Knappenwelt Gurgltal

Few people can imagine how hard life was back then - especially for the miners who had to dig for ore in the dark underground every day. There they toiled until exhaustion in the damp, cold tunnels and constantly breathed in the dangerous dust. It was not uncommon for some of them to lose their lives - there were no alternatives for most of them, as they had to provide for their families. The Knappenwelt Gurgltal takes you back to this difficult time, but also shows you the fascinating aspects - such as the machines used, how the ore was brought to the surface, and what happened to it afterwards.

Visit the blacksmith in the forge, take a look at the miners' house and the mine house, and visit the stamp mill, the ore yard, the smelting house, and the writing room. In the tunnels, you will be introduced to the mining techniques, and at the fire pit, you can observe how fascinating jewelry and everyday objects are created from the shapeless, gray material. Over time, you will get a better sense of what life could have been like as a brave miner in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Children will particularly enjoy the puzzle journey. They will receive a questionnaire at the entrance and have to find all the answers scattered throughout the entire miners' village. Those who finally find the solution will receive a great prize in the end. There is also a miner's playground, a crawl tunnel, a water game, and the opportunity to swing the hammer as a junior miner or to pan for gold. Perhaps some will find great wealth...

In addition to the faithfully recreated houses, the museum about the "Healer of Gurgltal" has also opened its doors. When the mortal remains of a woman from the time of the Thirty Years' War were found, people were amazed by the lavish grave goods and soon came to the conclusion that it must be a special burial for an important person. It is assumed that the woman was a healer who had earned the gratitude of the people. In this sense, modern healers practice their craft in the village. This ranges from Shiatsu energy treatments, life counseling, grief support, and clearings to herbal medicine, Atlantean crystal healing, and incense and drum sound journeys.

A colorful, ever-changing program with craft courses, archery, knight tournaments, and theater performances provides constant variety in the village. For more information about the program, as well as opening hours and directions, visit the official website of the Knappenwelt Gurgltal.

www.knappenwelt.at