Hikes
The Steinbach silver mines
Nearest train station :
5 km - Cernay
Opening hours :
guided tours of the St Nicolas mine from 2 to 5 pm every Saturday
Useful informations
Location
At the edge of the forest
In the forest
Isolated
Mountain
Type of site
Technical and industrial heritage
Archaeological site
Themes
Archaeology
History
Geology and natural sciences
Type of visit
Free visit
Guided tour for individuals
Guided tour for groups
Guided tour for groups with reservation
Access
Through a gravel road
Through a small sealed road
Walking time (min) from carpark to site :
2
Facilities
Groups accepted
Exposition
Bar, drinks
Indoor activity
Outdoor activity
With kids
Suited for jogging strollers
Rates
| Free entrance |
In the heart of the forest, the Silberthal valley contains many deposits of iron and lead. With almost 200 mining works in under a 3km² radius, the Steinbach valley has experienced many ups and downs, from the start of its activity around 1250 to its final closure in 1905.
It is in this natural setting that the Saint Nicolas Mine, the Donnerloch Mine and the Erzenbach mines lead visitors on an exploration of 1000 years of iron and silver lead mining and on the trails of the miners.
You can find out about these three sites and their geological and natural treasures by following one of the three discovery routes signposted with information boards or by taking a guided visit.