Zprávy památkové péče 2013, 73(6):528-531

Archeology and geocaching. Vildenberk as a case study

Josef Jan Kovář

At the end of 2011, a box was discovered in the Moravian medieval castle of Vildenberk, hidden as part of the world-wide tourist/sport game known as geocaching. Its storage, however, resulted in damage to the archeological cultural level of the forecastle. Geocaching activities had been monitored in this location for a year, and no further damage was found that would be provably associated with this game. An analysis of the international rules of the game also showed that when the rules are observed, geocaching (in contrast to other mass terrain activities and detecting) may be considered a relatively harmless activity from the perspective of archeological monument care. Taking into account the current situation in the Czech Republic, however, it is becoming evident that it will be essential to involve the professional archeological community in geocaching through education training, and methodical guidance.

Keywords: archeological monument care; geocaching; cultural monument; medieval; castle

Published: December 1, 2013  Show citation