About this place
Žebračka Mine Collapse is one of the most striking natural-industrial landmarks in the Jeseník region — a massive sinkhole formed by the collapse of old mining works in the cadastral territory of Heřmanovice, in the Bruntál district of the Czech Republic. It is a place where centuries of human mining activity and the forces of geology collided dramatically, leaving behind a crater-like scar that feels closer to a disaster site than a peaceful mountain corner.
How the collapse formed
The site's history stretches back to the Middle Ages — remnants of spoil heaps, ventilation chimneys and adit entrances confirm that ore mining took place here centuries ago, with copper and gold extracted from the deposit. Modern mining resumed between 1965 and 1968, weakening the roof of the underground chambers below.
The turning point came on April 3, 1985, when the roof of underground chamber B 211, along with parts of chamber B 211/1, gave way. What began as a modest collapse of roughly 4 by 8 meters expanded within just a week to an impressive 40 by 20 meters, reaching a depth of about 70 meters. In the following years the ground continued to subside, until the sinkhole eventually reached dimensions of around 100 by 50 meters.
What it looks like today
Today the pit has an oval outline measuring approximately 95 by 55 meters, with a maximum depth of up to 40 meters. Above the collapse looms a distinctive rock overhang stretching about 80 meters wide, giving the site its dramatic, almost lunar appearance.
Because of its exceptional geological and historical value, the Žebračka collapse was declared a cultural monument by the Czech Ministry of Culture on August 15, 1994.
Can you go inside?
Due to the ongoing risk of further ground collapse, the site is double-fenced and monitored by security cameras. Entering the pit itself is neither possible nor advisable, since the terrain remains unstable and the edges can still give way. The surrounding area, however, is open to visitors, who can observe the sinkhole safely from designated viewpoints.
Why visit
Žebračka is more than a geological curiosity — it stands as a testament to centuries of mining history in the Jeseník region. It shows how human activity from hundreds of years ago can resurface unexpectedly in dramatic fashion, in the form of a sudden and spectacular ground collapse. For anyone interested in geology, mining history, or unusual landscapes, it remains one of the most intriguing stops in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the Žebračka mine collapse located? It lies within the cadastral territory of the village of Heřmanovice, in the Bruntál district, in the Jeseník region of eastern Czech Republic.
When did the main collapse happen? The major collapse occurred on April 3, 1985, though the sinkhole continued to expand over the following years.
What minerals were mined here? The old workings primarily yielded copper and gold.
Is the site legally protected? Yes, it has been a protected cultural monument under the Czech Ministry of Culture since August 15, 1994.
Is it safe to visit? The area immediately around the collapse is fenced and monitored due to the risk of further subsidence, but the surrounding area can be visited safely from marked viewpoints.
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