Museum für mittelalterlichen Bergbau im Erzgebirge

About the museum

The Museum für mittelalterlichen Bergbau im Erzgebirge, MiBERZ for short, opened in 2018 in Schloss Dippoldiswalde. Its scientific basis was the German-Czech research project ArchaeoMontan (2012–2018), in which archaeologists, historians, geologists, and surveyors, led by the Landesamt für Archäologie Sachsen, investigated the traces of early silver mining.

The trigger was the discovery of High Medieval mines in Dippoldiswalde and Niederpöbel in 2008. Because mining there was abandoned as early as the Middle Ages and was not overbuilt later, wooden fittings and tools were preserved unusually well in the cold, damp climate. The mines are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Montanregion Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří.

The exhibition, about 300 square meters in size, is located in six vaulted rooms in the basement of the castle, an administrative seat that is medieval at its core, with a Renaissance courtyard façade. It spans the settlement of the Ore Mountains in the 12th century, work underground and life in the mining towns, through smelting, coinage, and environmental consequences. The highlight is a windlass about 800 years old, reassembled from original parts. The MiBERZ, together with the Lohgerber Museum & Galerie, forms the Städtische Museen Dippoldiswalde.

Highlights

• Windlass about 800 years old, made from original parts
• Superbly preserved finds from medieval silver mines
• Virtual ride through the mine and VR station
• Vaulted exhibition rooms in Schloss Dippoldiswalde
• Bilingual exhibition (German/Czech)

Permanent exhibitions

• Mittelalterlicher Silberbergbau im Erzgebirge – Archaeological finds from the Dippoldiswalde mines show work underground, life in the mining towns, and smelting and coinage of the 12th and 13th centuries.

Founded

2018

Operated by

Stadt Dippoldiswalde (Städtische Museen Dippoldiswalde)

Admission & discounts

Free admission for, among others, members of the German and Saxon Museums Associations, ICOM, holders of the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card), and companions of people with severe disabilities.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 exhibition rooms are not accessible; if you need assistance, please get in touch in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Media and audio stations as well as VR glasses in the exhibition. Children's birthday party "Glück Auf!" for ages 5 to 10 (max. 10 children, 120 minutes, register at least 14 days in advance).

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Lockers in the foyer (€1 deposit).

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit