Bergwerk Käpfnach

About the museum

Käpfnach coal was first mentioned in a chronicle in 1548, was rediscovered in 1663 by a local brickmaker, and from 1708 was mined systematically for the first time for about twenty years. In 1784 the Zurich authorities had a mine set up in Käpfnach on a foreign model; state mining lasted until 1910, and the enterprise was liquidated in 1911. From 1875 there was also a cement and cement stone factory.

During the World Wars, mining revived once more: from 1917 to 1921 a limited partnership under Max Zschokke operated the mine together with the municipality of Horgen, and from 1941 to 1947 the Braunkohle-Genossenschaft Horgen extracted coal, before the mine was finally closed in January 1947.

The Bergwerkverein Käpfnach was founded in December 1982, and the first guided visit took place in May 1983. In 1989 the mining museum opened on Bergwerkstrasse; it was redesigned and extended in 2018 and 2019. Today, association members take visitors through the tunnel network on the tunnel train; a themed trail through Käpfnach and the Aabachtobel complements the offering.

Highlights

• Ride on the tunnel train through a 1.4 km network of tunnels
• Short walk to a low mining slit
• Mining museum with a documentary film from the last mining period
• Tunnel drinks inside the mountain, by reservation with a group tour
• Themed trail "Auf den Spuren des Bergwerk Käpfnach"

Permanent exhibitions

• Bergbaumuseum – A film reports on historical, geological and current aspects of the former mine; visitors can get hands-on at various stations.
• Stollenfahrt mit der Stollenbahn – A mine guide takes visitors through the 1.4 km tunnel network; a short walk to a mining slit shows the harsh working conditions of the coal miners.

Founded

1989

Operated by

Bergwerkverein Käpfnach

Admission & discounts

Prices of the public tours (museum and tunnel ride). Cash payment; the Museum Pass is valid.

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 mine is not wheelchair accessible. People with claustrophobia are advised against the tunnel ride.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Public tours for families with children from kindergarten age; in the mining museum, visitors can take part independently at various stations. Children's birthdays and school classes are catered for with their own tours.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

Tunnel drinks with beverages and side dishes inside the mountain, by reservation with a group tour. Consuming food and drink brought along is not permitted in the museum and tunnel.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The Häuertreff multipurpose room with a terrace and lake view is suitable for family celebrations, company events, presentations, club meetings and workshops.

Plan your visit