For 1,300 years, the Erzberg mine area has been known for its rich minerals, which is why the mountain is called Erzberg (Ore Mountain). The mine that operates in this area today is an open-pit mine. Experts rank this mine as one of the largest and most modern in Central Europe and the most important in the Alpine region. Approximately 230 permanent employees work the site, producing about 3 million tons of iron ore annually. From the mine, workers transport small granules to Linz and Donawitz, where factories process them into metals.
During your visit, you can explore the mine’s unique structure—a series of massive terraces carved into the mountainside. The giant machines used for mining, crushing stone, and filtering ore will impress you.
In addition, you will enter the part of the mine that is deep inside the mountain. You will make the visit to this part on an old mine train for a length of 1.5 kilometers. The mine also features an exhibition of vintage machines that workers operated during the last century.
The visit is an experience suitable for the whole family, especially for children. During the tour, you will be right in the heart of the action in one of the most active mines in Europe.
You can choose between four tours within the Erzberg mine
- Tour by vehicle around the mine (Haulytrip): This tour lasts about an hour, during which you will travel in a large, special vehicle between different stations along the mine. You will be able to see the various works that are done as part of the iron ore production process.
- Tour by vehicle around the mine (Haulytrip) and watching a controlled explosion in real time: This tour follows the same route as the first but includes a controlled mine explosion. At the end, you receive a report with details of the blast. Advance registration is required, and visitors must arrive 30 minutes before the tour begins.
- Open-Air Exhibition of old machines: This tour is done on foot and takes place in the upper part of the mine. In this part, you can observe the entire mine and learn about the old machines that were used by the miners in the 20th century. In addition, you will visit the tunnels inside the mountain. The tour lasts about an hour and a half.
- Tour in the underground world of mines (Mystical Show Mine): The tour begins with a 1.5-kilometer ride on an old mine train into the underground mine, followed by an 800-meter walking tour inside. Children will hear the story of the mystical “Water Man,” who guided locals to valuable minerals, and can try miners’ tools, including a 20th-century air drill and a miners’ cart used to transport rocks. The entire tour lasts about 90 minutes.
Please note: Inside the mountain, the temperature is 8 degrees Celsius, so you should bring warm clothing.
This is what a visit to the Erzberg mine looks like
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Times:
From May to the end of October, every day from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Tours take place several times a day. We recommend booking tickets in advance through the mine’s website.
Cost:
The ticket prices at the entrance vary depending on the number of tours you want to participate in. Entrance to one of the tours costs:
- Adult – from €23.50
- Youth (15-18), Student – from €19
- Child (4-15) – from €11.50
You can purchase combined tickets that include several of the 4 tours mentioned above.
Recommended! Purchase tickets online
Official Website
Address: Trofengbachgasse 13, 8790 Eisenerz
Map:
You can combine a visit to the Erzberg mine with a visit to Admont Abbey, which houses the largest monastic library in the world. In addition, it is worth stopping at the huge Gesäuse National Park and taking a hike in nature. The landscapes of this nature reserve are exceptional!
