Erzgruben Burgberg

About the museum

Iron ore was already being mined on the south side of the Grünten in the Middle Ages; mining is first documented in 1471. Miners from Burgberg initially extracted the ore in open-cast workings and later underground, while charcoal burners supplied charcoal for smelting furnaces and smithies in the surrounding area. Once the railway arrived, cheaper iron was imported, and mining ended in 1859. An attempt to reuse the mines during the Nazi era was unsuccessful; in 1944/45 the entrances were blown up.

Since the 1990s, volunteers have uncovered old mines again; the Historischer Bergbau Allgäu association was founded in 1998. With public funding, the Erlebniswelt am Grünten was built from 2005 and opened in July 2006. Today the municipality of Burgberg looks after the site.

The museum village, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, uses themed huts to show the geology of the Grünten, the tools and work of the miners, and a rebuilt historic smithy. It also includes an outdoor area with a charcoal kiln and blast furnace as well as the partially uncovered Andreas open-cast mine. On guided hikes, visitors enter the Theresien and Anna mines wearing a helmet and lamp.

Highlights

• Guided tour into the historic iron ore tunnels
• Andreas open-cast mine freely accessible
• Themed huts on geology, mining and the smithy
• Charcoal kiln and blast furnace in the outdoor area
• Museum village with free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Museumsdorf Erzgruben – Themed huts on geology, mining and blacksmithing trace the path of iron ore; also an outdoor area with a charcoal kiln and blast furnace as well as the Andreas open-cast mine.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Gemeinde Burgberg im Allgäu

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum village is free, donations welcome. The tunnels can only be accessed with the guided discovery tour (bookable online up to the day before). Cash only in the museum village.

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

The path from the car park to the museum village is paved; within the museum village there are gravel paths, and access to the themed huts by wheelchair or pushchair is difficult. The discovery tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 6+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Playground / play area

Discovery tour recommended from about age 6. Ore mine rally for children (€2) with a castle rally to the Burgberg ruins, a playground in the outdoor area, and in summer a creative workshop, children’s cooking and forging lucky horseshoes.

Getting there & parking

From the car park onwards the road is an alpine track closed to visitor vehicles; no special permits are issued.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

The “Knappenhock” restaurant in the museum village with a sun terrace (traditional snacks, hot dishes, coffee, cake, ice cream); reservations requested for groups.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit