Graphite mine in Český Krumlov

The Graphite Mine in Český Krumlov is one of the few underground tourist routes in Central Europe leading into a genuine, formerly operating graphite mine, located just outside the famous town on the bend of the Vltava river.

Why is there graphite here?

Graphite deposits around Český Krumlov reach close to the surface, and the raw material has been extracted here since Celtic times, when it was used in pottery production during the Hallstatt and La Tène periods. The wider region also has a long tradition of gold and silver mining dating back at least to the 15th century, and graphite became another valuable mineral extracted from these hills. The modern industrial mine itself was opened in 1975, making it one of the youngest graphite mines in the Czech Republic. It produced high-quality graphite with a carbon content of 80–90%, with annual output reaching up to 20,000 tonnes. Miners used pneumatic drills and dynamite to break the rock, and the extracted material was hauled to the surface on rail carts.

What will you see on the tour?

Today the former mine operates as a tourist attraction that lets visitors experience the working conditions of a graphite miner firsthand. Before heading underground, guests are given protective clothing and mining lamps. The route covers roughly 2 kilometres in total — about 1,200 metres are covered aboard an underground mine train, while the remaining 800 metres are walked on foot with a guide. The train descends to a depth of around 70 metres below the surface, where the tunnels still hold both period and more modern mining machinery and equipment. The temperature underground stays at a constant 10°C, so warm clothing is recommended regardless of the season above ground. The full tour lasts about ninety minutes.

When to visit and what else to know

The mine has its own parking, a small refreshment stop, and a souvenir shop, which makes it a convenient stop for families travelling with children. Because the underground temperature stays constant year-round, the attraction works well in any season — in summer it also offers a welcome escape from the heat. It pairs naturally with a visit to the historic centre of Český Krumlov, only a few kilometres away, as well as other industrial-heritage sites in South Bohemia. Since the underground train has limited capacity and opening hours can vary by season, it is worth booking ahead or checking the current tour schedule before arriving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the graphite mine tour take? The full visit, including the train ride and the walking section, takes about 90 minutes.

Do I need to bring my own protective gear? No — protective clothing and mining lamps are provided on site before you go underground.

How deep does the tour go? The mine train descends to a depth of approximately 70 metres below the surface.

Is it cold inside the mine? Yes, the underground temperature stays around 10°C year-round, so warm clothing is recommended.