The Wellertal Valley, with its granite formations and the lively river rushing through it, is likely the most picturesque stretch of the upper Eger River. For decades, it has been an insider’s tip for romantic outings and hikes. Yet the forest and seemingly untouched nature first had to reclaim this area. Since the Middle Ages, the Smrčiny Mountains have been characterized by ore mining and processing. Where kingfishers now flit above the water, the blows of numerous hammer mills once echoed across the treeless meadows.