Gruvan i Rammelsberg - ett Unesco världsarv i Goslar

The Rammelsberg mine is a Unesco World Heritage Site in the German town of Goslar, located in the Harz mountains. We visited the mine last summer, and it turned out to be very interesting.

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The mine in Rammelsberg

The Rammelsberg mine is a site where metals were extracted for a thousand years. Mining activities ceased in 1988 and in 1992 the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name "Rammelsberg Mine, Old Town of Goslar and Oberharz Water Supply System".

The Rammelsberg mine is located just south of the town of Goslar, in the German federal state of Lower Saxony.

A Unesco World Heritage Site

The Rammelsberg mine is a World Heritage Site because it has much to tell us about mining in Europe, including during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The mine, where silver, copper and lead were mined at different times, was in continuous operation from the 11th century until the 1980s.

The water management system was constructed in the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks, and then developed on a large scale between the 16th and 19th centuries. The complex system includes artificial dams, canals, tunnels and underground drains, which together enabled hydropower for use in mining and is considered an important innovation.

Visiting the mine in Rammelsberg

We drove to the mine in Rammelsberg with our motorhome, and parked just outside. We did not book anything in advance, which is not necessary if you want a tour in German. If you want a tour in English, try emailing in advance and see if it can be arranged.

Guided tour of the mine in Rammelsberg

When we arrived there were several different tours to choose from. If we remember correctly, we chose the one called "Fire and Water: The Roeder Gallery". As an alternative, there is a tour where you go down into the mine with carriages, and this tour is also suitable for those who have difficulty walking or use a wheelchair.

The tour was in German (since we didn't even try to book anything else in advance), but the guide could speak good English and turned to us when he had time and translated some parts. We were of course very grateful for that!

The tour started outdoors, and we passed a lake whose water was once used to power the big wheels underground.

The guide then let us into the tunnels of the mine in Rammelsberg. Here you really got the feeling of the hard work that went on in the past!

Along the walls of the mine you can see different colours, which are due to minerals in the rock.

There are also large wooden wheels down in the mine. The wheel Peter is standing by is a reconstruction of the original wheel, but you can see how it once worked down in the mine.

The museum in Rammelsberg

There is also a museum at the mine in Rammelsberg. Visiting the museum is not at all the same experience as going down the mine, in our opinion, but it can still be a nice and interesting complement.

More to see and do in Goslar

After visiting the Rammelsberg mine, you'll want to visit the World Heritage town of Goslar. This town is incredibly charming, filled with beautiful half-timbered houses and old churches. You won't want to miss visiting the beautiful castle here either.

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

If you want to stay in a hotel, there are various options inside Goslar. We, travelling by motorhome, stayed at the Füllekuhle car park on Bertha von Suttner Strasse. This car park is completely free, you are allowed to park your motorhome here, and you have an excellent starting point for visiting the city. However, there are no services.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

In the neighbourhood of Goslar there are several other fine German cities, which we can highly recommend. Feel free to visit the charming Wernigerode and just as cosy Quedlinburg. Don't miss the dramatic nature of the Thale and Germany's longest suspension bridge.

Have you visited the Rammelsberg mine?

Have you visited the mine in Rammelsberg? Or have you visited any other interesting mine? Please tell us!

Facts about the mine in rammelsberg

Address: Bergtal 19, Goslar
Municipality: Goslar
Federal Republic of Germany: Lower Saxony
Country: Germany
Unesco World Heritage Site: From 1992
Read more: You can find more information at the mine's website

Services and practical information

Opening hours: The mine is usually open every day except 24 and 31 December, in high season 9-18 and in low season 9-17. Please note that the last guided tour may leave a few hours before closing. Please check the website for up-to-date information.
Price: A guided tour and visit to the museum costs €16/person for adults and €9/person for children aged 4-18 (2022). It is also possible to buy two or three guided tours and a family ticket.
Food service: Restaurant Casino serves both food and sweets.
Clothing during the guided tour: In the mine it is constantly 12 degrees and humid. It is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are appropriate for the temperature.
Accessibility: About 70 per cent of the area can be visited by wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility. Accessible toilets are available and the restaurant is accessible. The guided tour "Mine train" is accessible to wheelchair users. Detailed information is available on the mine's website.

Getting to the mine in Rammelsberg

Car/caravan: You can drive here with your own vehicle. Free parking is available near the mine.
Bus: Take bus 803 from Goslar or the world heritage shuttle (line 809). Please note that the latter stops at several different locations.

2 Comments

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Mr Jean-Pierre says:

WelcomeWelcome to Germany, I hope you had fun in Goslar and also visited the city with the Imperial Palace.

27 October 2022 - 16:01

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  Helena says:
  
  Germany has a lot to offer! And yes, we checked out beautiful Goslar with the palace too. Report coming soon!
  
  27 October 2022 - 18:33

Rammelsberg Mine - a Unesco World Heritage Site in Goslar

The mine in Rammelsberg

A Unesco World Heritage Site

Visiting the mine in Rammelsberg

Guided tour of the mine in Rammelsberg

The museum in Rammelsberg

More to see and do in Goslar

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Have you visited the Rammelsberg mine?

Facts about the mine in rammelsberg

Services and practical information

Getting to the mine in Rammelsberg

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2 Comments

Mr Jean-Pierre says:

Helena says:

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