Besucherbergwerk Alte Hoffnung Erbstolln
Show mine in the Zschopau valley near Mittweida: visitors enter by boat and climb back out via ladder ways (Fahrten).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The show mine is located in Schönborn-Dreiwerden, a district of Rossau near Mittweida. The mine site represents roughly 800 years of mining history in the central Zschopau valley. Water technology is especially significant: from 1843 the first underground turbine of Freiberg mining turned here, a so-called Kreiselradgezeug (circular wheel apparatus), which drove the shaft pumps. The Herrmann-Kunstschacht and the Clementine-Kunst- und Treibeschacht are each 286 meters deep; pump bell cranks (Kunstwinkel) rebuilt at 1:1 scale transfer the movement to the pump rods there.
The roots of today's operator go back to 1949, when young people from Mittweida explored the disused mine workings and founded a youth mining group. In 1978 this became the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Historischer Erzbergbau (working group on historical ore mining) within the Kulturbund of the GDR, which took over parts of the mine in 1979. After 1990 the members founded the Verein Alte Hoffnung Erbstolln e.V., which continues the work and runs the mine as a show mine. Since then more than 100,000 guests have visited the mine; the volunteer team has contributed well over 200,000 working hours to its upkeep.
On the standard tour, visitors walk to the adit mouth wearing a helmet, smock and miner's lamp, then travel by boat into the mountain. Visitors see the historic overshot water-power installation (Aufschlagwasseranlage), the pump shafts and hand work with hammer and chisel. Since 1994, a concert has been held underground every year at year's end.
Highlights
- Entering the mine by boat
- First underground turbine of Freiberg mining (circular wheel apparatus from 1843)
- Two 286 m deep pump shafts with 1:1 scale replica pump bell cranks
- Demonstration of hammer and chisel work underground
- Annual concert underground
Permanent exhibition
- Standardbefahrung mit Bootseinfahrt – Tour through 19th-century water technology, with pump shafts, pump bell cranks and a demonstration of hammer-and-chisel work.
- Operated by
- Alte Hoffnung Erbstolln e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €7Children aged 6 to 14. |
Prices for the standard tour. Cash payment only.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- 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
Entry is by boat; the ascent is via several ladder ways (Fahrten) in the shaft.
Kids & families
Recommended for ages 6+
The tour is possible from age 6; the extended tour from age 12.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The standard tour, with boat entry and exit via ladders, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Minimum age 6; sturdy footwear and hard-wearing clothing are required; helmet, smock and miner's lamp are provided. Underground the temperature is 8 to 11 °C. By arrangement, an extended tour is available (from age 12, good fitness, no claustrophobia, own old clothing and rubber boots). |
