Mining - UNESCO Welterbe im Harz

the industry that shaped the region

Spread over the western side of the Harz is the largest and oldest mining region for silver, copper, lead and zinc in Europe. It has been shown scientifically that the utilization of copper from Goslar began in the Bronze Age. The beginnings of mining in the Harz were therefore over 3000 years ago on the Rammelsberg.

The Rammelsberg Mine is the only mine in the world that was in uninterrupted operation for more than 1000 years. Still today, mining archaeologists are finding traces of everyday working activity from the Middle Ages underground.

Several Upper Harz mines from the 16th to 19th centuries are part of the UNESCO World Heritage: Grube Samson Mining Museum in St. Andreasberg, the Ottiliae and the Kaiser Wilhelm II. Shafts in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, the 19-Lachter-Stollen Mining Museum in Wildemann and the Knesebeck Shaft in Bad Grund. Relics such as mining waste heaps and ore transport tracks remain from countless other mines.

World Heritage in the Harz

01/26/2022

Cultural diversity amid breathtaking landscapes: the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz

At the World Heritage Site Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System a wide range of museums and monuments await your visit. Discover this treasure of human history.

Rammesberg Mine

Air view World Heritage Rammelsberg © Foundation World Heritage in the Harz Mountains, Photo: Sobotta

02/09/2022

Experience the place where mining in the Harz first started.

In the museum buildings and in the mine installations above and below ground you will gain unique insights into more than 1000 years of history of the ore mining at the Rammelsberg.

On the Move

Hiking in the upper harz water management system © Foundation World Heritage in the Harz Mountains, Photo: Sobotta

02/08/2022

Your personal tour through the World Heritage

Hiking or cycling, motorized or guided tours – there are many ways to explore the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz. Be inspired by the wide range of offers.

Recommendation

02/04/2022

Today in the Middle Ages

Visit the oldest part of the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz at the Cistercian Museum Walkenried Monastery. With its sensual and creative design within the Gothic monastery complex, it brings the Middle Ages to life.

Downloads

02/03/2022

Go on a journey of discovery by reading your way through the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz

On 64 pages, the brochure will give you an overview of everything the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz has to offer. Enjoy browsing through it!

Highlight

02/04/2022

Starting point for the original locations

The Information Centres of the World Heritage Site Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System inform you in fascinating exhibitions about the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz and what it offers for tourists.

Main Theme Mining

Mining –

the industry that shaped the region

Legacy from 3000 years of mining

The Rammelsberg Visitor Mine in Goslar

On the move in a region shaped by mining

Cistercian Museum Walkenried Monastery

Brochure to download

Information Centres for the World Heritage Site