Knappenwelt Gurgltal

About the museum

For centuries, lead and zinc ore was mined in the Gurgltal; traces of this reach from the Middle Ages into the early modern period, and the last adits at the Dirstentritt were only abandoned in 1952. The Knappenwelt commemorates this mining history. It was established in 2007 as part of an Interreg project and has welcomed visitors since 2008.

On the grounds at the foot of the Tschirgant stand reconstructed mining buildings, where the path of the ore from the adit to further processing can be followed: mine house (Grubenhaus), miners' house (Knappenhaus), ore-sorting room (Scheidstube), stamp mill (Pochwerk), forge (Schmiede), ore yard (Erzhof) and a walk-in tunnel (Stollen). In later years, further buildings were added, such as a bake oven, a pottery kiln, a sutler's canteen (Marketenderei) and a chapel, which are also used for festivities and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

After the chance discovery of an early modern woman's burial in the Strader Wald in 2008, known as the Healer of the Gurgltal, a second museum was set up on the grounds, which opened in 2013. It displays the archaeological finds with their grave goods and is devoted to everyday life in the 17th century, but also to difficult topics such as persecution and witch trials. Operations are largely carried by the Knappenwelt association.

Highlights

• Reconstructed miners' village with stamp mill, forge and ore yard
• Walk-in tunnel with historical mining and timbering techniques
• Museum of the Healer of the Gurgltal with archaeological finds
• Adventure playground, gold panning and puzzle booklet with mascot Maxl
• Located directly on the Via Claudia Augusta

Permanent exhibitions

• Knappendorf – Replica mining buildings and a walk-in tunnel show the work, the processing of ore and the daily life of miners in the Gurgltal.
• Museum der Heilerin vom Gurgltal – Specialist archaeological museum on the early modern woman's burial in the Strader Wald, with grave goods, media and insights into folk medicine and persecution.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Knappenweltverein

Admission & discounts

Admission is free with the Urlaub(s)Pass of the Imst Guest Card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The grounds are designed to be as low-barrier as possible, but because of the slope there are steps, narrow doors and steep gradients; a companion is recommended for wheelchair users.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The mascot Maxl accompanies visitors around the grounds; the mining book leads through the Knappenwelt as a letter puzzle. There is also an adventure playground, gold panning, afternoons for children and programs for school classes.

Getting there & parking

The Knappenwelt lies directly on the Via Claudia Augusta cycle path, with bicycle parking at the entrance. The riverside path from the Strader Brücke is often not passable by car in bad weather.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Souvenirs and small refreshments are available in the mine house (entrance); catering for groups on request, and nearby restaurants can be arranged.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Available for rent: the miners' house (from €250), the miners' house with café area including bar and sutler's canteen (from €350), and the entire grounds including the playground (from €550). Overnight stays on straw bedding in the miners' house for up to 27 people are possible (€20 per person, €25 with breakfast).

Plan your visit