Besucherbergwerk Zinnkammern Pöhla e.V.

About the museum

In the Ore Mountains, people have mined iron, tin, and later silver and other ores since the early Middle Ages. The SDAG Wismut only arrived in Pöhla in 1967. Drilling in the 1950s and 1960s had revealed large deposits of uranium, tin, tungsten, iron and silver, and Wismut drove a main adit about 8 kilometers long to the foot of the Fichtelberg.

At about 3,000 meters, the adit reached the tin deposit "Hämmerlein"; in 1976/77 the tin chambers were driven there as an experimental mine. The real goal, however, remained the uranium ore of the Tellerhäuser deposit, which was mined from 1979. With the Wende (political turnaround), Wismut mining in the Ore Mountains came to an end, and in 1991 the deposit began to be flooded.

The tin chambers have been preserved as a unique testimony to Wismut history. They have been accessible as a show mine operated by the association since 1992. The largest chambers are about 45 meters long, 12 meters high and 10 meters wide. The association also uses the good acoustics for concerts, Bergvespern and Mettenschichten underground.

Highlights

• Largest tin chambers in Europe (about 45 × 12 × 10 m)
• 3,000 m ride by mine railway
• Demonstration of Wismut drilling, loading and support technology
• Laser show "Faszination Bergwerk im Laserlicht"
• Concerts, Bergvespern and Mettenschichten underground

Permanent exhibition

• Grubenfahrt zu den Zinnkammern – Guided ride by mine railway to the "Hämmerlein" deposit, with a demonstration of drilling, loading and support work and a visit to the huge tin chambers.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Besucherbergwerk Zinnkammern Pöhla e.V.

Admission & discounts

All prices are per person. Card payment is possible on site.

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

For people with limitations, the association recommends registering in advance and arranging the visit with them. According to the association, the descent and the walkways underground are very senior-friendly.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 6+

Children from age 6 can take the descent.

Getting there & parking

The meeting point is the Huthaus, Luchsbachtal 19 in Pöhla. The Pöhla–Rittersgrün mining educational trail begins at the show mine.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

According to the association, the tin chambers and other areas are suitable for events such as weddings and concerts; inquiries go to the association.

Plan your visit