A literal hidden gem!…read more
As part of a work function, we took a tour of the Segen Gottes Silver Mine. Rich with a 900 year history, this mine has been non-productive for many years. Around 2004 efforts were kicked off to make this available for educational and tourist tours. What an incredible experience.
Our guide, Karl-Heinz, was absolutely fantastic. He lives and breathes this mine and was the ultimate tour guide. His knowledge of the history of the mine as well as the metals and minerals throughout was second to none.
You start at the base facility where you are suited up with rubber boots, a rain coat and a hard hat. All three of these are crucial to enjoying the experience. You will inevitably hit your head on the low ceilings. You will walk through water and there are several areas of seepage that you will brush up against and could potentially get dripped on. The hat, coat and books keep you clean and dry throughout.
This 2 hour tour takes you through four levels of the mine. Winding tunnels, carved by hand, hundreds of years ago. This is not a tour for the claustrophobic. There is a lot of ducking and squeezing through the narrow corridors.
I don't want to give too much away but rather provide some preparation. As mentioned earlier, this is not for the claustrophobic. It also could be uncomfortable for big and tall people as well given the tight spaces you're navigating through. This is not a wheel chair friendly type of tour. It simply is exactly what it is. A decommissioned mine just as it was made over hundreds of years of hard labor.
Would I go back? I cannot wait to go back. At approximately 8 Euro per person for the tour, you get more than your money's worth. You walk multiple levels, hundreds of meters into the center of a mountain. There may be times when this dawns on you and can be somewhat startling, but rest assured, you will truly enjoy this experience. This area is rich with mining history and Segen Gottes is a great way to learn about this ancient culture.
