Geotouristic Potential of Former Quarries in Northern Bohemia

Former quarries are among the places that are interesting for geotourism: they are mineralogical or paleontological sites; some quarries are valuable from an aesthetic or environmental point of view. In the quarries where mining was stopped centuries ago, traces of earlier mining technologies can be found, having significant historical value. Despite all the listed values, it is a sad fact that most of the quarries in the Czech Republic are revitalized after the end of mining in a way that destroy the values of the geosite. If nature conservation authorities intervene, it is usually because geosite is also a habitat for endangered species of fauna and flora, not for the protection of inanimate nature. The article analyses the process of making former quarries accessible to the public. First, the geosite evaluation methodology is presented, on the basis of which the localities with the greatest tourist potential and the lowest risks are selected. The methodology is based on six synthetic indicators, which are scientific value, cultural-historical value, aesthetic value, educational value, tourist value and vulnerability of the site. The methodology is explained on two examples of former quarries in northern Bohemia: Panská skála and Hamerský Špičák. The purpose of the methodology is to select suitable geosites, whose values should be protected and used to popularize geosciences and for geoeducation. The discussion points to good examples of making former quarries accessible to geotourism from nearby regions (e.g. UNESCO Geopark Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa). On the contrary, the issue of safety of visit to the geosite is mentioned too, which is in some cases the biggest obstacle to access to quarries. The conclusion summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the use of former quarries for geotourism purposes.