INFOBOX
- Best for: Spirited travellers enjoying history with a touch of industrial heritage
- Nearest major city: Goslar
- Nearest airport: Hanover
- Websites: www.rammelsberg.de and www.goslar.de
Erzgebirge Mining Region
The Erzgebirge Mining Region, located in southeastern Germany and close to the border with the Czech Republic, developed from the nearby Erzgebirge mountains (otherwise known as Saxon-Bohemian Ore mountains). The area became a prime source for mining silver, first discovered in 1168, and later, tin. Along with other raw materials such as lead, iron, lime and hard coal being discovered and extracted, this welcomed a new wave of settlers, who in turn embraced a burgeoning industry that allowed the region to thrive. In fact, the Erzgebirge mountains were the primary source of silver for a hundred years between 1460 and 1560, with mining work ongoing until 1968.
It’s the mines and water-management systems that have shaped the region’s landscape, both physically and culturally. But it’s not just the Erzgebirge area that thrived; highly trained miners emigrated to improve mining technology and share their skills across other regions.
Raw metals aside, the Erzgebirge region was also a leader in producing blue colours right up until the 18th century: the Schneeberg mining region stands testament to this. Producing cobalt blue not only benefited the likes of high-quality Meissen porcelain, but it was an internationally renowned colour: cobalt pigment from this region can be found in Venetian and Bohemian glass making, as well as Chinese porcelain. The final string to the region’s bow was uranium mining, which came into its own in the 20th century, endowing the area with even more worldwide trading success.
The mountains have developed the region – both economically and socially – since the Middle Ages, with its mining sites, transportation layouts, sustainable forestry and agricultural significance all painting a picture that visitors enjoy in the modern day. It’s an excellent hiking spot, too. And with over eight hundred years of mining history, this World Heritage Site provides a captivating insight into the ingenuity that created its facilities and structures, from its canals and railroads to smelting sites. While much of the area is well-preserved, some of the buildings have been adapted for modern-day use. Visitors will also appreciate the traditional handcrafts which are sold here: and so the region continues to thrive with its charming, village-like feel.