Hainzenberg Gold Mine in Zell am Ziller

However, gold was also mined in the Alps until not too long ago, and one of the most significant deposits was located in the Zillertal.

At Hainzenberg near Zell am Ziller, gold has been proven to have been mined since 1506, and it was mined in both surface and underground operations. Especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, the amounts of gold produced were very considerable, so much so that there was almost a war between the neighboring countries of Tyrol and Salzburg. However, the yield had already significantly decreased by the 19th century, and the mining had to be finally stopped in 1930.

Today, the Goldschaubergwerk Hainzenberg, a particularly fascinating attraction for the whole family, is located at the site of the old tunnels.

In the show mine above Zell am Ziller, one gets a highly interesting insight into the history of mining and the living and working conditions of the miners.

The starting point is the animal park at Hainzenberg, which is worth a visit in itself. In the spacious enclosure, native mountain and lowland game are settled, and there are also llamas, emus, coatis, and many small animals that can be discovered up close! In an authentically rebuilt alpine hut is the Hochzeller Käsealm, a small museum dedicated to cheesemaking. All the equipment in the 150-year-old alpine hut is fully functional, so one can vividly see the cheese production as it was done in earlier years.

Now, however, the actual tour into the former tunnels of the gold mine begins! But first, visitors have to put on protective clothing, then it goes underground. In the tunnel, an impressive multimedia presentation depicts the life of the miners and the work underground. The social and economic environment is also a topic, as well as the political conflicts surrounding the mine.

All in all, the tour lasts about 2 hours, the last station is the Knappensäule, where the miners thanked the Mother of God for her protection in their work. The return journey is then made with the Zillertaler Goldexpress, a leisure train that comfortably brings visitors back to the starting point.