Lomy Mořina

Lomy Mořina Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tips for Exploring Near Karlštejn, Czech Republic

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Lomy Mořina and Its Significance Near Karlštejn

Nestled in the heart of Central Bohemia near the historic town of Karlštejn, Lomy Mořina stands as a remarkable testament to the region’s geological, industrial, and cultural history. Often referred to as the “Czech Grand Canyon,” this unique complex of abandoned limestone quarries—including Velká Amerika, Malá Amerika, Mexiko, and Kanada—features dramatic karst landscapes that were formed over 400 million years ago during the Devonian period. Both natural erosion and industrial limestone mining in the late 19th and 20th centuries shaped the area into its current form (myczechwalks.com; berounsko.net).

These quarries are not only geological marvels but also sites of significant social history. During World War II, forced labor took place here, leaving a lasting imprint on Czech cultural memory. The quarries have also been featured in numerous international films, further elevating their profile (magazincestovatel.cz).

Today, visitors can explore turquoise lakes, rugged cliffs, and a network of hiking trails that link the quarries with other landmarks like Karlštejn Castle and the Koněprusy Caves. The Solvayovy Lomy open-air mining museum adds another dimension, showcasing preserved industrial equipment and offering steam locomotive rides to deepen understanding of the region’s quarrying heritage (nespechej.cz; czechtheworld.com).

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll find year-round access to the quarry rim trails (free entry during daylight hours), while guided tours of tunnels and special attractions require advance booking. For safety, swimming and unauthorized entry into quarry floors are strictly prohibited. The site is easily accessible for day trips from Prague and nearby areas (krasnazeme.cz; idobnet.cz).

Introduction
Early History and Geological Formation
Industrial Development: The Rise of Limestone Quarrying
Social and Cultural Impact
Industrial Heritage Preservation
The Quarries in Popular Culture
Practical Visitor Information: Lomy Mořina Hours, Tickets, and Access
Flora: Bohemian Karst Plant Life
Fauna: Wildlife Diversity
Conservation and Ecological Significance
Visitor Information: Velká Amerika Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Guided Tours and Special Access
Responsible Tourism
FAQs
Visuals and Multimedia
Conclusion
Call to Action

Early History and Geological Formation

The Bohemian Karst region’s story began 400 million years ago in the Devonian period, resulting in extensive limestone deposits. Over time, natural erosion sculpted caves, sinkholes, and dramatic karst formations—culminating in the creation of the Lomy Mořina quarries (myczechwalks.com).

Industrial Development: The Rise of Limestone Quarrying

Beginnings of Quarrying

Industrial quarrying in the Mořina area started in the late 19th century, propelled by the demand for high-quality limestone for construction and industry.

Expansion and Major Quarries

The region’s most famous quarries are Velká Amerika (Great America), Malá Amerika (Little America), and Mexiko. Velká Amerika is particularly imposing, measuring around 800 meters long, 200 meters wide, and up to 100 meters deep, with a turquoise lake at its base formed after mining ceased (nespechej.cz).

Solvayovy Lomy: A Living Industrial Museum

The Solvayovy Lomy complex, originally operated by the Belgian Solvay company, now serves as an open-air museum. Visitors can explore preserved mining buildings, a reconstructed narrow-gauge railway, and an underground mining gallery. The operational steam locomotive “Bronhilda,” added in 2023, offers a rare historical experience (nespechej.cz).

The quarries profoundly shaped local communities, offering employment but also presenting challenging working conditions. During World War II, tunnels served as shelters and storage spaces; local folklore even speaks of a ghost named Hans Hagen haunting the tunnels (nespechej.cz). After the war, quarrying declined as limestone resources were depleted and environmental awareness increased.

Industrial Heritage Preservation

Conservation efforts aim to maintain the quarries’ striking landscapes and historical structures. Interpretive trails and guided tours educate visitors about mining technology and history, balancing industrial heritage with natural reclamation (gigaplaces.com).

The Quarries in Popular Culture

Velká Amerika’s dramatic scenery has made it a sought-after location for Czech and international film productions, including classics like “Limonádový Joe” and recent series such as “Carnival Row” and “The Wheel of Time” (magazincestovatel.cz; visitcentralbohemia.com). This cinematic legacy is part of the site’s enduring appeal.

Practical Visitor Information: Lomy Mořina Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

Quarry Rim and Trails: Open year-round, typically from dawn to dusk.
Solvayovy Lomy Museum: Open April–October, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

Tickets and Pricing

Quarry Rim Trails: Free entry.
Solvayovy Lomy Museum: ~150 CZK for adults; discounts for seniors, students, and children.
Steam Locomotive Rides: Extra fee; check museum schedule and book in advance.

How to Get There

By Car: About 40 km southwest of Prague; parking near the museum and trailheads.
By Public Transport: Train or bus to Karlštejn, followed by a 30-minute walk or short taxi ride to Lomy Mořina.

Accessibility

Trails are moderately challenging with uneven terrain and elevation changes; not fully wheelchair accessible.
The museum offers some accessible facilities—check their website for details.

Safety Tips

Access to quarry floors and water is strictly prohibited due to steep cliffs and deep water.
Stay on marked trails and heed all posted signage.

Flora: Plant Life of the Bohemian Karst

Forests and Woodlands

The area is dominated by mixed deciduous forests—mainly oak, hornbeam, and beech. Thermophilous oak woods thrive near Lomy Mořina (mestys-karlstejn.cz).

Limestone Grasslands and Rare Plants

Dry grasslands on limestone support rare species such as:

Adonis vernalis (Spring pheasant’s eye) (vylety.online)
Gentiana pneumonanthe and Gentiana cruciata (gentians), indicators of undisturbed grasslands (seasonsyear.com)
Orchids like Ophrys insectifera and Anacamptis morio

Trees and Shrubs

Linden, wild cherry, hawthorn, and juniper grow on drier slopes; yew, fir, and elm in sheltered areas (seasonsyear.com).

Fauna: Wildlife Diversity

Mammals

The region supports lynx, red and roe deer, wild boar, martens, foxes, and squirrels (seasonsyear.com).

Bats

Abandoned tunnels are vital wintering sites for bats such as greater mouse-eared and Daubenton’s bats. Access is restricted during hibernation (navylet.cz).

Birds

Woodpeckers, partridges, cranes, buzzards, eagle owls, herons, ducks, and migratory waterfowl are commonly seen (theeuroroadtrip.eu).

Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates

Sand lizards, smooth snakes, amphibians, and rare butterflies like the Apollo thrive here.

Conservation and Ecological Significance

Protected Status

The Bohemian Karst, including Lomy Mořina, is a Protected Landscape Area and National Nature Reserve (mestys-karlstejn.cz).

Restoration and Management

Natural succession and active management have restored quarry slopes and open grasslands, preserving biodiversity (lomy-morina.cz).

Visitor Impact and Access

Access to quarry floors and tunnels is restricted, except during authorized tours. Marked trails and viewpoints minimize disturbance (regiontourist.cz).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early summer for wildflowers; autumn for bird migration.

Transportation

Accessible by car (parking in Mořina village) or public transport via Karlštejn.

Accommodation

Karlštejn offers hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants.

Nearby Attractions

Koněprusy Caves: The Czech Republic’s longest cave system (theeuroroadtrip.eu).
Karlštejn Castle: A historic Gothic castle near Velká Amerika.
Solvayovy Lomy Mining Museum: Historic mining equipment and train rides (czechtheworld.com).
Svatý Jan pod Skalou: A picturesque pilgrimage valley (tourismato.cz).

Guided Tours and Special Access

Tunnel Tours: The only legal way to visit Velká Amerika’s underground tunnels is through OS Hagen’s guided tours, typically offered in summer for groups (Hagen Association Facebook).
Special Events: The European Day of Protected Areas sometimes offers rare access to restricted tunnels (ceskykras.nature.cz).

Responsible Tourism

Stay on marked trails, respect safety signs, and do not disturb wildlife. Swimming and unauthorized entry into quarries are strictly forbidden (krasnazeme.cz).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are tickets required to visit Lomy Mořina?
A: The quarry rim trails are free to access. Tickets are required only for museum entry, steam train rides, or guided tunnel tours.

Q: Can I swim in the lakes?
A: No, swimming is strictly prohibited due to safety hazards.

Q: Are the trails wheelchair accessible?
A: Most trails are not suitable for wheelchairs due to rough terrain.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Limited parking at Velká Amerika; additional parking in Mořina village.

Q: How do I book a tunnel tour?
A: Contact OS Hagen via their Facebook page or email for group bookings.

Visuals and Multimedia

Enhance your experience with high-quality photos and virtual tours of Velká Amerika and the Bohemian Karst. Use descriptive alt text like “Panoramic view of Velká Amerika quarry” for accessibility.

Conclusion

Lomy Mořina offers visitors a unique blend of natural splendor, industrial heritage, and cultural history. Whether hiking scenic trails, exploring the mining museum, or discovering nearby castles and caves, this destination promises an unforgettable experience. For the latest information and interactive resources, consult official sites and consider downloading the Audiala app.

Call to Action

Ready to explore Lomy Mořina and the Bohemian Karst? Download the Audiala app for maps, guides, and updates. Follow us on social media for travel inspiration, and check out our other articles on Czech heritage and outdoor adventures!

References and Further Reading

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Karlstejn

Karlštejn Castle

Lomy Mořina