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Eine Gruppe Wanderer steht an der riesigen Förderspule des Barbaraturms auf dem Malberg

Mine worlds

The Westerwald-Sieg region and its people are characterised by a centuries-old mining and industrial culture. For over 2,500 years, mining and metallurgy have characterised the living and working environment in the Westerwald and along the Sieg. Entire generations of miners and smelters owed their work and bread to the deposits of iron, silver, lead, copper and zinc ore. After the closure of the last mines in 1965, the evidence of this time is still visible in the landscape. Countless mines, tunnels and winding towers form a unique mining world above and below ground that is waiting to be discovered.

Bindweide mine visitor mine

The visitor mine Grube Bindweide in Steinebach (Sieg) is one of the region's visitor magnets. As part of a guided tour, you can experience times gone by and take the mine railway deep into the old tunnels underground. The Bindweide mine is one of 11 certified healing galleries in Germany and is the only facility in Rhineland-Palatinate in the German Healing Gallery Association. Not far from the mine is the Barbara Tower, which was built just 500 metres from the original location of the winding tower. Where does the current winding tower come from? Let us tell you the story on site.

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Pit Georg with the winding tower in Willroth

The Georg mine was known for its high ore deposits and has probably been in operation since the 14th century. The 56 m high winding tower of the Georg mine is visible from afar directly on the A3 motorway and the Cologne-Frankfurt ICE route and was declared an industrial monument in 1988. Today, the winding tower is a tourist attraction. Tours up to the winding wheels are organised every 3rd Saturday of the month from April to October. From here you have a marvellous view over the region. Additional tours are also possible on other dates by prior arrangement.

Audio guide to the Georg pithead Book your ticket now

Alvensleben gallery

From 1825, the Alvenslebenstollen near Burglahr served as an heirloom gallery under the Louisenstollen. Heir tunnels were created to drain the tunnels above. The tunnel was under construction from 1825-1864 and over the years reached a length of 1600 metres. Since 1987, 400 metres of it have been open to visitors. Experience the history of the tunnel up close and discover mineralogical features or old lachter tables underground. The Alvenslebenstollen is part of the GeoPark Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus network as a GeoPoint.

Mining museum of the Altenkirchen district

The mining museum in Herdorf-Sassenroth welcomes you with a hearty "Glück Auf". Discover many interesting exhibits on the topic of mining in the mining museum and experience how the region and its inhabitants were shaped by mining. There is plenty for the whole family to discover around the Mining Museum: programmes and events are regularly put together especially for children, for example a mineral hunt in the forests around the Mining Museum for the whole family. You can find the current events in our events calendar.

Traces of mining and relics

Explore historic mining sites that are freely accessible at all times! Relics from the history of mining can be found along picturesque hiking trails - from old tunnels and spoil tips to impressive information boards that offer fascinating insights. Immerse yourself in the past and discover mining on your own!

Events around mining and geology

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mining! Experience exciting guided tours, historical sites and interactive events that bring the history of ore mining in the Westerwald-Sieg region to life. Discover the secrets underground and be inspired by the mining tradition! Our tour guides will take you on a trip back in time.

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Map view Grubenwelten

Here you can find all the excursion destinations and interesting hiking routes for your holiday planning on the subject of mining worlds in the map view: Tunnels and mining relics, museums and monuments in the district of Altenkirchen.

Ein großes Förderrad vor blauem Himmel trägt das Schild des Besucherbergwerks Grube Bindweide
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