Besucherbergwerk Freudenstadt, Silver ore mine in Freudenstadt, Germany.
The Besucherbergwerk Freudenstadt is a closed silver mine with three levels connected by steel ladders that descend to 30 meters deep. The passages still contain original mining equipment and mineral deposits that show what work here looked like.
Silver mining at this site started in 1267 and was later revived in 1559, but ended two years later in 1561 after exploration efforts for silver and copper finished. The closure marked the end of organized mining here for a long time.
The location takes its name from a 16th-century founder and draws visitors who want to experience traditional mining techniques firsthand. The mine chamber shows how miners worked and what tools they used back then.
Access is via steel ladders in a tight space, so some mobility is needed and sturdy footwear is recommended. The constant underground temperature stays around 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit), so bring a jacket.
A well-preserved wooden winch from 1560 still stands in the mine and is a rare relic of mining technology from that era. At the lowest level, old inscriptions from 1556 are carved into the winch chamber, which visitors can see directly.
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