Harzer Roller-Kanarien-Museum

About the museum

For a long time, Sankt Andreasberg in the Upper Harz was the centre of canary breeding in the Harz. The small finch had reached the region via trade routes and miners from Tyrol; in the mining town many families bred the birds and taught the males a particularly soft, rolling song. The “Harzer Roller” thus became a trademark, and the birds were sold by the thousand as far as America. With the First World War this trade largely collapsed, and today only a few enthusiasts keep up the breeding.

To recall this tradition, the Harzer Roller-Kanarien-Museum was opened in 2001. It is located in the shaft building of the historic ore mine Grube Samson, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Harz Water Management System, and is run together with the mine and the mine museum.

The exhibition shows how the birds were bred and trained to sing, how cages and transport boxes were made and by what routes the birds reached all parts of the world. Another theme is the role of canaries as warning birds in mining, where they warned miners of dangerous gases. The museum also provides information on present-day breeders of the breed.

Highlights

• History of canary breeding in Sankt Andreasberg
• How the birds were taught to sing
• Canaries as warning birds in mining
• Cage building and trade as far as America
• Located in the shaft building of the World Heritage Grube Samson

Permanent exhibition

• Harzer Roller – Kanarienzucht in Sankt Andreasberg – Permanent exhibition on the breeding, song training and trade of the Harzer Roller and on the importance of canaries as warning birds underground.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Grube Samson (Barsch und Schärf GbR)

Director

Hans-Günter Schärf und Christian Barsch (Museumsleitung Grube Samson)

Admission & discounts

Tickets are available at the ticket desk at the entrance of the Grube Samson mine museum; a team member then accompanies visitors to the shaft building. The mine museum has its own admission (€5, children €4).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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

The museum can only be reached via two steep wooden staircases; if necessary, contact the team before visiting. Dogs (including guide and assistance dogs) are welcome on the grounds; please call ahead briefly. Accessible toilets are available at the Tourist Information in Sankt Andreasberg.

Kids & families

Children under 5 have free admission; because of the steep stairs, the museum is not accessible with a pushchair.

Getting there & parking

Navigation address: Am Samson 2, 37444 Sankt Andreasberg. The way from the bus stop is mostly downhill; Sankt Andreasberg has very steep streets.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

Mineral shop at the Grube Samson. A small café is in the Nationalparkhaus Sankt Andreasberg, about 50 m below. Helmets and rucksacks can be stored during the visit. Public toilets at the sports field next door.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The Grube Samson organises company outings, corporate events and Christmas parties, and rents out seminar and event rooms.

Plan your visit