South Tyrolean Museums of Mines

Mining Museums of the Ahrn Valley

1) Mining Museum in a Grain Store
Copper has been mined for over half a millennium in Prettau in the Ahrn Valley. The mining museum has been housed in the mine’s grain store (“Kornkasten”) since autumn 2000. The museum features a multimedia collection donated by the Enzenberg family. Contemporary film clips, wooden models, paintings, mine maps, books, documents and mining implements allow visitors to relive the social history of mining in the Ahrn Valley. 

2) Prettau Mine Museum
The intriguing Prettau Mine Museum portrays the history of copper ore mining. After donning a miner’s lamp, helmet and rain jacket, visitors can journey on a pit train past true-to-life work scenes depicting mining methods, starting with hammers and bars and progressing to gunpowder blasting and mining with compressed air. Outside the mine an informative walk leads to Rötkreuz, situated at an altitude of 2080 m. 

3) Climate Shafts at Prettau
Adults and children with breathing difficulties may be interested to know that decommissioned mines maintain a microclimate that is virtually free of allergens and dust. The cool air inhaled into the lungs is warmed to body temperature. Because warm air is able to absorb more water, the mucous membranes of the lungs shrink, thus clearing the airways. According to air measurements there is a constant temperature of approx. 9 °C, a relative humidity of approx 95% and a very low absolute humidity.

Schneeberg Mining Museums

1) Ridnaun/Schneeberg Mining World
One of Europe’s highest mountain mines and also one of the oldest working mines in the Alpine region is now open to visitors. Many of the numerous pieces of mining equipment on and in the mountainside between the Ridnaun and Passeier valleys are still in working order. The entire mine is a hands-on experience for adults and children to explore and discover. There is a varied tour programme geared towards a wide range of interests. 

2) St. Martin Mine Museum Schneeberg / Passeier
The St. Martin am Schneeberg settlement is a former village for miners working in the Schneeberg mine (2355 m) and can only be reached on foot from the Passeier Valley. From the middle Ages to 1967 miners lived and worked here in unimaginably harsh conditions. Today the shelter, exhibition and the mine itself document the history of one of the most important lead and zinc mines in Tyrol. St. Martin am Schneeberg is the starting point for an informative tour and an adventure both above and below ground. Open June 15 to September 15.