument of the Sphinx, which are interesting rock formations formed in the Quaternary, which reach a height of 15 meters. Their shape resembles a sphinx. Until 1968, there was an Sphinx inn, which in the past served, among other things, as a base for SS troops during the war. Today, in addition to the rock formation, there is only the Sphinx Gazebo and a lookout, on top of which is a cross. The gazebo can be used for a picnic and as a place to sleep if there is a risk of rain. In front of it is a fireplace.

The next day we move in the morning to the highest peak of the Ore Mountains - Klínovec, which is 17 kilometers away from the Sphinx Gazebo. Although this mountain is known mainly for its winter entertainment, the local cable car does not stop even during the summer. Bikers come here from the Czech Republic as well as from Germany. The conditions for a proper adrenaline ride are great here. There are simple and very difficult several kilometers of trails, so everyone can choose the one that suits them best. The blue Azur trail is great for families with children, inexperienced bikers and lovers of relaxed riding. You can ride almost any little off-road bike. The red Rubin trail has medium difficulty, a lot of hops, but again very smooth terrain. You can go both adrenaline and relaxed. The black Baron trail is already more demanding and suitable for off-road bikes. Every more experienced biker will enjoy this trail on a fully sprung bike. The last trail is Downhill, which is already made for downhill and enduro bikes and is suitable only for very experienced riders.

During hot days, it is best to go and refresh yourself somewhere to the water. It offers a sandy beach in Velký Rybník in the village of the same name, 28 kilometers from Klínovec. You can get here both by bike and by car, parking is possible near the beach.

GPS: 50°25'28.2"N 13°06'43.8"E

Text and photos: Veronika Schubertová