Take your curiosity even further on this trip and go for an underground tour of graphite mines in Český Krumlov. The mine was established in 1975 and became the youngest graphite mine in the Czech Republic. Learn about the mining profession and history of graphite mines.

Graphite mining more than 2000 years ago

The surroundings of Český Krumlov have a rich mining history and tradition, not only in the mining of graphite, but also silver, gold and other metals, minerals and rocks. The history of graphite mining and processing dates back to more than 2000 years ago, when graphite was mined and used by the ancient Celts for the production of refractory pottery.

What is graphite used for now?

Graphite is a dark gray or black, lustrous, metallic chemical element. It is a conductor of electricity and heat and has an atomic weight of 120.948g·mol−1. It occurs in nature as the mineral graphite, which is mined for its pure carbon content in addition to being used as a lubricant to reduce friction and wear, and as a component of refractory materials.

Riding on a train into the mines

Experience what it's like to work underground and have fun dressing up and riding on a small train down into the mine. Before you go on the actual tour of the mine you'll be equipped with special clothing, which includes a mining lamp. Afterwards, you will be taken underground by a mine train to a depth of 70 meters, which miners used to use for their shift. Make sure to take warm clothes with you - it is about 10°C downstairs!