Halfway between Innsbruck and Lake Achensee lies a small town called Schwaz. The town is situated in the heart of the lower Inn Valley, at the foot of the Kellerjoch and Eiblschrofen mountains. In the Middle Ages, during the 15th and 16th centuries, the town served as a vital center for silver mining for the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. Thanks to its massive mine (the largest in the world at that time), many settlers flocked to the area, and for about 100 years, it was the second-largest city in the entire empire, second only to Vienna.
Today, the giant mine serves as a visitor center, offering fascinating tours deep into the earth.
The Schwaz Silver Mine (Silberbergwerk Schwaz)
A visit to the Schwaz Silver Mine will take you back in time to an era when people believed the world was flat! The tour begins opposite the Sigmund Gallery, where you’ll board an underground train that travels 800 meters into the depths of the mine. From there, you’ll continue on foot, following the paths of the 11,000 miners who worked here at the mine’s peak.
This is what part of the tour inside the mine looks like
Guided Tour
A visit to the mine is only possible as part of a guided tour, which lasts about 90 minutes. During the tour, you will learn about the mine’s role in the Middle Ages and the lives of the miners at that time.
Please note: The temperature inside the mine is around 10°C (50°F). It is essential to wear good walking shoes and warm clothing for the tour.
Additional Essential Information for Visiting the Schwaz Silver Mine
Opening Hours:
- Summer (May to September): Daily from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Winter (October to April): Daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Admission Costs:
- Adult: €23
- Student/Senior: €20
- Child (5-14): €15
- Family Ticket (2 adults + 1 child): €50. Each additional child – €12.
Official Website
Address: Alte Landstrasse 3A, Schwaz
Map:
