Schaubergwerk Museum Oberzeiring

Amazing to see. We had to take the german tour because for the English one we had to wait 2 hours. Lucky there was a man who could explain some things

By early historical finds, the silver mining in this area in the upper Pölstal already around 1000 BC. Be detected. Oberzeiring with the former largest silver mine of Styria was first documented in 1265 and 1279 raised to the market. Oberzeiring was famous for its significant silver mine until the late Middle Ages. As early as the 13th century, Oberzeiring was in possession of all the rights of a mountain town. Particularly significant was the coin right granted in 1284 for embossing the silver "Zeyringer Pfennig". The market was until 1663 also the seat of the mountain court. In the Erzberg in Zeiringen one of the most important silver mining companies of the Habsburg lands was operated in the Middle Ages. Its heyday experienced the Zeiringer mine end of the 13th century. The work in a medieval mine was hard and arduous. The creepers were never higher than 1.20 meters. In it, the squires worked partially kneeling and lying. For lighting sound lamps were used. The extracted rock was filled in so-called ore bowls or in small leather pouches that were transported out of the tunnel on the backs of dogs. It required many skillful craftsmen such as carpenters and toolmakers. There must also have been coal burning since the ore was smelted to silver on site and subsequently processed into the famous Zeyringer Pfennigs. There are many myths and theories about the demise of Zeiringen mining. The most likely explanation is quite simple. The mine is "flooded" in 1361. According to history, no miner survived the mine accident. Again and again in the following centuries unsuccessful attempts to pump the water from the mountain to get to the silver. Many personalities, including Emperor Maximilian I (1506) and Empress Maria Theresa (1738-1746), tried to dry the tunnels. The last draining attempts took place 1922-1924 under the direction of Dr. med. Setting. In addition to silver, iron ore and more than 45 different minerals were found in the Oberzeiringer mine. Including the unique Zeiringit.

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Very interesting, very friendly and nice staff, but actually nothing for big and strong people. If you are claustrophobic, you should definitely not take the tour here.