Besucherbergwerk Kamsdorf

About the museum

Ore was mined for centuries in the district between Saalfeld and Könitz – first copper, then silver in the Middle Ages and, from the 18th century, mainly iron ore. The “Vereinigte Reviere Kamsdorf” mining union later passed to the Maximilianshütte; underground mining continued until 1958, after which only open-cast mining remained.

In 1994 the Kamsdorf association for the preservation of mining traditions was founded, and in 2001 it opened the disused mine to visitors. The circular route leads through workings from some 300 years of mining, including sections used as an underground armaments factory in the Second World War and where a civil defence facility was to be built from 1984.

Since 2010, parts of the first level can also be explored by original mine railway, revealing the large chambers of the room-and-pillar workings. Above ground, the association has set up a small mining museum in the former mine management building, with tools, mine surveying instruments and minerals. The site also includes the preserved Shaft 04, with a winding engine in the engine house that has been restored to working order, and a mining educational trail about five kilometres long.

Highlights

• Guided tour through 300 years of ore mining underground
• Ride on the original mine railway (Sundays)
• Shaft 04 with a working winding engine
• Mining museum with a mineral exhibition
• Mining educational trail around the mining district

Permanent exhibitions

• Besucherbergwerk „Vereinigte Reviere Kamsdorf“ – Guided tour through the workings of the copper, silver and iron ore mines, with a mine railway ride through the large chambers of the first level on request.
• Bergbaumuseum am Schacht 04 – Small exhibition of mining tools, surveying instruments and minerals from the district, plus the preserved shaft complex with its winding engine.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Kamsdorfer Verein zur Pflege der Bergbautradition e.V.

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the tour on foot; tours including a mine railway ride cost more in each case (see individual prices). Card payment is currently not possible. Gift vouchers available. Special tours off the visitor circuit with your own equipment by arrangement.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 temperature in the mine is around 9 °C all year round; sturdy footwear and warm clothing are necessary.

Kids & families

Children aged 5 to 14 pay a reduced admission, younger children are free; family ticket available.

Getting there & parking

Satnav address: Grubensteig 4, 07333 Unterwellenborn (district of Kamsdorf).

Amenities & dining

• Café

Reviercafé in the historic Revierhaus next to the show mine, Wednesday–Sunday from 14:00 (tel. 03671 6298010).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit