Hainzenberg Gold Mine

Hainzenberg Gold Mine is a historical and cultural attraction in Zell am Ziller, Austria, that allows visitors to experience the adventure of gold mining in the Zillertal Valley. The gold mine dates back to the 16th century, and was the subject of political and economic conflicts between Salzburg and Tyrol. The gold mine was closed in the 20th century, but was reopened as a show mine in 1996. The gold mine offers a guided tour, where visitors can descend underground and learn about the working conditions, the mining techniques, the gold extraction, and the stories of the miners. The gold mine also includes a ride on the Zillertal Gold Express, a cheese tasting at the Hochzeller Cheese Dairy, and a visit to the wildlife park. The gold mine is open from mid-May to early October, and is suitable for all ages. The gold mine is also located near the cable car to the Zillertal Arena ski area, and offers a panoramic view of the Zillertal Alps and the Zillertal Valley. The gold mine is a great place to discover the history and culture of gold mining in the Zillertal Valley.

Tour of the Gold Mine

The Hainzenberg Gold Mine offers a guided tour, where visitors can descend underground and learn about the history and culture of gold mining in the Zillertal Valley. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, and covers the following stages and stations:

Entrance: This is where visitors can buy their tickets, get their helmets and lamps, and meet their guide. The entrance also has a display of the different types and weights of gold, as well as some historical documents and photographs of the gold mine.
Shaft: This is where visitors can enter the gold mine, which is located 150 meters below the surface. The shaft is a narrow and steep tunnel, which is accessed by a wooden staircase. The shaft also has a video screen, where visitors can watch a short film about the origin and formation of gold.
Stollen: This is where visitors can explore the different galleries and chambers of the gold mine, which are connected by horizontal tunnels. The stollen are where the miners dug and extracted the gold-bearing ore, using various tools and techniques. The stollen also have audio stations, where visitors can listen to the stories and anecdotes of the miners, as well as the sounds and noises of the mining work.
Stamp Mill: This is where visitors can see how the gold was processed and refined, using a mechanical device that crushed and ground the ore. The stamp mill is a large and impressive machine, which consists of a water wheel, a wooden frame, and a metal hammer. The stamp mill also has a video screen, where visitors can watch a short film about the history and importance of the stamp mill.
Gold Panning: This is where visitors can try their luck and skill at finding gold, using a traditional method that involved washing and sieving the ore. The gold panning is a fun and interactive activity, where visitors can use a wooden trough, a metal pan, and a bucket of water. The gold panning also includes a prize, where visitors can keep a small piece of gold as a souvenir.

Other Attractions and Services

The Hainzenberg Gold Mine offers a number of other attractions and services that complement the tour of the gold mine and enhance the visitor experience. Some of the other attractions and services are:

Zillertal Gold Express: This is a train ride that takes visitors from the valley station of the gold mine to the Hochzeller Cheese Dairy and back. The train ride offers scenic views of the Zillertal Valley and the surrounding mountains, as well as some information and stories about the gold mine and the cheese dairy. The train ride lasts about 45 minutes, and is included in the ticket price of the gold mine.
Hochzeller Cheese Dairy: This is a cheese factory that produces and sells different kinds of cheese, such as Emmental, Gouda, or Camembert, using the milk from the local cows. The cheese factory also offers a cheese tasting, where visitors can sample and buy the different cheeses, as well as a guided tour, where visitors can learn about the history and process of cheese making. The cheese factory is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Wildlife Park: This is a park that houses and displays different kinds of animals, such as deer, goats, rabbits, and birds, that are native to the alpine region. The park also offers a petting zoo, where children can interact with the animals, and a playground, where children can have fun and play. The park is open from mid-May to early October, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is free of charge for the visitors of the gold mine.
Shop: The shop offers a variety of products and souvenirs related to the gold mine and the Zillertal Valley. The shop sells different types and sizes of gold nuggets, as well as gold jewelry, coins, and medals. The shop also sells other local and regional products, such as honey, jam, schnapps, and chocolate. The shop also sells books, postcards, magnets, and t-shirts, with the logo and the motto of the gold mine: “Goldrausch im Zillertal” (Gold Rush in the Zillertal Valley). The shop is open from mid-May to early October, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Zell am Ziller, Austria