Discover Enhanced Access to Halda Ema in Ostrava

In the heart of Ostrava, the only cone-shaped mound in the Moravian-Silesian region rises prominently. This heap, which stands at a height of 315 meters above sea level, is made up of millions tons of burnt tailings. Magical white smoke can be seen rising from the openings in the covered clay, especially noted during winter months. This location has drawn in tourists for ages and is now considered safer. To improve safety, Ostrava has invested CZK 7.5 million to enhance the area by reinforcing roads and building wooden bridges over uneven ground. New benches have also been added for tourists to relax on.

Some trails that are at risk due to thermal activity can only be accessed at your own discretion. However, there are plenty of other trails that are completely safe to explore. A new parking area near Najmanska Street allows visitors to conveniently park their vehicles before heading to the mound.

The mound was formed from the waste material of Ostrava’s Trojice mine, with its formation likely occurring before 1920. In the 1960s, there was a …the interior of the heap ignited, and it has been burning almost continuously ever since. Inside temperatures have reached as high as 1500°C (1500°F), leading to the discovery of unique minerals like porcelainite and jasper. Originally, the mound rose to 327 meters in height but has been lowered due to the burning..

According to the Mining Authority in Ostrava, theEma heap is no longer classified as active, and this change took effect at the end of 2023. What does this shift really mean? Ema has transitioned from being a coal site to a tourist attraction. However, experts continue to monitor the situation closely. If conditions change, it’s possible that the authorities may impose restrictions on access.

A yellow hiking trail guides visitors to the summit, starting from either the Slezskoostravsky Castle or the Miloš Sýkora Bridge. This path is accompanied by an educational trail featuring 12 informative panels detailing the history of mining in the city. Ideally, visitors should walk the full loop and return to the city center. Alternatively, one can combine the hike with a trip to the Ostrava Zoo, from which the climb is steep but fairly short, following the green trail.