Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen

About the museum

In the upper Obertal near Schladming, nickel was once extracted and processed. The former smelting furnace in the Hopfriesen survives as a ruin and is an important testimony to the mining history of the Schladming Tauern. It is closely linked to the nearby former silver mine Bromriesen and belongs to the mining landscape of the valley.

The ruin was converted into a museum: a modern glass-and-steel structure shaped like a prism has been inserted into the historic walls and appears from outside like a walk-in display case. The choice of materials picks up two elements that played a role in extracting and processing nickel. Contemporary art illustrates the building's former function; mining and water experiences were central themes from the planning stage.

The exhibition shows what was once made from the metal and what it is used for today, from tea chests to prosthetic legs. For children, the little mountain goblin “Nicki” points out items with something to discover. The house is located on the Schmelzofenrunde and the Knappenweg; nearby is a children's mine adit (Kinderstollen).

Highlights

• Modern glass structure set into the masonry of the historic nickel smelting furnace
• Exhibition on nickel extraction and objects made of nickel
• Mountain goblin “Nicki” guides children through the exhibition
• Children's mine adit and hiking trails (Schmelzofenrunde, Knappenweg) nearby
• Free admission with the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung im ehemaligen Nickelschmelzofen – Permanent exhibition in the glass display case on the mining history of the Schladming region and the uses of nickel.

Operated by

Stadtgemeinde Schladming

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The mountain goblin “Nicki” explains to children the origin of the name nickel in the exhibition and shows pieces to discover; nearby is a children's mine adit.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the end of the Obertal; from Schladming via Rohrmoos and Untertal into the Obertal, until the end of the paved road.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit