KLÍNOVEC
Introduction
Klínovec is the highest peak of the Ore Mountains. Its summit lies less than five kilometres from Jáchymov and belongs to the Karlovy Vary Region, specifically the cadastral territory of Jáchymov. The mountain is divided between the Karlovy Vary and Ústí nad Labem Regions. Geologically, it is formed by schists and orthogneiss. Interestingly, as the highest peak of the range, it does not lie within a protected area.
The first written mention comes from the chronicler and priest Johann Mathesius in his work Sarepta.
The distance from Jáchymov is approximately 12 km by car, 6.1 km on foot, or 3 km to the lower cable car station.
Mountain Hotel and Observation Tower
The first structure on the summit was a wooden pyramid built in 1817. After it burned down in 1837, it was replaced by a gloriette, which also burned in 1868.
In 1880, the Ore Mountains Association was founded under Eduard Wenisch. A provisional wooden tower was replaced in 1884 by a stone tower designed by Josef Peter. Construction began on 17 June 1883 with a budget of 3,300 gulden, eventually exceeding it by 1,000 gulden. The 24-metre tower was opened on 3 August 1884, and 77 stone steps lead to its gallery.
From the top, visitors can see the Ore Mountains, the Bohemian Forest, Slavkov Forest, Doupov Mountains, the Bohemian Central Highlands and the North Bohemian Basin. In exceptional visibility, Sněžka, Děčínský Sněžník, the Lusatian Mountains, Říp, Ještěd, White Mountain, the Petřín Tower and the Žižkov Television Tower in Prague and even the Šumava ridge can be seen.
In 1893, a small inn and caretaker’s flat were built. A post office opened in 1897 and telephone service in 1906.
Anton Müller, chairman from 1899 to 1933, played a key role. In 1900 the Dotzauer Hall, kitchen and guest rooms were added.
In 1908 the Jubilee Exhibition of Ore Mountain crafts and industry was held here. A new hall with a coffered ceiling made of stretched deer hide bearing municipal coats of arms was built. The exhibition was opened by Emperor Franz Joseph I and visited by over 40,000 people. After 1918 the hall was renamed.
In 1927 the Müller Hall was added. After a fire in 1929 and reconstruction by Franz Rehn, the hotel gained its present appearance with 112 beds.
Ski slopes and a toboggan run were created toward Jáchymov, and a ski jump toward Oberwiesenthal in 1922.
War and Post-war Development
During World War II the hotel served military purposes. From 1951 to 1960 it was used by the army. Repairs in the 1970s included shotcrete reinforcement, which later contributed to structural damage.
An 80-metre telecommunications tower was erected nearby. After 1989 the hotel deteriorated due to failed projects. In 2003 the municipality of Boží Dar purchased the hotel and tower. Reconstruction of the tower cost over 15 million crowns.
Other Structures and Cable Cars
The summit includes cable car stations, a mountain rescue station and a television transmitter. Klínovec is a major winter sports centre.
The first single-chair lift opened in 1965. The current PrimaExpress four-seater lift runs 2,168 metres with a vertical rise of 481 metres and a capacity of 2,400 persons per hour.
The Dámská triple chairlift on the northern slope measures 1,222 metres. CineStar Express, built in 2011, was the first in the country with an orange bubble cover. The Suzuki four-seater lift from 2012 is 1,074 metres long with a capacity of 2,400 persons per hour.
Photogallery: http://mipalfi.rajce.idnes.cz/Klinovec/
