Dubbed “The Mother of all Mines”, the Silver Mine in Schwaz is an unmatched underground adventure. In its heyday in the late Middle Ages, Schwaz was the largest and wealthiest silver mining hub of the world. Today, you can take a mine tour and learn about its glorious mining history.
The Schwaz Silver Mine is one of the most productive silver mines in history having employed 7,400 people at once about 500 years ago. Enjoy an exhilarating time travel to the world of medieval miners as you board a miniature train and venture 800 meters deep into the bowels of the silver mine for a trundle through Schwaz’ illustrious past. The tour gives visitors a hands-on understanding of the gruelling work undertaken by the hard-rock miners who toiled underground for silver, copper and the then much-in-demand sulphidic ore. The elaborate miners’ work and their readiness to take advantage of new technologies made the Schwaz Silver Mine “The Mother of all Mines”. In its heyday around 1500, more than 85% of the silver traded in the world was mined in Schwaz. And this essentially contributed to the wealth of the Silver Town of Schwaz. History and modern technology are the key elements of the tour, creating an unforgettable and fascinating experience including light and sound effects. You will see all the different types of tunnels that have survived the centuries and learn interesting facts about the ingenious Schwaz water-pumping system – at one time regarded a technological wonder. The mine tour is particularly popular in mid-summer, when the constant temperature of 12°C provides cool relief from the sweltering conditions above ground. Last but not least, visitors who suffer from hay fever will be pleased to know that the mine is a 100% pollen-free zone.
The Schwaz Silver Mine is one of the most productive silver mines in history having employed 7,400 people at once about 500 years ago. Enjoy an…
