Northeast of the village, towards the old settlement of Svatobor, are the so-called Skalky skřítků, or Dwarfs' Rocks. These picturesque little caves are now protected as a state nature reserve. Dwarfs once lived in them and guarded their treasure. Still farther northeast, in the Doupovské hory above Zakšov, rises Pustý zámek mountain (928 m). Holes up to three metres deep in the rocks on its western slope, known as the Dwarfs' Little Caves (Zwerklöcher), were inhabited by mythical beings. In local German legends, these merge with belief in the helpful little man called the Heinzelmännchen, who appears chiefly on Good Friday, when the mountain opens to reveal all the treasures hidden inside. A White Lady also appears here.
Location and map
- Place
- Šemnice
- Municipality / starting point
- Šemnice
- District / region
- Karlovy Vary
- Country
- Czechia
- Distance and direction
- 8 km E of Karlových Varů
Northeast of the village, towards the old settlement of Svatobor, are the so-called Skalky skřítků, or Dwarfs' Rocks. These picturesque little caves are now protected as a state nature reserve. Dwarfs once lived in them and guarded their treasure. Still farther northeast, in the Doupovské hory above Zakšov, rises Pustý zámek mountain (928 m). Holes up to…
The link searches for Šemnice and its surroundings. The sources do not establish the precise point of this legend.
Approximate location · municipality or area search. The distance comes from the sources, not a currently calculated route.
Sources of the original atlas Tajemná místa · page 332
This legend preserves a folk tale. Its motifs do not constitute evidence of supernatural events.