The visitor mine "Grube Silberhardt" in Windeck-Ottershagen reminds visitors of the long tradition of silver and ore mining. The guided tour of the mine, which lasts about 45 minutes, shows the former mining methods and the hard working conditions under which the miners had to work in silver and iron ore mining. A 1.7 km long mining trail with 14 stops runs parallel to the mine. Here, in addition to other former mine installations, smelting techniques are also shown using reconstructed exhibits.
The entire programme at the Silberhardt mine takes about 1-3 hours, depending on the number of people.
The Förderverein zur Erhaltung der Bergbau- und Hüttentradition e.V. (Association for the Preservation of Mining and Ironworks Traditions) operates
in cooperation with the municipality of Windeck the "Grube Silberhardt" visitor mine in Windeck-Öttershagen not far from the Siegtal on the heights. The mine was reopened in 1999, largely through voluntary work by a local citizens' association, and has been open to groups of visitors ever since. Expert guides explain to visitors the long tradition of ore mining in the Bergisches Land.
In the visitor and information centre with a museum film screening room, you can find out about historical mining in the region. A guest room and a glass-roofed terrace invite you to linger.
The Silberhardt mine is open daily on weekdays for a public guided tour at 11.30 a.m.The visitor mine can only be visited with a guided tour. No registration is required to take part in a public guided tour.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays there is a public guided tour at 2.00 p.m.
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