*A walk around Stříbro, historic west Bohemian silver mining town on the river Mže: 4 km to 6 km*

• Stříbro has been an important mining settlement since at least the 12th century, when the town was founded by the Přemyslid duke Soběslav I. Substantial silver and lead ore was mined from the cliffs along the river Mže until the 20th century, when mines were finally shut down. Today, the mining legacy is preserved through an interesting open-air mining museum and and a 3 km educational trail running beside the river.
• The medieval town grew prosperous from its mining activities and position on the important trade route – the ‘Golden Road’ – between Prague and Nuremburg. The consequence today is a picturesque old town, situated on a rocky escarpment, filled with fine medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the impressive town hall, dating from 1543. The Renaissance bridge gate, located below the town, is almost unique – the only other example in the country is on Charles Bridge, in Prague.
• A nicely varied tour takes in the old town, the mining museum and trail, with an optional excursion to the top of Křížový vrch (472 m) along the restored 19th century ‘Way of the Cross’ with its 14 niche chapels. If arriving by car and starting in the town center, this is a 4 km walk. If travelling by train, the station is a little way out of town, so the walk is closer to 6km in length, with just under 200m of height to climb/descend.
• The educational trail alongside the Mže has a number of steep step sections, but otherwise the route is on easy paths. Stříbro has some good refreshment spots – try the restaurant ‘Excellent’ on the main square, with its nice terrace area.
• For a longer trip starting in Stříbro, consider a loop around the nearby Hracholusky reservoir. Circuits of 6 km or 20 km are possible.

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Directions

• If arriving at Stříbro by car, there are various parking options close to the center, including paid parking on the main square. If travelling by train, take the BLUE trail in the direction of U Branky, the site of the Renaissance bridge gate, which is reached after 700m
• At the U Branky trail signpost, join the educational trail (green-white diagonal stripes) and head in the direction of Červená lávka, along the right bank of the river
• After 700m, join with the YELLOW hiking trail, near a repainted WWII machine gun bunker (one of several on the route)
• If wanting to take the 1 km detour to the hill top (which has a god view over the town) along the ‘Way of the Cross’ , turn right and follow the YELLOW trail to the top and return back the same way
• Otherwise, turn left onto the YELLOW trail and after 200m reach the open-air mining museum
• Cross the river on the footbridge and follow the YELLOW trail for 400m up the hill to enter the town square
• From the opposite corner of the square, join the BLUE trail and follow this down hill to cross the river on the old stone bridge, passing through the famous Renaissance bridge gate
• Continue on the BLUE trail back to the train station