Černý Důl, Hradec Králové District, Hradec Králové Region, Czech Republic

🇨🇿 Černý Důl (Schwarzenthal or Schwarzental) is a market town in Trutnov District in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. It lies in the Giant Mountains.

Administrative parts Villages of Čistá v Krkonoších and Fořt are administrative parts of Černý Důl.

Etymology The name literally means "Black Mine". It probably refers to the location in deep (black) forests, when it was founded, and to its mining history.

Geography Černý Důl is located about 15 km (9 mi) north-west of Trutnov and 47 km (29 mi) north of Hradec Králové. It lies in the Giant Mountains. The highest point is located on the slopes of the Černá hora Mountain at 1,272 m (4,173 ft) above sea level. The northern half of the municipal territory lies in the Krkonoše National Park. The Čistá River originates here and creates a valley, in which the villages are situated.

History The first written mention about iron ore mining in the area of today's Černý Důl is from 1383. The estate was purchased by Kryštof Gendorf in 1533. In that time, the area was formed by three parts: Nová Ves village, settlement of Gottes Hilf, and grouping of huts called III. horský díl. The oldest was Nová Ves, which was first mentioned in 1498. Gottes Hilf established near Nová Ves nad named after one of mines. It was first mentioned in 1556, when a chapel was built here.

In 1564, Gottes Hilf was promoted to a market town with right of a free mining town and renamed Černý Důl. In 1607, the chapel was rebuilt and extended to the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel. After the mining ended, the population had to reorientate to linen making, spinning, agriculture and livestock, as the land consisted mostly of mountain pastures. In the 18th century, limestone began to be mined here.

Sport Černý Důl is known as a ski resort with several slopes with lifts.