Edelsteinminen Steinkaulenberg
Show mine in Idar-Oberstein with a guided tour through old gemstone tunnels and digging fields where guests can search for stones themselves.
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About the museum
The rock of the Steinkaulenberg formed more than 250 million years ago as volcanic rock. Since the late Middle Ages, people have dug here underground for agate, amethyst, jasper and rock crystal. The finds laid the foundation for the gemstone industry that developed in and around Idar-Oberstein. Commercial mining ended in 1875.
Today the path of the gemstone can be traced in two places: in the Steinkaulenberg, in the middle of a nature reserve, the tunnels show the mining; in the Historische Weiherschleife in town, the further processing. The Edelsteinminen are regarded as the only gemstone mines in Europe that visitors can enter. They are operated by Edelsteinminen GmbH.
The visitor tunnel is about 400 meters long. On the tour, guides explain how the stones formed and how they were mined, while spotlights illuminate agates, rock crystals, amethysts and smoky quartz. Above ground, visitors can search for stones themselves on the Edelsteincamp and the digging fields and take their finds home.
Highlights
- Guided tour through the roughly 400 m long visitor tunnel
- Agates, rock crystals, amethysts and smoky quartz in the rock
- Edelsteincamp for digging yourself, with pickaxe and spade
- Digging fields with minerals from around the world, especially for children
- Audio guides in several languages
- Operated by
- Edelsteinminen GmbH
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9.20 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.55Young people aged 6 to 16, people with disabilities, students and unemployed people (with ID) |
| Children & teens | €7.55free up to age 5 · Children under 6 are free when accompanied by family; in groups they pay €5. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7.55With ID. |
| Students & apprentices | €7.55With ID. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7 per personFrom 10 people; school classes pay €6 per person. For groups of 20 or more, 2 people (supervisors, bus drivers) enter free. |
| Edelsteincamp / digging field (2 hrs) – adults and young people from 16 | €12.50Pickaxe and spade are provided; stones found may be taken home. |
| Edelsteincamp / digging field (2 hrs) – children and young people up to 15 | €9.20 |
Prices for the visitor tunnel (guided tour). The regional guest and family card is valid only in the visitor tunnel, not on the Edelsteincamp or the digging field.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- 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
In the tunnel, the paths are concrete and step-free. The forest path from the parking area to the mine is paved but has inclines; a companion is recommended for wheelchair users. Dogs are allowed only in the visitor tunnel, not on the camp and digging fields.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
The digging fields are mainly intended for children and young people and are stocked daily with minerals from around the world; there is no age limit, but younger children should be supported by an adult. Children under 6 are exempt from the tunnel admission when accompanied by family.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Edelsteinminen
Bus line 803 from the station forecourt in Idar-Oberstein.
By car
Parking available · 15-min walk to the entrance
From the visitor car park, a footpath leads to the mine in about 15 minutes (first towards the forest; at the highest point turn left onto the Geological Trail, and after about 300 m, the kiosk is at the mine).
In the satnav, enter only "Im Stäbel, 55743 Idar-Oberstein" and follow the "Edelsteinminen" signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Kiosk at the entrance to the mine.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN, FR, PL, NL, DA, ZH) |
| Good to know | The visitor tunnel can only be seen as part of a guided tour; tours start every 30 minutes. At busy times, waiting times of up to 60 minutes are possible; guests are taken in order of arrival. Inside the tunnel the temperature is 10 to 12 °C; street clothing is sufficient, and a safety helmet is provided. Groups up to 25 people. Audio guides are available via the app "Hearonymus" (search for "Idar-Oberstein"). For the Edelsteincamp and digging field, bring a bucket, gloves and sturdy footwear. |
