Reiche Silvermine

Mining in Saxony had its origin in Freiberg. The Saxon “mining capital” developed quickly out of the farming village of Christiansdorf, where in 1168 the first silver ore in the region was discovered. Extensive mining led to the extraction of rich ores, not only silver but also lead, zinc and copper. In addition to numerous mines and iron works came the foundation of an electoral mint and the Mining Academy, which still enjoys a good reputation as Technical University.

Among the witnesses to mining, the visitors’ educational mine “Himmelfahrt Fundgrube”, which belongs to the Mining Academy, should be mentioned. The “Reiche Zeche” mine provides an opportunity to explore Freiberg metal ore mining from the 14th to the 19th century in thematic rides. The “Alte Elisabeth” mine presents some still functional mining technology – and an organ! This too is part of mining and it is not an entire coincidence that the organ builder Gottfried Silbermann had his famous workshop in Freiberg.

The mine is part of the Mining Cultural Landscape Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří World Heritage Site.