Will You Take the Plunge into Hagen?

Exploring the Tunnels with a Guide

One of the most intriguing and well-known attractions  are the quarries of Great America and their nearby areas. The enchantment lies in the fact that visitors can only catch a glimpse of a small section of this vast site from above; the extensive network of underground tunnels and pathways that link the quarries is generally off-limits to the casual hiker – with just one exception. This is a guided journey through the Bohemian Karst to Hagen, which will take place on Saturday, May 24 this year.

Czech Grand Canyon refers to the Grand America Quarry, which along with the Mexico Quarry, Canada Quarry, and Little America, sits concealed within the surrounding woods. It’s widely acknowledged that these quarries are restricted areas; everywhere you look, there are fences, warning signs, and secured gates. Nevertheless, many thrill-seekers have managed to access these sites, leading to numerous unfortunate accidents, including fatalities from falls off steep cliffs. The only safe and legal way to explore the underground tunnels is through a trip via the Bohemian Karst in search of Hagen, organized by the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area association.

It’s quite straightforward: on Saturday, May 24, arrive at the Karlštejn post office any time between 8:30 and 11:00. You will receive essential information and a stamp card to collect stamps at the checkpoints along the roughly 12-kilometer nature path. The trail will guide you around The Oak of the Seven Brothers (where, according to legend, seven bandit brothers once shared their loot) and will lead you to the premises of Quarries Mořina. It’s only there that the true adventure begins: accompanied by a guide, you will navigate through the underground tunnel towards the Quarry Little America and further into the intricate adit system where the Hagen’s Adit is located. The remainder of the journey will once again take place above ground; traversing the forest around the Malá Amerika quarry, climbing Pání hora, circling Doutnáč hill, and making your way through the quarry Na Chlumu to Serbia. The trek comes to an end at the parking area of the Hotel U Berounky near the bridge. Access to the galleries costs 50 CZK and can be paid only at the shafts. Entry into the tunnels will only be permitted for the event participants, who must present a stamped card at the checkpoints. Others will be allowed in the underground starting after 2 PM. Don’t forget to bring along the usual items (plenty of snacks, appropriate outdoor clothing, and good footwear) as well as a flashlight.

If the May date doesn’t work for you and you’re unable to join the trip, you can opt for regular tours of the adits and surrounding area led by a local guide, who explores the mysteries of Czech America with interested individuals twice monthly.

Where is Hagen Hiding?

Within the quarries of America lies one of the most spine-chilling legends in the Czech Republic. Even today, recounting the tale properly can send shivers down your spine. When we compile all the stories and legends, filled with phrases like “allegedly” and “perhaps,” what surfaces in the end is the sight of a ghost in a German SS uniform, who unexpectedly appears from the tunnels, vanishing without a trace, and is blamed for a string of unexplained deaths and disappearances.

This ghost reportedly haunts Underground America, particularly the Hagen Adit and its intersection with the Tie Adit where the infamous underground gong well is located: legend has it that anyone who rings it will be pursued by a terrifying creature – reportedly within a year and a day. However, the actual purpose of the gong was for the miners, as one of the adits rises uphill and the intersection is not visible from above; it served as a signal to those above that the mine cart was full. Occasionally, the gong is removed as a keepsake, just as a notebook makes its rounds from time to time for daring adventurers, humorously referred to as Hagen’s waiting list.

What is Important to Know?

• • When you begin your journey at Karlštejn near the post office, you will receive a stamp card along with all necessary details.

• • During the trek, you can make themed stops to complete various tasks, mostly centered on discovering the natural beauty of the Bohemian Karst. Participants can also try out the BioLog app, and at the conclusion, every participant will receive a diploma and a historical badge for the Czech Karst Protected Landscape Area.

• • To access the galleries beyond Hagen, entry is permitted only with a stamped card. Others can enter the underground after 2 PM.

• • Even if accompanied by a guide underground, you are still required to bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. The entrance fee is collected at the shafts and is set at 50 CZK.

• • Regardless of whether you believe in Hagen’s tale or not, be prepared for the legend to come alive in the woods of America. Deep in the darkness, your imagination will be running wild, and with just a flashlight and on uneven surfaces it can be very challenging since there’s truly nowhere to escape.

• • If you’re interested in seeing the underground plans in all their entirety and complexity, you can find them in the Solvay Quarries open-air museum dedicated to limestone mining and transport. The best way to reach it is by walking from Bubovice or from Svatý Jan pod Skalou.

Big and Little America Quarries Adventure

Experience unique, themed guided tours in the deep quarries of Velká (Big) and Malá (Little) America, located near Karlštejn Castle in the Czech Republic.

Location and Depth

• Proximity:
  The quarries are situated close to the historic Karlštejn Castle.

• Impressive Depth:
  Both Velká and Malá Amerika quarries reach depths of up to 100 meters.

Guided Tours and Access

• Tour Provider:
  KD Tour offers guided tours, ensuring a safe and informative exploration.

• Event Details:
  The organized event is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2025.

• Legal Access:
  Visits are only allowed during organized events overseen by the Czech Karst Protected Landscape Area administration.

Historical and Cultural Highlights

• Historical Significance:
  In the 1950s, a camp for political prisoners operated within the local quarry.

• Underground Exploration:
  To navigate the labyrinthine adit system and embark on the mysterious journey to Hagen, a guide is essential.

• Museum Insight:
  The Solvay Quarries Museum provides detailed plans of the underground quarries and recounts the history of limestone extraction.

Preparation and Fees

• What to Bring:

  • A stamped card

  • Typical hiking gear

  • A flashlight

  • Sturdy shoes

• Entrance Fee:
  The fee for entering the tunnels is 50 CZK, payable at the entrance.

This adventure promises an exciting journey into the depths of these historic quarries, combining natural wonders with a rich historical backdrop.