Rammelsberg and Goslar
The Rammelsberg mining complex was in continuous use for at least 1000 years, before it closed its doors in 1988 due to exhaustion. The uniqueness of this site lies in its long history of mining and metal production. A variety of metals were discovered here over the ages, including copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold.
The nearby town of Goslar owns its level of development to the mining industry. It achieved great prosperity in the late Middle Ages thanks to the revenues from mining, metal production and trade. Goslar also played an important role in the Hanseatic League.
In and around Rammelsberg and Goslar a great number of monuments give testimony to this period in history. Among the worldheritage listed are mine-owners' houses, underground tunnels and transportation tracks , office buildings and churches.
Visit January 2006
Over 1000 years of history is cumulated in this WHS, part industrial heritage, part medieval town. The numerous monuments are within walking distance from each other and make a good day trip.
Visiting mines becomes a common pastime when you're trying to tick off all WHS. Salt mines, gold mines, coal mines - they're numerous on the List. I do still enjoy visiting them. This time I joined a tour of the Roeder tunnel system at Rammelsberg. These complex underground water ways take you along two of the 19th century water-wheels that were used as power to lift the metals above ground. As often, the confrontation with the difficult labour circumstances of the miners are the most memorable moments of an underground tour. People even had to sleep underground during the working week.
Goslar itself has a fine medieval town center with many "Fachwerkhauser". As always in Germany everything is well taken care of. The streets are almost free of motorized vehicles and provide ample possibilities for just roaming around. One of the best sights is the 12th century antechurch of the former Stiftskapelle (see little photo).
More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery
Reviews
John Weale (england):
I have visited the Rammelsberg mining museum on several occasions. It is very interesting but there is virtually no literature about it in english. I bought two small books in german about the mine which looked interesting.
a. Historisher Rammelsberg
b. Das Rammelsberger Gold
I have translated both of them into english bafter some time and effort. The museum seems to have no interest in them whatsoever. If you would like a .pdf copy ot the translations you can have it for free! Let me know. |
| Date posted: December 2008 |
Ronald Wells (United Kingdom):
For anyone remotely interested in industrial archeology or geology the Rammelsberg mine is a must-see. When you approach the site and see the array of processing buildings stretching up the mountainside it is clear this is no ordinary mine relic. It dates from the 10th century and worked with few interruptions until 1988. Many of the early features survived and it is fortunate that closure took place when the social value of such places was recognised so that everything has been preserved even the miners' clothing, each man's hanging from its own ceiling hook just as it did the day it closed.
There are a variety of tours both above and below ground all fascinating although English-speaking guides are not readily arranged nor is the detail of English-language written material really adequate. Nevertheless the language barrier does not prevent awe at such things as three enormous wooden water wheels (underground !) providing both power and drainage.
Together with the nearby town of Goslar, whose wealth was largely dependent on the mine,and walking trails based on above ground features of mining this forms an extraordinarily complete experience of an industry and its effects. Allow a whole day for a visit! |
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