Besucherbergwerk Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen

About the museum

Alexander von Humboldt planned the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen in 1793, when he was responsible for mining in the then Prussian Principality of Bayreuth as chief mining officer in nearby Steben. It is the only mine that goes back to Humboldt as its founder. The adit was named after the then reigning Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm II. It took 38 years to complete: in 1831 it reached a length of about 975 meters.

The adit served mainly as a drainage adit meant to drain the higher-lying Lichtenberger Friedensgrube mine, while iron and copper ores were also mined. Plans to make it navigable by boat were prepared but not carried out; traces of them can still be seen. Operations ceased in 1857, and about a hundred years later fluorspar was extracted for a good decade. The former mine building (Zechenhaus) long served as an inn.

Today a friends' association with volunteer mine guides runs the show mine. The tours begin with a short film and then lead, with helmet and protective clothing, into the adit, where the topics are geology and the mining technology of the late 18th century. After an old collapse was broken through in 2019, the tour route was extended following almost ten years of work. The ticket desk and information center are in a barn on the former mine grounds; the adit is a listed monument, a geotope and part of the Geopark Schieferland.

Highlights

• The only mine founded by Alexander von Humboldt
• Drainage adit about 975 meters long, built 1793–1831
• Extended tour route with insights into geology
• Gem digging for children
• Mine locomotive with mine cars at the adit

Permanent exhibitions

• Führungsstrecke im Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen – Guided walk into the historic drainage adit with explanations of geology, Humboldt's planning and mining technology around 1800; the route was recently extended.

Operated by

Förderverein Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen e. V.

Admission & discounts

Cash only 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

Parts of the adit have grated walkways with water flowing beneath. Dogs may come along if all group participants agree.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Gem digging for children (€3), children's birthday parties and flashlight tours on request; children of school age pay €6, school classes and daycare groups €4.

Getting there & parking

The mine is located on the state road from Lichtenberg to Blechschmidtenhammer at the exit of the Höllental valley, directly next to the former Gasthaus Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen. Connection to the geology and mining educational trail as well as hiking trails into the Höllental.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available

The former inn in the mine building next to the adit is closed. Ticket desk and information center in a barn on the mine grounds.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit