Today’s journey took me from Innsbruck to Schwaz, a historic town in Tyrol, to visit the famous silver and copper mines. These mines are not only a fascinating look into the past but also a remarkable experience that brings you back to the time when Schwaz was known as “the mother of all mines.” Let me take you through the adventure, step by step.
Getting There and Booking the Tour
We started our trip with a short drive from Innsbruck to Schwaz, which takes about 30 minutes by car. The first important tip: book your guided tour at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee a spot. The tours are popular, and spaces fill up fast, especially since each group is limited to around 15 people, which is the capacity of the small train that transports visitors into the heart of the mine. If you’re making a last-minute trip, it’s worth calling the ticket office to see if any spots are still available.
Arrival and First Impressions
When we arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the ticket office, which is conveniently located next to a cozy Tyrolean restaurant. If you’re hungry before or after your visit, this is the place to try a Wienerschnitzel or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Innsbrucker Schnitzel—a spicy twist on the classic, and highly recommended.
At the ticket counter, we were given helmets and raincoats—an absolute must, since the temperature inside the mine is a chilly 12-13°C, and the tunnels are damp with occasional water droplets. It’s wise to bring a warm jacket, especially if you’re sensitive to the cold.
The Legend of the Bull and the Entrance to the Mine
Before stepping into the mine, you’re greeted by a statue of a bull, which connects to the legend of how the mine was discovered. According to the story, a servant named Kandlerin was herding cattle when a wild bull uprooted a piece of grass, revealing a shiny dark stone—silver ore. This chance discovery led to Schwaz becoming a mining hub and, at its peak, one of the most important mining towns in Europe.
Into the Depths: The Train Ride
Next, we boarded the mine train, which is an exciting and slightly claustrophobic ride into the mountain. The train plunges you deep into the tunnels, where you can feel the cool air and the atmosphere of hard labor. The ride itself is a unique experience—you’ll want to make sure your raincoat is securely fastened because once you’re in motion, it’s difficult to adjust. As the train clatters along, droplets of water fall from the ceiling, and you can’t help but imagine the thousands of miners who once traveled the same path daily, working in the bowels of the earth.
Exploring the Mine
Once inside, the tour guide led us through various tunnels and shafts, explaining the tools and techniques used to extract silver. You get a real sense of the scale of the operation and the harsh working conditions that miners faced centuries ago. At its height, Schwaz was home to over 10,000 miners, and it became the second-largest town in Austria after Vienna.
An interesting fact: miners from all over Europe, including Hungary, Slovenia, Bohemia, and Northern Italy, came to work here. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the miners formed a tight-knit community, yet they were also somewhat isolated from the local population. This is symbolized by the miners building their own church next to the main basilica, a testament to their unity and segregation at the same time.
Schwaz: A Town Shaped by Mining
After the hour-and-a-half tour, we headed back to the surface and took some time to explore the historic center of Schwaz. The town may be small, but its central church and surrounding gardens are truly beautiful. Schwaz’s prosperity was directly tied to the mining industry, and you can feel its historical significance in every corner of the town.
Quick Visitor Info
- Location: Schwaz, Tyrol, Austria
- Distance from Innsbruck: Around 30 minutes by car
- Website: www.silberbergwerk.at
- Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Temperature in the Mine: 12-13°C, so bring a jacket!
- Best for: History enthusiasts, families, and anyone fascinated by underground adventures
- Restaurants: A Tyrolean restaurant near the ticket office offers local delicacies like Wienerschnitzel and Innsbrucker Schnitzel.
- Legend: Don’t miss the statue of the bull, tied to the mine’s origin legend.
For anyone interested in history, industry, or simply a unique adventure, Schwaz’s silver mines are a must-see. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how this small town once played a pivotal role in shaping Tyrol’s past and future.
