The public still disagrees with the Klínovec Cloud Trail project

Jáchymov (Karlovy Vary) – Part of the public still disagrees with the planned construction of the cloud walkway at Klínovec, which a private investor has been preparing for several years on the highest mountain of the Ore Mountains. According to them, the so-called Skywalk Klínovec will negatively affect traffic in the surrounding towns and contribute to the destruction of nature. They shared their comments today at a public hearing attended by the leadership of the town of Jáchymov and the private investor. However, preparations for one of the largest projects at Klínovec in recent years are nearing completion, and the investor still needs to obtain a building permit.

Opponents pointed out that supporting mass tourism would increase traffic complications, especially in Jáchymov, which is located on one of the main access roads to Klínovec. They also claimed that there is a lack of parking spaces. They stated that the cloud walkway and similar projects would destroy the untouched nature of the area and that the planned construction would become a disturbing element at the summit of Klínovec.

According to Petr Zeman from the Skywalk company, which also operates an extensive ski resort at Klínovec, the current goal is to purchase the remaining land owned by the town of Jáchymov. Zeman stated that he has received a pledge from the town. The purchase of the land will be discussed at the September meeting of the Jáchymov council.

The company will then seek a building permit, and construction could begin within a year. According to Zeman, the work is expected to last several months and the costs are estimated at around 200 million crowns. At the same time, the company wants to start building a multifunctional facility at the summit of Klínovec, which will include amenities and a restaurant, as well as a children's playground and an educational center.

The leadership of Jáchymov expressed support for the project today. According to Mayor Bronislav Grulich (TOP 09), it will have a positive effect on the development of the town, support tourism, and local entrepreneurs. It will also ensure a regular financial return for the town.

"The town will have a one-time income of six million crowns from the sale of the land under the tower, and it was also possible to negotiate an annual income of one million crowns for the lease of the access walkway. Additional hundreds of thousands will come from property taxes or from corporate income taxes of entities based in the town," said the mayor.

The cloud walkway should be 500 meters from the axis of the Klínovec transmitter. It will be 50 meters high, according to Zeman, so it will not exceed the height of the former hotel at the summit of Klínovec. According to him, the construction is designed to minimize tree removal. The walkway will be wooden with a steel structure, and it will include features such as an educational trail.

According to Zeman, the construction of the walkway will develop summer tourism at Klínovec and its surroundings, ensuring year-round operations for local entrepreneurs. It is expected that up to hundreds of jobs will be created there, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain their employees not just for the winter season. One of the other goals is to reverse the current significant and negative trend of short-term visits that the area is struggling with, Zeman stated.