Ore Mountains

Mining traditions and Christmas carvings are kept alive in the magnificent mining towns of the Ore Mountains

The Ore Mountains are a cultural landscape steeped in tradition that has been shaped by mining over the centuries. Silver mining, in particular, brought prosperity and led to the emergence of magnificent towns such as Schneeberg and Annaberg-Buchholz.

Visitors here experience a unique blend of industrial history, craftsmanship, and living traditions.
Mining in the Ore Mountains, which shaped the region for centuries, gradually came to an end.
While silver mining had already begun to decline as early as the 17th century due to depleted deposits, the extraction of other raw materials such as tin and later uranium remained significant well into the 20th century. Uranium mining in the GDR, in particular, played a major role after World War II, but was discontinued following German reunification in the 1990s. The main reasons for this were unprofitability, political change, and significant environmental impact.

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Sights in Ore Mountains

  • Markus-Roehling-Stolln

    The Markus-Röhling-Stolln is an important visitor mine. Guided tours show original mining techniques and vividly convey the history of silver mining. Visitors can experience the world underground in a particularly authentic way.

      Address: Sehmatalstraße 15, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Sehmatalstraße 15, Annaberg-Buchholz
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    • Frohnauer Hammer

      The Frohnauer Hammer is a historic hammer mill from the 17th century. Water-powered forges demonstrate the processing of metals. Visitors can see one of the oldest preserved industrial facilities in the region.

        Address: Sehmatalstraße 3, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Sehmatalstraße 3, Annaberg-Buchholz
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      • Fundora in Schneeberg

        The Fundora Schneeberg is a modern adventure and leisure world with a trampoline park, bouldering area and digital games. Visitors will find an active contrast to the historical surroundings and can let off steam in a sporty and playful way.

          Address: Am Filzteich 1, 08289 Schneeberg Am Filzteich 1, Schneeberg
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        • St. Annenkirche

          church free

          St. Annenkirche Annaberg-Buchholz is one of the largest late Gothic hall churches in Saxony. Its imposing interior and ornate decorations bear witness to the wealth of the mining town. Visitors will discover an important example of sacred architecture from the 16th century.

            Address: Große Kirchgasse 21, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Große Kirchgasse 21, Annaberg-Buchholz
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          • Manufaktur der Träume

            The Manufaktur der Träume presents Erzgebirge folk art in a modern setting. Christmas decorations, figures and miniatures are impressively staged. Visitors can immerse themselves in an imaginative world of traditional craftsmanship.

            Address: Buchholzer Straße 2, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Buchholzer Straße 2, Annaberg-Buchholz
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          • Altstadt Annaberg-Buchholz

            free

            The old town of Annaberg-Buchholz impresses with its cohesive historic townscape. Narrow alleyways, town houses and squares reflect the town's importance as a center of silver mining. Visitors can experience one of the most characteristic mining towns in the Ore Mountains.

            Address: Markt 1, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Markt 1, Annaberg-Buchholz
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          • Annaberger Marktplatz

            The market square forms the center of the town and is surrounded by historic buildings. It reflects urban life in the past and today. Visitors can experience the lively heart of the mountain town.

            Address: Markt 1, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Markt 1, Annaberg-Buchholz
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          • Altstadt Schneeberg

            free

            The old town of Schneeberg is characterized by town houses and historic streets from the heyday of mining. Visitors can trace the development of a mining town and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a small-town cultural landscape.

              Address: Markt, 08289 Schneeberg Markt, Schneeberg
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            • Erzgebirgsmuseum mit Silberbergwerk Im Goßner

              The Erzgebirgsmuseum Annaberg-Buchholz shows the history of the region from mining to folk art. The adjoining visitor mine "Im Gößner" is particularly impressive, offering insights into underground working environments. Visitors can experience history above and below ground here.

                Address: Große Kirchgasse 16, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Große Kirchgasse 16, Annaberg-Buchholz
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              • Das Museum fur Bergmannische Volkskunst

                The Museum of Mining Folk Art Schneeberg showcases the traditional craftsmanship of the Erzgebirge. Carvings, Christmas decorations and depictions of miners provide an insight into the close connection between mining and folk culture. Visitors can discover the origins of many traditions that are still known today.

                  Address: Obere Zobelgasse 1, 08289 Schneeberg Obere Zobelgasse 1, Schneeberg
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                • Zeiss-Planetarium und Sternwarte Schneeberg

                  The Zeiss Planetarium Schneeberg offers fascinating insights into astronomy and space. Modern projections and observation facilities combine science with experience. Visitors can turn their gaze from mining the earth to the stars.

                  Address: Heinrich-Heine-Straße 13A, 08289 Schneeberg Heinrich-Heine-Straße 13A, Schneeberg
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                • Pochwerk Schneeberg

                  The historic stamp mill illustrates the processing of ore after mining. Large stamping mills crushed the rock to extract valuable metals. Visitors are given a vivid insight into the technical processes of mining.

                  Address: Lindenauer Straße 22, 08289 Schneeberg Lindenauer Straße 22, Schneeberg
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                • Dorothea-Stolln

                  The Dorothea-Stolln is a historic visitor mine gallery that provides an insight into underground mining. Visitors can enter original tunnels and experience the working conditions of the miners up close.

                    Address: Dorotheenstraße 8, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Dorotheenstraße 8, Annaberg-Buchholz
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                  • Bergkirche St. Marien

                    church free

                    The mountain church of St. Marien is located slightly away from the center and was originally a church for miners. The simple building conveys a peaceful atmosphere and is closely linked to the religious culture of mining. Visitors discover an authentic place of faith here.

                      Address: Münzgasse 5, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Münzgasse 5, Annaberg-Buchholz
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                    • Adam Ries Museum

                      The Adam Ries Museum is dedicated to the famous arithmetician Adam Ries, who worked in the Ore Mountains. The exhibition conveys mathematical principles and their practical application in mining. Visitors can experience the connection between science and everyday life.

                        Address: Johannisgasse 23, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz Johannisgasse 23, Annaberg-Buchholz
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