Bergbaumuseum Prettau
Predoi branch of the Provincial Mining Museum: guided visit by mini train and on foot into the historic copper mine, with a climate centre.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The copper mine of Predoi reached its peak six hundred years ago, when the copper extracted was in demand for its great malleability, which made it especially suitable for producing copper wire and brass. Mining may already have taken place in the Bronze Age; the first certain record dates from 1426, when two cannons were cast from “Predoi copper”. Extraction began at the outcrop near the Croce della Val Rossa, at about 2,000 metres, and the ore veins descended to about 550 metres deep.
From the late 15th century, the mine moved from vertical shafts to galleries dug by hand, which sometimes took decades to reach the lode. The mine was run by various entrepreneurs, mostly noble families holding concessions from the territorial princes. The last of them, the Counts von Enzenberg, closed it in 1893 because of competition from the United States. Activity resumed between 1957 and 1971, when final closure was decided for environmental and economic reasons; at the time 35 miners, almost all local, were still working there. In the 20th century Predoi was still third in Italy for copper extraction.
Today the Predoi branch is part of the Museo provinciale miniere – Alto Adige (Provincial Mining Museum – South Tyrol). The visit “Avventura in galleria” (Adventure in the Tunnel) takes you on a mini train for one kilometre through the Sant'Ignazio gallery, then continues on foot for 360 metres through the two-level educational tunnel, between medieval history and dynamite. The site also offers a climate centre, a bookshop and the Ignazstube restaurant next to the museum.
Highlights
- Mini train through the Sant'Ignazio tunnel, 1 km long
- Two-level educational tunnel of 360 metres
- History of the Predoi copper mine from the Middle Ages to 1971
- Climate centre with particularly pure air
- Free audio guide in the tunnel
Permanent exhibition
- Avventura in galleria – miniera di rame di Predoi – Guided visit by mini train and educational tunnel on the centuries-old history of copper extraction at Predoi.
- Operated by
- Museo provinciale miniere – Alto Adige
- Visitors per year
- approx. 33,875
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €16 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €12Over-65s, students and apprentices aged 16 to 27, people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | €8Children and young people aged 7 to 16 |
| Seniors | €12Over-65s |
| Visitors with disabilities | €12companion free · People with disabilities, including one companion |
| Students & apprentices | €12Students, apprentices and civil service aged 16 to 27 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €12 per personPer person, groups of at least 15 people |
| Families | €322 parents with children under 16; mini family (1 parent with children under 16): €16 |
| Climate centre “Io respiro…” (I breathe…) – individual | €22Seniors €18, students €18, children under 7 €10, people with disabilities €18 |
2026 prices for “Avventura in galleria”, a combined ticket with admission to the exhibitions at the Cadipietra branch. Non-transferable season passes for the climate centre are also available.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- 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 outdoor area and the climate centre are free of architectural barriers. The guided visit “Avventura in galleria” is only partly accessible. Wheelchairs are available, allowing access to only some stations.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+
| Family ticket | €32 · 2 parents with children under 16; mini family (1 parent with children under 16): €16 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Guided visits recommended from age 3; family and mini-family tickets available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Miniera
By train to Brunico, then bus line no. 450 to the Valle Aurina as far as Predoi, getting off at the second-to-last stop (“miniera”, mine), directly at the museum car park. Service every 30 minutes.
By car
Free parking
Free parking for cars and coaches directly in the museum access area.
By car: A22 exit Bressanone, E66 towards Brunico, exit Brunico Nord, then SS 621 towards the Valle Aurina as far as Predoi. By bicycle from Brunico along the cycle path to Campo Tures, then along the SS 621.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Ignazstube restaurant next to the museum, open for the whole season. Museum shop with minerals, jewellery and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visit only (about 1 hour and 15 minutes), recommended from age 3. Warm clothing and closed shoes are advised (8 °C in the tunnel); a poncho and a helmet are provided by the museum. Not recommended for people with heart or circulatory problems or claustrophobia. Free audio guide. Dogs are allowed outdoors only. |
