Source: Petr Šneberk
Town of Sokolov
Sokolov, originally Falkenau – Falknov, lies at the confluence of the Ohře and Svatava rivers. The town was founded by Slavs, who settled here because of the fertile soil around the rivers. Further development took place during German colonization, when crafts and mining flourished in the area. In the early days, the Nothaft family was active here, later followed by the Schlick and Nostitz families. In addition to crafts, hop growing also flourished in the 18th century. A statue of the founder of falconry, Sebastian, can be found on the Old Square on an 18th-century fountain, where hop tendrils can also be identified. Sokolov was partially destroyed in 1945 during an Allied air raid. You can learn more about the history of the town and its surroundings by visiting the Sokolov Museum, located in Sokolov Chateau.
Source: Živý kraj
Sokolov Chateau
The chateau stands on the site of the original water castle, a circular fortress with a palace from the 13th century. It is located in the center of the city, between two squares, in a park created in the 18th century based on the model of French gardens. The chateau's current appearance dates back to the 17th century, with classicist modifications from the early 19th century. In the center of the four-winged two-story building with an enclosed courtyard is a fountain. Interestingly, its northern towers are cylindrical and its southern towers are square with a round base. Since 1960, the chateau has been home to a museum. Here you can see interesting exhibits from the region – minerals, porcelain, and examples of fauna and flora. You can also learn about the history of the Nostitz family, who owned the chateau from 1622 to 1945, and the modern history of mining.
Source: Lucie Tousecká
Park Husovy sady (Hus Gardens)
Husovy sady (Hus Gardens) were formerly a chateau park and game reserve. Today, it is an important landscape feature with small bodies of water and an attractive modification of the Lobezský Creek. In the park, you will find a late Renaissance and early Baroque French-style castle, which has housed a museum with an exhibition on mining and the history of the region since 1960. Just beyond the park is the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, which was built in 1667. Currently, after reconstruction, it serves as a concert and exhibition hall, and since 2011, Permon beer has been brewed here. The Municipal Cycling Circuit runs through Hus Gardens, starting at the train station on the outskirts of the city and taking you to the Michal natural swimming pool.
Source: Petr Šneberk
Hard Outlook Tower
The lookout tower is located on a hill in Hornická Street, on the site of a former lookout tower that was 4 meters taller. In the 18th century, this was an execution site. To this day, there is a cemetery and a funeral hall nearby. In 1907, the local beautification association decided to rebuild the gazebo into a real lookout tower according to the plans of the architect Heinz. An 18-meter-high two-story structure was built. In 1933, it was converted into a memorial to the victims of World War I. During World War II, it became a military observation post and fell into disrepair. In 2001, it was reopened and made accessible to the public. From the top, which is reached by 55 steps, you can see not only Sokolov but also the Ore Mountains.
Source: Sokolovská uhelná, právní nástupce, a. s.
Lake Medard
The lake was created thanks to the reclamation of the former Medard – Libík brown coal mine, where mining stopped in 2000. From 2008 to 2016, the lake was being filled from the Ohře River. Five villages disappeared due to surface mining: Lísková, Kytlice, Dvory, Čistá u Svatavy, and Kolonie Hehnemannova. In April 2018, 100 oak trees were planted here, forming the Alley of Friendship. With an area of almost 500 hectares, it is one of the largest artificial lakes in the Czech Republic.
Source: Živý kraj
Lake Michal
This is a natural swimming area with one of the largest water slides in the Czech Republic (190 m long). The lake was created on the site of a former brown coal mine. Thanks to its 500 m long sandy beach, it is nicknamed the Sokolov Sea. The complex includes a children's paddling pool and playground, a jumping castle, and slides. In the water, there is a water trampoline and inflatable rocks for jumping and playing. You can try your hand at sports such as bowling, beach volleyball, tennis, or table tennis. And all this with a view of the surrounding nature and forests.