Bergwerksmuseum Grube Samson
Mining museum at the World Heritage Samson mine in St. Andreasberg: guided mine tour with a Fahrkunst (man-engine) and waterwheels, and a museum with models and minerals.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Samson mine is a mine more than 500 years old in St. Andreasberg and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Harz. It shows historic Upper Harz ore mining and its energy supply through water power. Original technology such as waterwheels and the Fahrkunst, a rod system for lowering and raising miners, can still be seen today. The site is run by Barsch und Schärf GbR.
The mine tour lasts about 60 minutes and ends in the adjoining mining museum. The museum gives insights into historical mining, ore processing, and the working and living conditions of miners and their families in the "Bergstaat" (mining community). Particularly valuable are models more than 100 years old that illustrate how the technical installations worked.
In 2020 the museum was renovated, technically upgraded and reconceived in content. New bilingual analog and digital models explain mining and water management interactively; a Fahrkunst simulation lets guests experience the descent, for which the shaft was scanned in 3D. Minerals from the famous "Schatzkästchen" (treasure chest) of St. Andreasberg complete the display.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Samson mine with waterwheels and Fahrkunst
- Mine tour with 88 steps and an 88-meter-long tunnel
- 3D Fahrkunst simulation to experience yourself
- Functional models more than 100 years old
- Minerals from St. Andreasberg
- Media guide in English, Dutch and Danish
Permanent exhibition
- Bergwerksmuseum Grube Samson – Models, minerals and a Fahrkunst simulation on ore mining, ore processing and the life of miners in the Upper Harz.
- Operated by
- Barsch und Schärf GbR
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 15; under 5s free |
| Mine tour incl. museum, adults (with guest card) | €10without guest card €12 |
| Mine tour incl. museum, reduced | €9Pupils over 15, students, trainees, unemployed people, people with disabilities, and companions with a "B" or "H" marker |
| Mine tour incl. museum, children aged 5–15 (with guest card) | €6without guest card €7 |
| Combo Samson & Catharina Neufang, adults (with guest card) | €15without guest card €18; valid only for both tours on the same day |
| Combo Samson & Catharina Neufang, reduced | €13 |
| Combo Samson & Catharina Neufang, children aged 10–15 (with guest card) | €10without guest card €11 |
| Individual group tour (minimum price) | €140by advance booking only |
Anyone who has booked a mine tour can visit the museum afterwards for free. Children under 5 and Harz Card holders pay nothing for the tour. Card and mobile payments are accepted.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair ramps lead to the shaft building, the winding houses and the museum; the museum has a smooth floor that is easy to navigate. Access to the mine underground is via protected historic stairs of up to 88 steps with handrails, and the tunnel is about 150 cm high at its lowest point. Tactile models (e.g. of the Fahrkunst); accessible toilet on the outdoor grounds, opened with a code or Euro key. Dogs are welcome after registration at 05582 1249.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
No age limit for the tour; strollers are only possible aboveground. Children aged 5 to 15 pay reduced prices.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Schützenstraße / Schulstraße · 10-min walk
Nearest bus stops Schützenstraße and Schulstraße; train stations in Bad Harzburg and Herzberg. Guests with a guest ticket can use the Harz bus lines (HATIX) free of charge.
By car
Parking available
Car parking directly in front of the mine next to the sports field; further parking for cars and buses a few meters away, between the Glückauf school and the sports field. Bicycles can be locked up.
St. Andreasberg lies at about 600 m altitude, with some very steep roads. GPS: N 51° 42′ 47″, E 10° 30′ 57″.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
- Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi "Samson_free_WiFi"; helmets and backpacks can be stored. Café in the nearby National Park House St. Andreasberg.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN, NL, DA) |
| Photography | Permitted for private purposes |
| Good to know | The mine can only be visited as part of a public guided tour (11:00 and 14:30, about 60 minutes plus about 30 minutes in the museum). Tickets go on sale 10 minutes before the tour starts; advance registration is only required for groups of 10 or more. The mine is about 8 °C. Free media guide in English, Dutch and Danish; English-language tours for groups by advance booking. Strollers are only possible aboveground. |
