Rabensteiner Stollen

About the museum

In the Harz, a region shaped by ore mining, the hard coal deposit at the Rabenstein near Ilfeld is a geological exception. The seam was discovered in 1737; however, because of disputes over ownership rights, small quantities and mediocre coal quality, mining was never truly profitable and mainly served to supply the local population.

After several periods of operation in the 18th and 19th centuries, the mine was restarted in 1921 with new technology but shut down again as early as 1924. Coal was mined here one last time in the postwar years up to 1949 as emergency fuel. Remnants of the seam survive to this day.

Since 1981 the gallery has been open as a show mine and technical monument, and since 1990 a friends' association has been running it. Visitors ride into the mountain on the mine train and then walk about 600 meters through old tunnels and mining areas. Above ground, a small exhibition in the pithead building provides information on hard coal mining in the Harz, and the outdoor area displays mine locomotives and mining equipment.

Highlights

• Ride in on the "Rabenstein-Express" mine train
• Visible hard coal seam and historic 18th-century workings
• Compressed-air machines in operation and a rail bicycle underground
• Fossil hunting on the spoil heap
• Candlelight mine tours between Christmas and New Year
• Dining underground in the Steigerbucht

Permanent exhibitions

• Grubenführung unter Tage – Take the mine train to the underground station, then walk to the coal seam, fossils, old mining tunnels and running compressed-air machines.
• Ausstellung und Freigelände über Tage – A small exhibition on Harz hard coal mining in the pithead building; outside, mine locomotives and hoisting and mining equipment.

Founded

1981

Operated by

Rabensteiner Stollen e.V.

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the History Tour; themed and experience tours cost more. Tickets are valid only for the booked time slot and cannot be canceled. Free parking, restrooms and photography included in the price.

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

Underground, the paths are narrow, partly uneven and damp, with stairs and a height difference of around 20 m; not suitable for wheelchairs, rollators, strollers or back carriers (baby slings are possible). A visit underground is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available

No age restriction for the mine ride. Dedicated Family Adventure Tour with hands-on activities (rail bike, candlelight walk, trying out old machines and tools); children receive a mining diploma. Strollers and back carriers are not suitable underground, baby wraps are.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Museum bistro with a coffee garden in the Zechenhaus, museum shop. For groups, a miners' meal underground in the Steigerbucht.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit