Historisches Besucherbergwerk Bodenmais

About the museum

Mining took place on the Silberberg above Bodenmais in the Bavarian Forest for around five centuries. In 1463 the dukes of Bavaria granted the first mining concession on the mountain. At first the focus was mainly on silver; from the mid-16th century, the production of vitriol gained importance, and from the early 18th century the ore was used to make a red iron oxide that was prized as a polishing agent for mirrors and optical glass. Attempts to extract precious metals in the 19th century were short-lived. Over time, a network of tunnels some 20 kilometers long developed; with more than 80 documented mineral species, the mountain is also considered a significant mineral site.

After changing private and state ownership, mining ended in 1962. As early as 1969, the Barbarastollen tunnel opened for guided tours. In 1997 former employees took over the mine from the previous owner and have run it ever since as the Historisches Besucherbergwerk (historic show mine); since 1998 a side tunnel has also been used for speleotherapy for respiratory diseases.

The tour leads through the Barbarastollen, more than 600 meters long, to the large excavation hall known as the Barbaraverhau. Along the way, the guides explain underground work and operate historic machinery and hoisting equipment. Around the mine, the Silberberg offers a chairlift, a summer toboggan run and places to eat.

Highlights

• Barbarastollen tunnel, more than 600 meters long
• Great Barbaraverhau, a vast excavation hall inside the mountain
• Demonstrations of historic mining machinery and hoisting shafts
• More than 80 mineral species on the Silberberg
• Can be combined with the chairlift and summer toboggan run

Founded

1969

Operated by

Historisches Besucherbergwerk Bodenmais

Admission & discounts

Free admission for adults and children with the aktivCARD Bayerischer Wald. Parking at Barbarastraße 1: €3 per day (camper vans €6), buses free.

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

From the parking lot, a steep footpath (approx. 500 m) or the chairlift leads to the mine. No dogs or other animals are allowed in the mine.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Playground / play area

Family tours; children ages 4 to 15 pay reduced admission. Strollers have to be carried up and down 20 steps each at the beginning and end of the tour. At the Silberberg there are also a children's climbing forest and adventure playgrounds.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

On the mountain: Bergmanns Schänke with a sun terrace and Herberts Bar (955 m). Chairlift, summer toboggan run, and tubing run at the Silberberg. It is about 5 °C in the tunnel, so bring a warm jacket.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Weddings and celebrations underground by personal arrangement.

Plan your visit