Bergbaumuseum Kupferberg

About the museum

Kupferberg in the Frankenwald is one of the oldest mining towns in the region; according to tradition, copper ore was already being dug here in the 9th century. In the 14th century up to 1,700 miners worked in the mines, and the ore was processed in ten smelters. In 1326 the town received its town charter. Water seeping into the mine remained a constant problem.

Around 1700 the district experienced a second heyday under mining director J. K. Kropf, when a large water-lifting system drained the adits and shafts. Money troubles ended this phase in 1732. Later attempts, including regular mining from 1855, failed again and again because of water; in 1940 came the final end.

To preserve this history, local history enthusiasts and mining enthusiasts founded the association Bergbaumuseum Kupferberg in 1992. The museum first opened in 2000 in a historic stable building in the village center. In 2009 the foundation stone was laid on the grounds of the former St. Veit mine on the edge of town for a show mine, which opened in April 2015; the museum has since moved there.

Today volunteer miners lead visitors on an underground tour of well over 200 meters, during which colorful copper ores can be seen in the old mining area. The exhibition shows ores and minerals from the Kupferberg district, tools, equipment and documents on the lives of miners. The association is a member of the Geopark Schieferland.

Highlights

• Guided tours through the show mine on the grounds of the St. Veit mine
• Underground tour of over 200 meters with a view of colorful copper ores
• Ores, minerals and mining equipment from the Kupferberg district
• Gemstone panning for children
• Traditional Mettenschicht (miners' Christmas service) at the end of the season on October 31

Permanent exhibitions

• Besucherbergwerk St.-Veit-Zeche – Guided tour through an adit of the former St. Veit mine with historic mining equipment and a look into the old mining area with copper ores.
• Bergbaumuseum – Minerals, ores, tools and documents tell of about six centuries of copper mining in Kupferberg and of the daily life of the miners.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Bergbau-Museum Kupferberg e. V.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 museum and parking lot are wheelchair-accessible. The access to the show mine has a 20% gradient and can be managed by wheelchair users only with strong assistance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

For young visitors there are gemstone panning and ice pops.

Getting there & parking

The Bergbau-Erlebniswelt is at the edge of Kupferberg in the direction of Wirsberg, opposite the soccer field. The former museum in the village center has moved here.

Amenities & dining

• Café

On opening days coffee, cake and drinks while supplies last; for groups, extended catering is possible by arrangement.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit