Goldmuseum Theuern
Private specialist museum in Theuern near Schalkau on the history, geology and extraction of gold – with gold panning courses in the Thuringian Forest.
About the museum
The Goldmuseum was founded by geologist Markus Schade, who, after studying in Moscow, worked for many years in Thuringian uranium mining and has been searching for gold since childhood. In 1982 he made the first modern-day discovery of placer gold in Thuringia. On September 19, 1997, he opened what he describes as Germany's first gold museum in Theuern on the Grümpen, one of the most gold-rich streams in the Thuringian Forest.
The region has a long gold tradition: the Celts probably maintained a fortified settlement on the nearby Herrenberg even before the start of the Common Era; in the Middle Ages gold in the Thuringian Slate Mountains triggered a veritable rush, and mining near Steinheid continued until around 1590. Later attempts to revive it ended in the 19th century.
The exhibition is divided into three sections on the history, geology and extraction of gold in Thuringia, Germany and worldwide. It follows the metal's journey from invisible trace element to visible find. Guided tours end with a gold panning demonstration. In addition, the museum offers courses and excursions to original find sites and sees itself as a point of contact for experts and hobby gold prospectors. According to the museum, more than 100,000 visitors have come since it opened.
Highlights
- According to the museum, Germany's first gold museum
- Three sections on the history, geology and extraction of gold
- Gold panning demonstration at the end of the guided tour
- Gold panning courses and excursions to original find sites
- Admission can also be paid in gold
Permanent exhibitions
- Gold – Geschichte, Geologie und Gewinnung – Three sections explain how gold forms, where it occurs in Thuringia and around the world, and how it was and is extracted.
- Founded
- 1997
- Operated by
- Dr. Markus Schade (privat)
- Director
- Dr. Markus Schade
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 6 · Young people up to age 18 €1 (or 0.1 g of gold); children up to age 6 free. |
| Families | –For three or more siblings (up to age 18), the children get free admission. |
| Gold panning demonstration at an original find site (up to 1.5 hours) | €110Per group of up to 10 people, including museum tour; each additional person €5. |
| Beginner gold panning course, mini group (up to 1.5 hours) | €110For 1–3 people, minimum age 8. |
| Beginner gold panning course, maxi group (up to 2 hours) | €150For 4–10 people, minimum age 8. |
| Gold pit tour near Steinheid (up to 2 hours) | €150Per group of up to 8 people, minimum age 14. |
| Prospecting course (up to 2 hours) | €300Per group of up to 4 people, minimum age 14. |
Admission can optionally be paid in gold: adults 0.2 g, young people 0.1 g. Advanced courses €150 (groups of up to 5 people).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties with gold panning. Hands-on gold panning courses from age 8, advanced courses and excursions from age 14; no minimum age for demonstrations only.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Geo and gold shop with specialist literature, sale and rental of gold panning equipment; children's birthday parties with gold panning.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The tour ends with a gold panning demonstration. Courses and excursions take place in any weather; rubber boots and weatherproof clothing are recommended, and any gold found belongs to the finder. Register by phone or email. |
