Schaubergwerk Büchenberg

About the museum

Iron ore was mined around Elbingerode as early as the Middle Ages, initially in shallow pits. Underground mining at the Büchenberg pit began in 1936 under Mannesmann, mainly to supply the armaments industry. A material cableway about 8.65 kilometers long, built between 1937 and 1940, carried the ore to Minsleben, from where it went by rail to Salzgitter for smelting.

After the end of the war, the nationalized mine continued operating from 1946; its ore now went to the low-shaft furnace plant in Calbe an der Saale, built specifically for that purpose. In the late 1950s the cableway received steel pylons. Because imported ore from the Soviet Union was cheaper, mining ended on April 30, 1970. The cableway was dismantled; only the first pylon and the drive unit survived.

After preparations dating back to the 1980s, the show mine opened on October 7, 1989. Since 1993 it has also been accessible to wheelchair users; in 2006 the town of Elbingerode leased out its operation. The guided route, about 600 meters long, leads from the cableway cellar past ore bunkers and the hoisting shaft to the mining area, where the original machines from the 1950s and 1960s are shown in operation. The Elbingerode mining trail starts at the mine.

Highlights

• Preserved drive unit of what was once Europe's longest ore cableway, demonstrated during the tour
• Original mining machines such as overhead loaders, ore scrapers and rock drills in action
• Colorful geological outcrop with several rock types in a small space
• Mining area right in the middle of the red iron ore deposit
• Starting point of the Elbingerode mining trail

Founded

1989

Operated by

Ralf Melzer (Pächter)

Admission & discounts

Prices per tour, valid since May 1, 2019. Cash only, no card payments.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the operator, also accessible to wheelchair users (since 1993); access underground is via a staircase along the old cableway entrance – please check details by phone in advance. Dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

Food and drinks available in the reception building during opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Group events underground in the "Tzscherperraum": foreman's meal during the day, Tzscherperessen as an evening event with live music; inquiries via the office.

Plan your visit