To Popovská hora

Not far from the former settlement of Popov south of Jáchymov lies the destination of our today's journey - Popovská Hill. On the hill, which rises to an altitude of 901 meters and is mainly composed of basalt, stands a wooden cross. And when you stand there, you will be offered a breathtaking view of the Doupov Mountains, Karlovy Vary region, Jáchymov Ore Mountains, and Tepelská Highlands.
But let's take it step by step. This trip suggestion is intended for everyone without limitations, the short route of about 4.3 km is not difficult and, except for the final ascent to the cross, you can manage it even with a stroller. We started our short trip at the Havlovka cottage, a family restaurant with excellent homemade cuisine. The name (according to the owner) is derived from the former President Václav Havel, as her ancestors built the cottage right after the revolution. In addition to pleasant amenities, it offers its own parking lot with four spots for caravans.

We headed to Popovská Hill across meadows around Čimický hill, where herbs are collected during the summer months on the border between Jáchymov and Mariánská, which are then used for the production of products from the popular Jáchymov Ore Mountains herbal pharmacy. Just between us, what can make a person from the Ore Mountains feel better than the gift of these mountains themselves...?

Forests and meadows are beginning to be replaced by impressive views of the surrounding hills, such as the unmistakable Klínovec, and valleys, where our attention was captured, for instance, by the Šlikovka Tower. But if you give space to the other senses besides sight, you can feel the energy of a place where people once lived. The vanished village of Popov (in German Pfaffengrün) was famous for its unique recipe for goat cheese; in 1890, it was inhabited by about 100 residents, predominantly of German nationality, who left behind just ruins of houses and memorial trees after they were expelled.

But let's move on, "To the peaks of the mountains!" The ascent to Popovská Hill itself is steep, but short. And above all, it is followed by one big... WOW. And you can keep saying the same "wow" for another half an hour because the landscape in sight is so varied and diverse that you will enjoy exploring and examining it.

Full of impressions, we head back, this time skirting Čimický hill from the other side, admiring the view of Mariánská and Vlčí ridge from a bench. Because it is not always necessary to walk tens of kilometers and see countless attractions in one day. It is also good to stop, sit down, and give a chance to perceive what is specific to our Ore Mountains - the immense energy of places that have their own history. That history gives our landscape its unique character and makes the original and current inhabitants of the Ore Mountains so distinctive. Come and get to know us and the land we love. We'll draw you a good beer and serve you kulajda (even without dill if you like).

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