Provincial mining museum Location Ridnaun

With the giant ore dressing plant in Maiern and probably the longest transport system in the world to the tunnels of Mt. Schneeberg, the Provincial Mining Museum location Ridnaun is a highlight not only for technology freaks.

Culture hotels

Huge technical equipment, exciting show mines and informative permanent exhibitions provide a varied and vivid image of mining in the region.

History

The location of Ridnaun is strictly connected to the location of Schneeberg of the Provincial Mining Museum. The shortest transport route for the lead ore mined at Mt. Schneeberg to the smelting works in Tyrol lead through Ridnaun Valley. In fact, this is how the region had achieved economic importance from the middle of the 15th century.

Industrial Revolution

With the opening the Brenner railway in 1867, impressive transport and industry facilities were built in Ridnaun. These include the huge dressing plant for zinc ore in Maiern with workers’ housings and the 27 km long transport system from the tunnels of Schneeberg to the train station in Sterzing. The system was composed of 8 steep brake inclines, 8 flat horse tracks and 8 massif ore deposits.

Evolution in the 20th century

In the 1920s, the dressing plant was again modernized and the transport system on rails was replaced by a material ropeway. In 1967, the pitmen move from St. Martin in Passeier to Ridnaun in Eisacktal and the ore deposits of Schneeberg were accessed from Ridnaun via Poschhaus tunnel. Only in 1985, the mine was closed in Ridnaun.

Mining technologies

Guided tours are offered for both kids and adults, where they can search for ore in the show mine or see giant machines in action. Bigger tours go deep into the tunnels of Mt. Schneeberg, only on foot or by shuttle bus and mine train.