Bohutín – former mines

Bohutín is an old mining village just a few kilometres south of Orlov. Silver and lead ore were mined here, and two headframes still rise above the landscape. Both now serve as lookout towers, so a short trip comes with a view of the Brdy hills.

What you will see

The former Řimbaba mine is in the Vysoká Pec part of the village. Its headframe has a viewing platform 14 metres up, with views that include Třemošná hill. A local association runs the Bohutín Microregion Museum here, with a mining exhibition, minerals, a reconstructed miner's flat and a collection of nativity scenes. You can put on a helmet and look into the Řimbaba adit, but underground visits must be booked in advance.

Beyond the Vysokopecký pond stands the much taller concrete headframe of the Rudolfka mine. Its viewing platform is about 40 metres above the ground. The final section is an outdoor spiral staircase made of see-through grating, so it is not suitable for small children or anyone who suffers from vertigo.

A bit of history

Work on the Řimbaba shaft began in 1843, and galena, a lead ore, was mined there until 1900. The shaft reached a depth of 270 metres. The Crown Prince Rudolf Mine, known as Rudolfka, was later named after General Štefánik and from 1950 became the 25 February Mine. Mining there ended in 1978. The concrete headframe was built in the early 1950s.

Good to know

The Church of St Mary Magdalene stands on a hill above the village at 567 metres. The museum and both lookout towers have limited opening hours. Check current opening times and admission before you go; links are on the place's website.