Go underground like a medieval miner. Put on a helmet and headlamp. Descend into a real silver mine and feel the echoes of history. Discover the birthplace of the dollar. See original minting tools at the Mint Museum. Learn how a Czech coin shaped global currency. Walk the paths of old miners. Follow historic trails. Hear stories no guidebook will tell you. Stroll through royal spa elegance. Explore the colonnades of Karlovy Vary. Taste healing springs, browse local boutiques, and try famous spa wafers. Enjoy a local lunch full of mountain flavor. Dine in a peaceful mountain restaurant. End your day with the taste of the Ore Mountains.
Light
6 km
12 hours
3
All entry tickets, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Transportation, Professional local guide, À la carte lunch, Snack, Drinking water
We understand plans can change. You can cancel or reschedule your trip free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations made later or no-shows without notice are non-refundable.
At the foot of the Ore Mountains, in the town of Jáchymov, begins a story that still echoes around the world – even though most people have never heard it.
Right here, in a landscape of silver veins and the sound of hammers crushing ore, a coin was born that gave its name to the American dollar.
In 1516, the noble Šlik family began mining silver and soon built the Royal Mint. Starting in 1520, they minted silver coins called Joachimsthalers, named after the town’s original German name, Joachimsthal. Over time, the name was shortened to thaler, which became tolar in Czech – a coin that spread across Europe. In Dutch, it evolved into daler, and when the United States was naming its new currency in 1792, they borrowed this well-travelled name.
That’s how the dollar was born.
We’ll head underground into an authentic historic silver mine, with helmet and headlamp, descending into the depths where miners once labored in damp, dark, and harsh conditions. These tunnels are where the wealth of Europe was forged – far below the surface.
We’ll also visit the Royal Mint Museum, located in the original Renaissance building from the 16th century. We’ll learn how coins were minted, why Joachimsthalers were so highly valued, and how their reputation spread across the continent.
After resurfacing into daylight, we’ll brush off the dust and head to a local restaurant where we’ll enjoy traditional Ore Mountain cuisine.
Then, after lunch, we’ll move on to the royal spa town of Karlovy Vary, where we’ll take a walk along the spa colonnade, enjoy a short guided city tour, take time for shopping in local boutiques, and try some local spa sweets – especially the famous spa wafers.
Once you select and book your trip, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details – including the exact pickup time and location, usually right in front of your hotel in Prague or Karlovy Vary. You’ll also meet your guide for the day.
The ride to the western part of the Ore Mountains takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Prague, or around 30 minutes from Karlovy Vary. After arrival, we’ll head out on the chosen route together. We’ll provide a snack and a bottle of water, and during the day we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After the trip, we’ll take you back to your hotel.
The whole day is relaxed, friendly, and without stress – your guide stays with you the entire time.
Most routes fall under light to moderate hiking (around 6–12 km per day with 200–400 m elevation gain). They’re suitable for active adults and children aged 6 and up. Some trips can be adjusted based on group ability – from relaxed pace to something more sporty. If you’re unsure, we’ll be happy to help you choose.
You can pay by:
We recommend a small, comfortable backpack with the following essentials:
Prague
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
Free time
Prague
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
Free time
“A very special day we’ll never forget. We booked a private Hidden Gems tour for our anniversary, and it was simply beautiful. Peaceful walks, charming stories, and a delicious meal in the woods. Helen even prepared a small surprise – thank you so much!”
“Ein echter Geheimtipp! Der Guide kannte jede Ecke, wir haben tolle Orte gesehen, die nicht mal in unserem Reiseführer standen. Besonders gut gefallen hat uns das Picknick mitten im Wald. Oliver, danke für diesen besonderen Tag!”
“Off the beaten path and into magic. As a photographer, I appreciated the timing, the light, the pace, and the freedom to explore. This wasn’t a touristy trip – it was an experience designed by someone who truly loves these places.”
“This tour was the highlight of our Europe trip. We were nervous about hiking, but the guide was so kind and adjusted everything to our comfort. The nature is stunning, and we felt very safe and cared for. Even the tea at the end was perfect!”
“Great day with great people! We had such a good time exploring the forests and ruins. The lunch was really delicious, and the photos the guide took for us were amazing. Thanks to Oliver, we felt like locals – not tourists.”
