Komorni Gurka Volcano by Frantishkova Lazne

The volcano Komorni Gurka is the youngest volcano in Central Europe, which arose in the Quaternary period. For a long time, scientists could not determine its origin and even debated whether it was a volcano or just a hill. It is only 500 meters high and really looks like a hill. It is now recognized as a natural monument and is surrounded by a park.

Komorni Gurka volcano is located between the town of Heb and Františkova Lazne in the Czech Republic. It was formed at the bottom of the salt lake, now there is the Hebsky and Sokolovsky basins. The last activity of scientists recorded in the Quaternary period - millions of years ago. Comorni Gurka reaches a height of 500 meters, very similar to a hill overgrown with weeds. For some time, scientists have argued that it is not a volcano. But the German poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe brought clarity to the controversy. On his initiative, a canal was dug, where volcanic rocks were found.

Since then, a portrait of Goethe has been carved on the volcano of Comorni Gurka by an unknown artist, who signed that the poet explored Comorni. And the canal, in which confirmation of the origin of the volcano was found, was buried. Its mouth is equipped with granite and there is an inscription reminding that this mine was excavated for scientific purposes. Since 1993, the volcano has been recognized as a natural monument and is a protected area. The area of the protected area is 7 hectares.