Even if mining in the Ore Mountains is mainly a thing of the past, the miners' traditions are nevertheless preserved everywhere! Mainly during the pre-Christmas period – yet also in summer – mining parades are organised by the miners' and workers' associations. Watching the participants of the miners' bands and the traditional costumes at the parades even warms the hearts of the locals anew every time.

In the pre-Christmas period, so-called "Mettenschichten" (matins shifts) are held in many places. This is a tradition of the former local miners and also for visitors from all over Germany who celebrate this traditional feast in the capstans or underground in the exhibition mines. The "Mettenschicht"  is an old custom and means the final shift before Christmas which was finished prematurely by the pit foreman via a knocking signal. After this final shift before Christmas, the miners used to place their shining pit lamps above the adit entrance – this is the origin of the Schwibbogen (arched candle stand) in its traditional shape.

Experience the "Christmas land Erzgebirge" the roots of which date back to the Middle Ages, when thousands of miners were digging for ore and thus laid the foundations for the then prevailing prosperity of Saxony. The darkness within the shaft, where they were prone to deprivations and dangers every day, taught them to value light. Not only did light mean warmth and safety, it also signified life and hope – particularly during winter when the days became shorter and colder. The connection between the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and the life of the miners in the Ore Mountains was very strong and has remained like this to the present day.

On educational trails, in museums and, most of all, in the numerous museum mines in the mining towns, history can be experienced in many different ways. Come and be fascinated by the mining region Erzgebirge!

Some of the museum mines in our vicinity:

Markus Röhling Stollen in the Frohnau district (Annaberg-Buchholz)
The mine railway brings you 650 metres horizontally into the mine, while you are presented with interesting details on mining silver, cobalt and uranium. The main attraction is the 9m underground water wheel. Above ground you can find a comprehensive exhibition of technology, mining and minerals. It is even possible to get married underground.

Museum mine "Im Gößner" in Annaberg-Buchholz
The mine, which was discovered by accident in 1995, is located in the courtyard of the Erzgebirge museum, right across from St. Anna's church. Here climbing is necessary as the way down history leads vertically into the mine and out again via a system of ladders. The shape of the old galleries, the niches for lighting, and the traces of mallets show you that you are in a silver mine unspoiled for some 500 years. Well worth seeing!

Dorothea Stollen in the Cunersdorf district (Annaberg-Buchholz)
The Dorothea drive is the last remaining passable access to the "Himmlisch Heer" coal field near Annaberg. The mine has a track length of more than 50 km. Interesting details on ancient mining methods as well as mining techniques right up to modern times can be experienced. The underground boat trip is an adventure for the young and the young at heart.

Tin mine at Ehrenfriedersdorf
The excursion through the underground plant of one of the oldest mines in Europe begins with a descent via the "Sauberger Haupt- und Richtschacht" (main and lateral shaft) down to a depth of 100m. In the course of a 1.3 km walk and a visit to the mine, you will experience historic as well as modern mining. In the  Heilstollen, at 8° centigrade the air is almost completely free of dust and allergenic substances making the atmosphere ideal for treatment of asthma and bronchitis.

Pöhla tin chambers
A rather longish (ca. 3 hours all in all) yet very exciting excursion!
You will enter some 3000m into the mine and have the "secrets" of bismuth mining revealed to you. The impressions left by the largest tin chambers of Europe are quite unique. Besides the guided tours with experienced miners, there are numerous other events and concerts thanks to the excellent acoustics in the "underground concert hall".