Ridnaun - Schneeberg Mining World and Museum

Most of these mines are now closed, as the deposits are exhausted or mining is no longer economically viable. However, the traces of this often centuries-old history are still visible.

Even on the Schneeberg in Ridnaun, silver, lead, and zinc were mined until 1985 in one of the highest mines in Europe. The ore deposits were located at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,650m in the mountain ridge that separates the Ridnaun Valley from the Passeier Valley. The working conditions here were naturally extreme and extremely dangerous, especially during the long winters.

The beginnings of mining in Ridnaun are shrouded in mystery, the first written evidence dates back to the year 1237. While in the Middle Ages and the early modern period, it was mainly silver that was mined here, the focus shifted to zinc from the 19th century. In total, the labyrinth of tunnels and shafts had a length of 130 to 150km! For almost 1000 years, the Schneeberg was one of the most important mines in Europe, and it was only the European mining crisis that forced its closure in 1985.

But the population of Ridnaun did not want to let "their" mine die completely, and so they set out to build a modern mining museum here. Today, the Schneeberg Mining World is part of the South Tyrolean Mining Museum, which also includes the Adventure Mine at the Schneeberg in Passeier, the Kornkasten Steinhaus Mining Museum, and the Show Mine and Climate Tunnel in Prettau in the Ahrntal Valley.

What makes the Ridnaun Mining World unique is that you are not in a museum here, but in an experience world where you can immerse yourself in the life of the miners and the history of mining up close. The entire production chain from ore extraction to transportation to ore processing has been preserved. And more: the mine and all facilities are still fully functional, and production could actually be resumed at any time!

There is a wide range of guided tours available, suitable for young and old and for all levels of knowledge. "Schneeberg Compact," for example, is designed for those who are visiting the Mining World for the first time and want an overview of the history and techniques in the mine. "Schneeberg Adventure Shift" or "Schneeberg Mining World" familiarize visitors with the hard everyday work of the miners and with the world underground. Equipped with the complete gear of a miner, the tour goes down into the tunnels or the old miner's paths and transport facilities. Of course, the mine train is also used, and the old miner's settlement is visited.

For the kids, "Schneeberg Junior" offers exciting ore searching with pickaxe and shovel and lots of interesting information about minerals and ores. The guides of the Ridnaun Mining World, who are closely connected to the traditions of mining and mostly come from miner families, guarantee special authenticity. In addition to the guided tours, you can visit the highly interesting exhibition on ores and minerals, the technical developments in mining, and the traditions and customs of the miners in the museum in the former workers' residence.

Museums can be so exciting: The Ridnaun Mining World - open from April to early November - is a truly unique experience and an enrichment for your vacation!

Address: Maiern 48, Ridnaun, 39040 Ratschings, Tel. 0472/656364
Opening hours: 1st April - 31st October Tue-Sun 9.30-16.30

www.bergbaumuseum.it