Via Ferrata at the Upper Level

Via Ferrata at the Upper Level

A via ferrata, also known as a protected climbing route, is a route through steep rock or mountain terrain equipped with steel safety cables, iron rungs and other climbing aids. These features make challenging terrain accessible even to visitors with little or no climbing experience. We chose this solution to provide access to the largest stope in the Pepř Mine. Because the via ferrata is located underground, the following restrictions apply:

The group is limited to 12 participants, a minimum age of 15 years and a minimum height of 160 cm.Previous experience on other via ferratas is recommended.

1. At the entrance to the Václav Adit, visitors are provided with helmets, headlamps and via ferrata equipment. After walking one kilometre underground, we board the mine train, which takes us another 500 metres to the Pepř Shaft. A short walk then leads to the Šlojíř Vein, where the climb begins at the second raise, with a total height of 70 metres. The raise is equipped with iron rungs, while a steel safety cable provides continuous protection. It starts with a moderate incline of about 45 degrees. After approximately 20 metres, the route becomes less steep as it passes through large excavated chambers created during the extraction of gold bearing ore. Higher up, the raise becomes considerably steeper, with two vertical rock steps that must be negotiated. The climb ends in the southern drift of the Šlojíř Vein, 70 metres above the level of the Václav Adit. 

2. At the top of the raise, visitors encounter the first calcite speleothems illuminated by ultraviolet lighting. Before continuing north, the route briefly heads about 40 metres south to the only accessible stope dating back to the reign of King Charles IV. Continuing north, two more sections of the passage reveal impressive calcite formations enhanced by ultraviolet lighting. The route then leads into the largest excavated chambers of the Pepř Mine. Passing through several historic stopes with remarkably well preserved rock pillars, one of which even contains visible gold, visitors finally reach the enormous chamber known as the Trough. This remarkable excavation yielded exceptional specimens of massive gold and was one of the richest gold producing areas not only in Jílové u Prahy but in the entire region. 

3. After visiting the Koryto Stope, the descent begins via the first caged ladder into the historic stopes, followed by a series of stairways leading to a second, much longer ladder. This entire section passes directly through the excavated areas where large quantities of gold bearing ore were mined. After descending the long ladder, the route continues across the final staircase, an elevated steel bridge, footpaths and stepped sections with ladders, gradually returning to the level of the Václav Adit. From there, we travel back by mine train before completing the final kilometre on foot to the point where the tour began. 

The experience also includes the very best of the Václav Adit, including its legendary blasting demonstration. 

Thanks to the Financial Support of the ČEZ Foundation