Hornický skanzen, West Bohemia Travel Guide

The Hornický skanzen (Mining Open-Air Museum) in Stříbro is a tribute to the region's extensive mining history, showcasing over 800 years of silver, lead, and zinc extraction. Located at the foot of Křížový vrch (Cross Hill), the skanzen offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of mining, from the Middle Ages to modern times.The open-air museum features a collection of historical mining equipment, including mine cars, hammer drills, loaders, and a functional mine locomotive. A replica mine shaft demonstrates how this equipment was used in the mining process. Visitors can also explore the entrance to the 700-meter-long Prokop Royal Hereditary Mineshaft, originally a drainage adit, and view galenite crystals on its walls.The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the mining traditions of the Stříbro area. The outdoor exhibits display various mining techniques used throughout history. The museum also has a surface mining track that stretches 325 meters along the Mže River, where visitors can ride a locomotive. Knowledgeable guides share stories and information about the exhibits, making the experience engaging for all ages.Stříbro itself has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with its historical center declared an Urban Memorial Zone in 1992. While the town's name means "silver," it was actually more famous for lead mining.