Euroregion Elbe/Labe

Mining museum Altenberg

Museum about the former mining industry in Altenberg

This museum complex offers an overview of the history of tin mining at Altenberg from its beginnings around 1440 to the closure of the mine in 1991. On an underground guided tour of the two-hundred-year-old "Neubeschert-Glück-Stollen" ("Neubeschert-Glück" tunnel), visitors are able to see the methods and equipment that were used in mining the ore. In the historical tin washery, machinery that is still in working order is used to demonstrate how the ore was processed. This ore washery dates from the sixteenth century and is thought to be the only one of its kind in Europe. In the outdoor areas of the museum, the rule is - very unusually -: feel free to touch. A selection of mining equipment items illustrates ore-mining techniques employed at Altenberg. The mining history trail, which crosses the German-Czech border, connects sites and buildings of historical interest on both sides; still in their original locations, they reflect the variety and the history of this mining region.

Historical tin washing plant

The entire processing process for Altenberg ore in its technical development can be clearly demonstrated here using historical plants. The 40-ram poch mill for rock crushing as well as the long push cookers with water wheel drive and further plants for washing out the ore make the former work in the ore washers tangible for eye and ear. The technical-historical part is supplemented by the museum exhibitions and changing special exhibitions on the upper floor of the listed building.

Show mine

The entrance to the "Neubeschert-Glück-Stollen" is located in the immediate vicinity of the historic tin wash plant, the main building of the museum.

The excavation of the mine was originally started in 1802 to explore a deeper level of the tin ore mines in the mining area at the "Neufang" east of the Altenberg Pinge. Mining in the "Neubeschert-Glück-Stollen" was stopped in 1849.

Today, the almost horizontal mine leading into the mountain can be visited over a length of 200 metres as a show mine. The extraction of tin ore and the development of mining technology from the period of more than five centuries up to the closure of the Altenberg tin ore mine in March 1991 is explained in original reconstructed working places. You can visit the expansion construction with the method of fire setting, learn about the long lasting mining of the material from the pinge and finally get to know the most modern method, the partial sole mining. Various mining methods, tools and extraction machines show the technical development of ore mining. Original mining traces and laughing boards are preserved as testimonies of the tunnel driving from the 19th century.

Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended for the guided tours, as the temperature underground in the show gallery, whether summer or winter, is always 8°C - 10°C.

Open spaces

On the open space in front of the tunnel mouth, mining equipment for ore extraction, mining and processing is exhibited. Mining locomotives and cars, drilling equipment, flotation machines and a ball mill show the variety of equipment used and document the technical state of the Altenberg mining industry before its closure. By the way: touching is allowed here!

Pinge (large mining hole)

The Pinge borders closely on the Altenberg city area. With its enormous dimensions of about 400 m diameter and 150 m depth, it is one of the most impressive mining monuments in the region. During a guided mining hike, an overwhelming view into the depths of the Pinge is possible from a viewing platform directly on the edge of the Pinge, which is not open to the public.

Address

Mühlenstraße 2
01773 Altenberg

Contact

Tel: +49 (0) 35056 / 3 17 03

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Opening hours

Daily except Friday 10 am to 4 pm

Prices

Museum with guided tour of the tunnel: adults 7 Euro, reduced 4 Euro, family ticket 18 Euro Museum: adults 4 Euro, reduced 3 Euro, family ticket 11 Euro

The Euroregion Culture Card is valid here.

Offers

guided toursshopspecial exhibitions

Guided tours of tunnels and historical tin washery with demonstration of the technical apparatus Mineral washing (May to October) Guided tours to Altenberg Sinkhole (May to October)

Mineral washing, miner's exam, thematic guided tours

Information sheets in Czech and English Guided tours for groups in Czech by previous arrangement

limited handicapped accessible

Arrival

From the railway station Altenberg directions_railway directions_bus it is about 1,5 km to the museum.

From the bus stop "Platz des Bergmanns, Altenberg" directions_railway directions_bus it is about 700 m to the museum. The bus stop "Siedlung, Altenberg" directions_railway directions_bus is only 200 m away, but it is served much less frequently.

Parking facilities are available near the museum

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