The Ore Mountains is a 150 km long mountain range at the border of Germany and the Czech Republic. This area is the basin of the Ohře River (Eger) and the Labe (Elbe), with extended coniferous woods stretching along these streams. It is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The exploitation of silver and cobalt mines has come to a standstill, but Jáchymov (Joachimsthal) with its Royal Mint (now a museum) is commemorated forever in the word “dollar” that finds its origin here: thaler > daalder > tolar > dollar. The mountains are rich in healing springs and there is a number of larger and smaller resorts, Jáchymov being one of them. The radioactive spring water (discovered thanks to Madame Curie) gave and gives to Jáchimov its world-wide fame as a spa. From the ruins above the town you can enjoy a wonderful view of the place and the spa buildings. Klášterec nad Ohří (29 km) also has mineral waters, a 19th century castle, a park with fine sculptures and a porcelain museum. Karlovy Vary (20 km), the most famous of all Czech resorts, is definitely worth a visit. One of its numerous springs spurts the 72º C hot water to the height up to 12 m. The architectural style of the 19th century can still be admired in all its glory. Take a walk along the so-called colonnades where Tsar Peter the Great, Goethe, Beethoven and Karl Marx used to walk in earlier days! The minerals of the Ore Mountains started the development of the crystal and porcelain industry. That’s why there are so many shops filled with, among others, Bohemian crystal and porcelain with the famous “onion pattern”. Nowadays the mountains are primarily known for their ski resorts, such as Boží Dar (6 km), the highest located village of Mid Europe (1028 m). In the medieval town of Ostrov (10 km) there is a Renaissance-Baroque castle with a park. In the main square of medieval Kadaň (36 km) you will find a beautiful town hall and a Baroque Holy Trinity pillar. There are ruins of old walls and a former executioner’s house.