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Mine of Rammelsberg - Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System

Goslar, Germany
21.06.2018

Erzbergwerk Rammelsberg is a historic mining site located in the picturesque town of Goslar in Germany. This impressive mine has been in operation for over 1,000 years and is recognized as one of the largest and oldest mines in Europe.

The mine was once a major source of silver, lead, and zinc, and played a crucial role in the economic development of the region. Today, it serves as a fascinating tourist destination, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the world of mining and the rich history of the area.

Visitors to Erzbergwerk Rammelsberg can explore the mine through a guided tour, where they will learn about the various mining techniques used throughout the centuries and witness the impressive machinery and equipment used in the mining process. The knowledgeable guides will also share stories and anecdotes about the miners and their daily lives, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced.

One of the highlights of the tour is the underground train ride, which takes visitors deep into the mine to see the intricate network of tunnels and shafts. The tour also includes a visit to the miners' living quarters and the museum, where visitors can see a variety of artifacts and exhibits related to the mine's history.

Aside from the mine itself, Erzbergwerk Rammelsberg also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers. The site also features a restaurant and a souvenir shop, where visitors can purchase unique items related to the mine.

Overall, Erzbergwerk Rammelsberg is a must-visit destination for those interested in history, engineering, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind experience. With its rich history, impressive technology, and stunning scenery, this site is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.


The Upper Harz mining water management system, which lies south of the Rammelsberg mines and the town of Goslar, has been developed over a period of some 800 years to assist in the process of extracting ore for the production of non-ferrous metals. Its construction was first undertaken in the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks, and it was then developed on a vast scale from the end of the 16th century until the 19th century. It is made up of an extremely complex but perfectly coherent system of artificial ponds, small channels, tunnels and underground drains. It enabled the development of water power for use in mining and metallurgical processes. It is a major site for mining innovation in the western world.

The Rammelsberg is a mountain, 635 metres (2,083 ft) high, on the northern edge of the Harz range, south of the historic town of Goslar in the North German state of Lower Saxony. The mountain is the location of an important silver, copper, and lead mine. When it closed in 1988, it had been the only mine still working continuously for over 1,000 years. Because of its long history of mining and testimony to the advancement and exchange of technology over many centuries, the visitor mine of Rammelsberg was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Goslar (German pronunciation: [ˈɡɔslaʁ]; Eastphalian: Goslär) is a historic town in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the administrative centre of the district of Goslar and is located on the northwestern slopes of the Harz mountain range. The Old Town of Goslar and the Mines of Rammelsberg are UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their millennium-long testimony to the history of ore mining and their political importance for the Holy Roman Empire and Hanseatic League. Each year Goslar awards the Kaiserring to an international artist, called the "Nobel Prize" of the art world.

wikipedia.org