Rejvíz - Great Moss Lake and Zlaté Hory - Gold Ore Mills, Czechia (Czech Republic)
This time we explore the Jeseníky Mountains in the Czech Republic. Just a few kilometers apart, two unique attractions await visitors: the Great Moss Lake ("Velké mechové jezírko"), nestled in the heart of the Rejvíz National Nature Reserve, and the Gold Ore Mills ("Zlatorudné mlýny") — a fascinating open-air museum showcasing medieval gold mining, located on the banks of the Olešnice River near the town of Zlaté Hory.
Parking in Rejvíz and the Great Moss Lake
When arriving in Rejvíz, you can leave your car at a medium-sized paid parking lot located along road 453 (1; GPS: 50.229462, 17.297938). The daily fee is 40 CZK. From there, follow the green-marked trail ("NS Rejvíz") to reach the entrance of the nature reserve. Admission fees are as follows: adults pay 30 CZK, children over 6 years and students up to 26 years old pay 20 CZK, while younger children enter free of charge. The trail continues along a wooden boardwalk built over the marshy terrain, ensuring easy access without damaging the fragile ground.
At a junction in the path (A; GPS: 50.2216025, 17.2850500), the blue route veers to the right, while the green trail on the left leads directly to the lake. A scenic wooden platform awaits you at the lakeshore (B; GPS: 50.2199003, 17.2868417), complete with educational signs and panoramic views. Since 2005, the area has been designated a Natura 2000 site — a status that highlights its ecological importance within Europe. Our visit took place during a dry spell, so the wetlands were less extensive than usual, but the walk remained delightful.
The tranquility of this trail offers a perfect escape from crowds and noise. Along the way, you can listen to birdsong, admire insect life among the mosses, and appreciate the quiet power of nature at work. It’s an ideal destination for families, photographers, or anyone seeking a peaceful walk through one of the most beautiful peatland ecosystems in Central Europe.
The Gold Ore Mills
The Zlatorudné mlýny open-air museum lies just 7 kilometers from the village of Rejvíz. The drive takes you along roads 453 and 454, with a final turn onto road 457. You can leave your car in the nearby parking area (2; GPS: 50.2558511, 17.3673014) and then enjoy a short, pleasant 500-meter walk through the forest to reach the site. The museum (C; GPS: 50.251328, 17.366675) consists of several wooden buildings located along the Olešnice River.
Gold mining here began as early as the 13th century and continued until the late 1980s. The current structures were constructed from timber to authentically recreate medieval techniques used for gold extraction. Central to the exhibit is a functional water-powered mill that demonstrates how ore was crushed to separate the valuable metal. Guided tours are available for 30 CZK (adults), 20 CZK (children over 6 and students up to 26), and free for younger children.
One of the highlights is the hands-on activity where visitors can try to pan for gold by washing lighter sand from crushed ore — a fun and educational experience. But don’t get your hopes up too high: a ton of typical ore contains just a little over 20 grams of gold!
This site blends history and nature in a unique way, offering both an educational journey into traditional gold mining and a peaceful forest setting. The sound of flowing water and wooden waterwheels adds to the atmosphere. It’s a perfect stop for families, geology enthusiasts, and those exploring the Jeseníky region off the beaten path.
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