Vodopád Chomutovky

Chomutovka Waterfall is a small, scenic cascade on the Chomutovka River in the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory), near the village of Nová Ves in the Ústí nad Labem region of the Czech Republic. It's not a dramatic torrent, but its setting in a deep, forested valley and easy access from a marked trail make it a popular stop on hikes through this part of the Czech-German borderland.

How to get there?

The waterfall lies along Bezručovo údolí (Bezruč Valley), one of the most attractive valleys in the Ore Mountains, carved by the Chomutovka as it flows from the area around Hora Svatého Šebestiána toward Chomutov, dropping some 430 meters in elevation along the way. A red-marked hiking trail leads to the falls — from Hora Svatého Šebestiána it's roughly 1.1 km on foot. The spot sits near a trail junction, right next to an asphalt road, so the cascade is visible almost directly from the path without any extra climbing. The region connects well to Chomutov and smaller villages along the valley, including Nová Ves, from where further hiking and cycling routes continue deeper into the Ore Mountains.

What will you see?

The Chomutovka forms many small cascades along its course, but a true waterfall occurs here only once — the river drops over a three-meter terrain step, creating a vertical fall with a flow rate of around 120 liters per second. It's a modest but striking erosional feature, clearly visible from the bank and a favorite photo stop for hikers passing through the valley. Dense mixed forest covers the surrounding slopes, offering welcome shade in summer and a colorful backdrop against the water in autumn.

About two kilometers downstream on the Chomutovka lie the larger and better-known Medvědí (Bear) Waterfalls, which pair well with a visit to the falls near Nová Ves as part of a longer hiking route. The entire Chomutovka valley, known as Bezručovo údolí, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Ore Mountains and draws both hikers and cyclists who use the forest roads running alongside the river.

When to visit?

The best time to visit is spring, right after snowmelt, when water levels in the Chomutovka are highest and the waterfall looks its most impressive. In summer the flow tends to be lower, but the dense forest keeps the trail pleasantly cool even on hot days. Autumn adds extra charm with colorful foliage, and fewer visitors make for a quieter walk. Access can be trickier in winter due to snow and icy trail conditions, so it's worth checking current conditions before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Chomutovka waterfall? The waterfall is about three meters high, formed where the river drops over a rocky terrain step of that same height.

How do you reach the waterfall from Hora Svatého Šebestiána? Follow the red-marked hiking trail for about 1.1 km from the village to the spot where the Chomutovka forms the cascade.

Are there other waterfalls on the same river nearby? Yes — about two kilometers downstream are the larger Medvědí (Bear) Waterfalls, often visited as part of the same outing.

Is the Chomutovka valley suitable for cycling too? Yes, forest roads run alongside the river and are used by both hikers and cyclists exploring Bezručovo údolí.