The spa of Jáchymov emerged as an important centre of mining back in the l6th century. Its history includes some interesting items: silver mining and processing, tolar coining, the first mining school, production of uranium paints and later of radium, oldest radon resort, mining of strategic radioactive materials after World War II. Clashes of ideas between the Protestants (inspired by Luther) and re-Catholising by power. Several sights worth seeing: the royal mint, now museum; town hall; St Jáchym's Church; hospital church; burgher house portals of stone; ruins of old Jewish castle. Past mining is symbolised by the oldest headframe of the Svornost mine, now a balneal place. Jáchymov used to be home of several celebrities: Earl Štěpán Šlik, founder of the town; doctor and scholar G. Agricola; the Curies. Part of the Evangelical Church is the J. Mathesius Memorable Hall in memory of Luther's follower. Jáchymov's surroundings offer ski pistes and lifts and a sports area which has been the stage of biathlon races, cross-country sküng and dog-drawn sledge races. Forests and mountain meadows are interweaved with walking and biking routes. Accommodation facilities are available in Jáchymov and in the close villages of Mariánská, Nové Město and Suchá.

The town of Jáchymov, town hall and Royal Mint, now a museum

The town of Jáchymov, a view of the upper part of the town