Three Famous Quarries Near Karlštejn: Velká Amerika, Malá Amerika, and Mexiko
Today I'm taking you on a trip to the exclusive quarries located just a short distance from Karlštejn Castle and the village of the same name. These include Malá Amerika, Mexiko, and the most famous of them all, Velká Amerika. Nearby, you'll also find a Political Prisoners Memorial, which commemorates a difficult period of our history. If you're interested in this unique location, sit back and read on.
The Route from Karlštejn Castle to the Exclusive Quarries
If you're wondering how to get from Karlštejn Castle to these unique quarries, I've prepared a route for you. You can find it right here in the widget, so you can easily follow it step by step.
The route starts below Karlštejn Castle and follows marked hiking trails. First, follow the red trail to the Dub sedmi bratří (Oak of the Seven Brothers) signpost, then continue on the yellow trail to the first quarry, Malá Amerika. Caution: do not step off the marked hiking trails; movement around the quarries outside the marked paths is prohibited and dangerous.
At the Malá Amerika (quarry) signpost, you can turn off to the Malá Amerika Lookout. After returning to the yellow trail, you'll soon reach another viewpoint, simply marked as Výhled (View) on ↗ Mapy.com. You'll find several similarly named viewpoints here, so I recommend following the map and, above all, paying attention to your safety – these are former quarries and the edges of the viewpoints can be unstable.
The path then continues past the still active Kanada Quarry, where entry is not permitted. Soon you will arrive at the Mexiko Quarry, where the Mexiko Quarry Lookout is located. You'll find another viewpoint with the same name on the other side of the quarry. Just a short distance from here stands the Political Prisoners Memorial, which I definitely recommend visiting.
Finally, you'll reach the largest of the quarries, Velká Amerika. On ↗ Mapy.com, there are six official viewpoints marked here, offering a magnificent view of the entire quarry. From there, you return back towards Karlštejn.
The total length of the route is approximately 10.3 km and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes of walking. It is not too demanding, rather moderately difficult, so most hikers can handle it.
If you start from the opposite direction at Velká Amerika Quarry, there is a paid parking lot right at the beginning for 70 CZK for the whole day (currently, a self-service entry gate is being built). Parking here is cheaper than in the village of Karlštejn, but you have to expect limited capacity. On weekends, holidays, and school vacations, the parking lot fills up quickly. The advantage, however, is that you can walk the route from this side and leave Karlštejn Castle for the end or skip it entirely.
Malá Amerika Quarry - A Hidden Gem of the Bohemian Karst
Malá Amerika Quarry, also known as Rešna, Nákladový lom, Amerika, or Školka, is one of the most picturesque flooded quarries in the Bohemian Karst. It is located in the town of Karlštejn in the Beroun district, approximately 2 km from Karlštejn Castle, and is part of the system of limestone quarries known as Amerika.
Mining History
Limestone mining in the area began at the end of the 19th century. In 1900, the Prague Iron Company (Pražská železářská společnost) started mining limestone in the area of today's Amerika quarries, using limestone as a fluxing agent. The quarries were connected by a system of tunnels and were among the most important mining sites in the region.
Quarry Geometry
Malá Amerika Quarry is 165 meters long and 57 meters wide. The bottom of the quarry is located at an altitude of 348 m a.s.l. (5th mining level). Up to the height of the 4th mining level, the quarry is flooded with water, forming the so-called Rešenské Lake with an area of 0.86 ha.
The quarry is accessible only from the northern side, either by water or by climbing. Through the northern edge of the quarry at the 3rd mining level runs the Main Collection Tunnel, which is connected to the 4th mining level by a vertical shaft. This tunnel is known as the "Gallery" and contains several windows that allow a view into the quarry.
Natural Points of Interest
The water in the lake is so transparent and clean that strictly protected crayfish live in it. The abandoned tunnels soon became an important wintering site for bats. The quarry is part of the Karlštejn National Nature Reserve in the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area.
Cultural Significance
Malá Amerika Quarry has served as a backdrop for several films and fairy tales, including the famous Czech comedy "Limonádový Joe" (Lemonade Joe) and the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" (Malá mořská víla). Thanks to its unique atmosphere and scenery, it attracts not only filmmakers but also tourists and photographers from all over the world.
Mexiko Quarry - Secrets of the Bohemian Karst Underground
Mexiko Quarry is one of the lesser-known but all the more fascinating places in the Bohemian Karst. It is located near the village of Mořina, not far from Karlštejn Castle, and is part of the limestone quarry system known as Amerika. Although it is not as photogenic as its more famous neighbor Velká Amerika, it hides a rich history and natural beauty.
Mining History
Natural Points of Interest
The bottom of Mexiko Quarry is flooded with water, creating a small pond. Unlike Velká Amerika, the sun rarely reaches here, which gives the place a mysterious atmosphere. The surrounding quarry walls are overgrown with vegetation that settled here after mining was abandoned. The quarry is part of the Karlštejn National Nature Reserve and the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area.
Cultural Significance
Even though Mexiko Quarry is not as famous as Velká Amerika, it still has its place in cultural history. It was used as a backdrop for several films and fairy tales due to its unique atmosphere and scenery.
Velká Amerika Quarry - The Czech Grand Canyon with a Story
Velká Amerika Quarry, also nicknamed the "Czech Grand Canyon," is one of the most impressive natural formations in the Czech Republic. It is located in the Bohemian Karst PLA, near the village of Mořina, about 15 km southwest of Prague. It is a massive limestone quarry that was a significant site in the past.
Mining History
Mining in Velká Amerika Quarry started around 1900, when the Prague Iron Company began mining high-grade limestone. The lime was used in iron production in blast furnaces. For transporting the raw material, the Kladno-Nučice railway was extended to the quarry near Mořina. Mining continued until 1963, when a massive wall collapse occurred, leading to the quarry's closure.
Geology and Natural Points of Interest
Velká Amerika Quarry is approximately 750 - 800 meters long, 150 - 200 meters wide, and 67 - 100 meters deep. At its bottom are two interconnected lakes with crystal clear water, formed by flooding the lower mining levels. The quarry is part of an extensive system of underground tunnels that connect Velká Amerika with other quarries in the area, such as Malá Amerika and Mexiko.
Cultural Significance
Velká Amerika Quarry has become a favorite spot for filmmakers. Scenes for movies like "Limonádový Joe" or "Akumulátor 1" were filmed here, as well as foreign productions. Its dramatic scenery and industrial look provide an authentic environment for film crews.
Political Prisoners Memorial - A Testimony from a Dark Past
Above Mexiko Quarry, in close proximity to Velká Amerika, is a memorial commemorating political prisoners who worked here in the 1950s under inhumane conditions. This memorial, unveiled in 2002, is a simple but powerful, roughly cut stone block with a barred opening at the top. Its author is the sculptor Petr Váňa.
Mexiko Quarry, nicknamed the Czech Mauthausen, was at that time a place where at least 1,400 political prisoners were deployed. They were forced to work here in harsh conditions, which led to many deaths.
The memorial became part of the educational trail "Czech Grand Canyon and Czech Mauthausen," which was opened in 2022. This trail connects historical and natural attractions of the area and offers visitors a look at the dark past of this place.
If you plan a visit, I recommend stopping at this memorial and taking a moment to reflect on the fates of those who suffered here. It is a powerful reminder of our history that should not be forgotten.
Rating
I rate these places very positively; they offer amazing views and truly deserve their uniqueness and popularity. Although they tempt you to take breathtaking selfies and shots, it is necessary to realize that these are original quarries where there is a high risk of injury. Unfortunately, tragedies have already occurred here, which is why I appeal to all visitors: follow the instructions on the signs, pay attention to safety, and really do not risk it.
A high-quality photo is never worth more than your life.
I would also like to ask everyone not to leave tissues, wrappers, and other trash along the route or around the quarries – it is inappropriate and unappealing. If you need to go "number two," do it away from the main path (if the location allows) or safely bury your creation, similar to what is recommended in Šumava. Take all trash with you – what you bring in, you must take out.
In this way, we will protect the beauty of these places for all future visitors and ensure they remain safe and clean.
