Bergbaumuseum Maffeischächte

About the museum

The Nitzlbuch mine, with the Maffei twin-shaft complex, was Bavaria's most important iron ore mine. Mining ran from 1906 until the mine was shut down on July 29, 1978; in that time about 16 million tonnes of iron ore, mostly brown and white ore, were brought up from the mountain. The name commemorates Hugo Ritter von Maffei, chairman of the supervisory board of the Maxhütte from 1882 to 1921.

After the closure the site was initially left to its own devices. In 2002 the Maffeispiele friends' association (Förderverein) was founded; since 2005 it has run the facilities as a museum, entirely on a volunteer basis. The two shafts, up to 137 meters deep, have been backfilled; the winding towers are considered the oldest steel winding towers in Bavaria and are under heritage protection.

The museum includes an experience tunnel (Erlebnisschaustollen), restored machines and engines, and information columns on the history of ore mining in Auerbach. The grounds also host a summer cultural program, "Maffeispiele", and in Advent the "Grubenzauber".

Highlights

• Oldest steel winding towers in Bavaria, under heritage protection
• Experience tunnel with overhead loader, mine fan and rock drill
• Guided tour via QR code and information columns on the grounds
• Miniature railway ride around the mine grounds
• Summer cultural program Maffeispiele and Grubenzauber

Permanent exhibition

• Museum zum Anfassen: Erlebnisschaustollen und Bergwerksanlagen – Experience tunnel with machines in operation, historic winding towers and operating buildings, plus information on ore mining in Auerbach and the mine's closure.

Operated by

Förderverein Maffeispiele Auerbach e. V.

Admission & discounts

Prices for 2026. Guided tours for school classes on request.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Visitors can operate the rock drill themselves in the experience tunnel; the highlight for children is the ride on the miniature railway around the mine grounds.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

On visitor Sundays there are snacks, coffee and cake.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

Plan your visit