Ema Slag Heap Now More Accessible to Visitors

. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Beskydy and Jeseníky Mountains, and even into Poland from its summit — the third highest point in Ostrava.

Ema originated in 1861 alongside a coal shaft established by Count Wilczek and was named after his wife, Countess Emma. The heap is notable not only for its elevation but also for its subtropical microclimate, with internal temperatures reaching up to 1,500°C. This extreme heat supports heat-loving plant species and leads to the formation of rare minerals, including brick-red porcelanites.

In recent months, the City of Ostrava has improved the site by revitalizing its main tourist trails, clearing hazardous trees, and installing new visitor amenities such as benches, seating blocks, waste bins, and informational signage. Wooden footbridges have been placed across existing water lines, and ponds have been created to support local amphibians. These upgrades were carefully carried out to preserve the natural character of the site.

"The area, popular among locals and tourists, is now more visitor-friendly," said Aleš Boháč, Deputy Mayor for the Environment. "Gravel and crushed stone trails have replaced older paths, helping prevent mud and puddles after rain. Risky trees have been pruned or removed, and drainage and erosion control elements have been added."

The project, managed by Ostrava Municipal Forests and Greenery, began in May and was completed in July, with total costs exceeding CZK 7.5 million. A gravel area at the main entrance on Na Najmanské Street was also improved, ensuring that both pedestrians and maintenance vehicles can access the area safely.

"Before the revitalization, the site was clearly neglected for years. The original access paths were overgrown and barely passable," added Martin Mati, Technical Deputy of Ostrava Municipal Forests and Greenery. "Now, the area is accessible not only to visitors but also for maintenance and safety work."

Geologist Pavel Barták from the Ostrava Museum noted, "Coal heaps like Ema are artificial formations made of various rock and mineral fragments. They emerged during the extensive coal mining in the region, with the Ema heap primarily formed by waste from the Trojice Mine until the 1960s. The intense heat has transformed the original rocks, such as claystones and sandstones, into unique mineral formations."

Ema is located on the right bank of the Ostravice River in Slezská Ostrava. Although its current height exceeds 310 meters above sea level, thermal activity continues to cause gradual subsidence. Mining at the site ceased in 1933, and since 1995, Ema has been a protected heritage site. A marked tourist trail leads visitors to the summit, tracing the history of Ostrava along the way. Due to the underground heat, snow rarely settles at the top, and the area is home to steppe fauna, xerothermic insects, and warm-climate plants. Visitors may also notice small gas emissions, including methane and sulfur dioxide, which are a natural part of the site's ongoing transformation.