| The exciting journey through time into the silver past of Schwaz begins with a highlight: the ride on railway 800 metres down into Sigmund Erbstollen struck in 1491. An experienced mine guide welcomes visitors with a typical miner’s “Glück Auf!" and accompanies them through the dense network of galleries on the trail of the courageous treasure seekers. The Schwaz miners had the best expertise in mining, and made Schwaz into the largest mining metropolis in Central Europe and the second-largest built-up area in the Habsburg Empire – only Vienna was larger.
In its heyday, more than 85% of the silver traded in the world was mined in Schwaz by over 10,000 miners. The wealth produced by mining in Schwaz resulted in the first Guldiner being stamped at the mint in Hall – the dollar was born!
Guided tour and Miners’ Play
The classic tour (duration 90 minutes) takes visitors through the rough life of the Schwaz miners to the time of silver's heyday, and gives an insight into the important role played by Schwaz in the Middle Ages. The history of the mine is presented theatrically in the Schwaz Miner’s Play (for groups of 20 to 40 people): A history play transforms the gallery into a stage and presents the most important scenes of Tyrolean history during the Middle Ages. Appointments on request.
From subterranean treasures to above-ground splendour: the Schwaz Planetarium is located right next door and offer a wonderful addition to the experience in the mine! |