About this place
Mutěnínský lom is a small but geologically remarkable nature monument in the Domažlice district of the Czech Republic, tucked between the villages of Mutěnín and Starý Kramolín, west of the road connecting them. The protected area covers just 1.7 hectares and has held its conservation status since 1990. It's a destination that appeals mainly to geology enthusiasts and travelers looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path corner of western Bohemia.
What is Mutěnínský lom?
At the heart of the reserve lies a disused quarry that once extracted quartz diorite from the so-called Mutěnín field. Miners here worked medium-grained amphibole-biotite diorite, sometimes containing pyroxene and garnet — a rock that gained local renown as an ornamental building stone under the name "Mutěnín syenite," once used for architectural elements and monuments. The rock faces exposed in the old quarry walls now offer a near textbook view of the structure and composition of this unusual igneous rock.
Why is this site protected?
The reason for its protected status is precisely this geological value: a rare exposure of quartz diorite in the region, valuable to researchers and geology students alike. Although the abandoned quarry no longer serves an industrial purpose, it has become a natural "laboratory" illustrating the composition of igneous rock and the processes behind its formation. Over time, vegetation has begun reclaiming parts of the disused workings, creating a mosaic of habitats that adds further natural interest to the site.
How to get to Mutěnínský lom
The reserve sits west of the road linking Mutěnín and Starý Kramolín. Access is via a turnoff from this road, from which a field path leads directly to the former quarry. It makes a good stop for anyone planning a walking or cycling trip around the Domažlice area, combining scenic value with an educational angle. The site is managed by the Regional Office of the Plzeň Region, which oversees the maintenance of its protected status.
Who is this place for?
Mutěnínský lom is aimed primarily at people with an interest in geology, but it also suits travelers seeking a low-key, less obvious destination away from crowds. Its proximity to Domažlice and the Chodsko region means it can easily be combined with other sights in this part of western Bohemia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mutěnínský lom? It's a protected, disused quartz diorite quarry covering 1.7 hectares, designated a nature monument in 1990.
Where exactly is it located? Between the villages of Mutěnín and Starý Kramolín in the Domažlice district, west of the road connecting the two.
What can you see there? Rock exposures of medium-grained amphibole-biotite diorite, locally known as "Mutěnín syenite," once used as an ornamental stone.
How do you reach the reserve? Via a turnoff from the Mutěnín–Starý Kramolín road, followed by a field path leading directly to the old quarry site.
Who manages the site? The reserve falls under the administration of the Regional Office of the Plzeň Region.
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