In the footsteps of the miners, visitors can immerse themselves in the past of the mining industry in the natural jewel of the Schwarzleo Valley. Guided tours of the medieval tunnels of the show mine provide an insight into the hard work of the miners and the treasures they extracted from silver, copper, nickel and other minerals.
As early as the 14th century, a system of hand-dug tunnels in the Schwarzleograben in Saalfelden Leogang led miners to their work underground. Since 1989, part of the area has been accessible as a show mine, offering an insight into the history of one of the oldest mining operations in the country from May to October. Well-trained guides take visitors on a walk through an extensive mine workings. The adventurous journey through narrow tunnels leads directly into the past, sometimes bent over and sometimes in single file, and gives an insight into the hard work of the miners who extracted silver, copper, nickel, lead, cobalt and mercury here.
Young ‘miners’ on the trail of the past
In July and August, the show mine has a very special programme for young visitors: On an exciting treasure hunt, kids can follow in the footsteps of historical ore mining methods. After a two-and-a-half-hour exploration tour through the tunnels, the young miners will of course receive ‘their’ treasure, as well as certificates and stickers. In addition, young visitors to the show mine can get to grips with the topic in a child-friendly way in the children's tunnel that can be explored and in the ‘miners’ tower’, a play tower with numerous mining elements. After letting off steam in the large children's playground, the ‘Knappenstuben-Brot’ (miners' bread) from the in-house bread oven is the perfect refreshment.
Leogang show mine: what, when and where?
The Leogang show mine in the Schwarzleotal valley keeps its tunnel mouth open from 12 May to the end of October, Monday is a day off.
In May, June, September and October there are guided tours through the tunnels at 12 noon and 2 pm, in July and August from 10 am to 5 pm and by appointment (groups). The treasure hunt takes place every Wednesday at 12.00 noon.
