Besucherbergwerk Grube Anna-Elisabeth
Historic silver and vitriol mine on the edge of Schriesheim, with tours on Sundays and public holidays and an adventure tour with a ladder descent.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Anna-Elisabeth mine was first mentioned in records in 1473 and is considered a roughly 500-year-old mine. Silver was mined here until the mid-16th century; an Electoral Palatinate mining ordinance of 1528 shows the mine and the town on its title page. After it closed in 1545 it lay idle for a long time. From 1701, vitriol ore was extracted to produce iron vitriol, until operations ended in 1817. Outbuildings from the 18th century have been preserved.
In the final years of the war the mine served as an air-raid shelter and afterwards fell into disrepair. In 1985 the mine and its outbuildings were placed under monument protection, prompted by committed citizens of Schriesheim, from whose initiative the Bergwerksverein Schriesheim (mining club) emerged. The club members reopened old shafts and adits; since 1988 the mine has been accessible as a show mine. Research and expansion continue to this day.
The walk leads across three levels through adits, enlarged sections and shafts, and takes a good hour. Those who want more can sign up for the adventure tour, which descends by ladder to the lowest level, 18 meters deeper. The temperature inside the mountain is about 12 °C.
Highlights
- Roughly 500-year-old silver and vitriol mine
- Tour across three levels through adits and enlarged sections
- Adventure tour with ladder descent to the lowest level (by reservation)
- Outbuildings from the 18th century under monument protection
- Mine festival and kiosk on Sundays and public holidays
Permanent exhibition
- Besucherbergwerk Grube Anna-Elisabeth – The guided tour shows adits, shafts and enlarged sections of a former silver and vitriol mine, and how the miners worked.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Bergwerksverein Schriesheim e. V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €6.50free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 14. |
| Seniors | –No senior concession listed. |
| Students & apprentices | –No student concession listed. |
| Groups | –Group tours: minimum charge of €80 if the admission fees of all participants do not reach that amount. |
| Adventure tour with ladder descent (by reservation only, not on Sundays or public holidays) | €12Children aged 12 to 14 pay €9; minimum charge of €90 per tour; duration about 2 hours 15 minutes; clothing that can get dirty is required. |
A standard tour takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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 underground area is visited via paths and stairs. There are parking spaces for people with disabilities and a visitor toilet.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties in the mine are possible as a special tour; the town of Schriesheim describes the visit as suitable for all age groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Edelstein
The "Edelstein" bus stop is directly at the mine.
By car
Parking available · 10-min walk to the entrance
Drivers are asked to park in the area of the festival ground; from there it is about a 10-minute walk.
- Accessible parking
The mine is located on Talstraße (house number 157) in Schriesheim, at the A 5 exit Ladenburg/Schriesheim. Because of construction work, access from the town center is currently only possible through the Branichtunnel.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
On Sundays and public holidays there is a kiosk and a restaurant serving food and drinks, and mining souvenirs and minerals are sold. Food and drinks brought from outside may not be consumed. Catering for group tours on request.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The temperature inside the mountain is about 12 °C; warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Cancelling special tours is free of charge up to 3 days in advance; after that a flat fee of €45 applies. For groups of more than 20 people with a second guide, an additional €20 applies if fewer than 20 people turn up and this was not reported in time. |
