The economic importance of the region stems from its ample mineral wealth, mainly the deposits of lignite in the Podkrušnohorská Basin. These deposits are likely to become the country’s key energy source in the coming decades. The quarries are situated close to the largest coal power stations – Prunéřov
(map), Tušimice
(map), Ledvice
(map) or Počerady
(map). In addition to the exploitation of lignite and the energy generation industry, the region also boasts a chemical industry (Litvínov, Ústí nad Labem, Lovosice), building industry, ceramic industry, textile industry etc.
However, the extensive industrial activities in the past have had an adverse impact on the present quality of the environment. Extensive surface mining has marred the natural landscape features which can only be restored through costly recultivation. Despite this, the region boasts ample natural wealth. Its north-west border is skirted by the ridges of the Ore Mountains, whose highest peak Klínovec3
(map) lies on the border with the Karlovy Vary Region. The northern part of the mountains feature the tourist attractions of rock towns, canyons and the Labe sandstones. A part of the latter is included in the region's most important protected area, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park2
(map). The region has other protected areas, natural parks and small natural reserves.
The
Ústí Region has a rich history represented by a high number of objects of cultural heritage. The most famous include e.g. the
Roman-style rotunda on Říp Hill (map), the
Gothic-style church in Most (map), the
Baroque chateau in Duchcov (map), monasteries in Osek and Doksany as well as the chateaus of Ploskovice and Libochovice. The towns of Litoměřice
(map), Úštěk0
(map) and Terezín1
(map) were announced urban conservation zones.
Other important features of the
Ústí Region include its transport links to the European Union. We must mention especially the Labe River, which connects inland Bohemia with the North Sea. It is skirted by an important railway line from Prague to Dresden and the D8 motorway (not completed), which is connected to the German A17 motorway on the border.