The Montanrundweg to the Altenberger Erzberg in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
The approximately 2 km long trail in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park leads to various relics of the former mining operation, including houses, slag heaps, tunnels, and mining pits.
The trail starts at the "Signalschale" near the Groschenlochbrunnen at the town square. The second stop is the large ore block at the war memorial. The journey continues through several stations leading to the Knappendorf (miners' village), where you can visit the mining house and former miners' residences. Finally, the trail takes you to the Altenberger Erzberg, and from there, you return to the starting point.
This trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical mining activities of the region.
For centuries, iron ore was mined in Altenberg. There were two mines: one on the Bohnkogel and the other on the Altenberger Erzberg. The exact time when mining began is lost to history, but it is believed that the Celts and Romans were aware of and utilized the ore deposits in Altenberg.
The first written record dates back to 1492. At that time, the Abbey of Neuberg was granted permission by Emperor Friedrich III to mine as much iron ore as necessary "for household use." The mining initially took place on the surface in shallow pits (called Pingen).
Around 1770, the first tunnels were dug at the Bohnkogel and Altenberger Erzberg. The mining operations quickly grew, and at its peak in the second half of the 19th century, the Altenberg mines employed up to 182 people. The population of the village rose from about 300 to 857 in 1880. The total length of all the tunnels reached around 8,430 meters.
In 1893, the mine was closed due to the "exhaustion of supplies." However, the Altenberg miners lamented, saying, "When we reached the richest ore, we had to stop!"
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The Montanrundweg (Mining Trail) in Altenberg includes the following stations, offering a fascinating exploration of the region's mining history:
- Gruben-Signalschale
- Kriegerdenkmal (War Memorial)
- Äußeres Hanischhaus
- Bergmeisterhaus
- Schaller-Kapelle with slag heaps
- Knappendorf (Miners' Village)
- Schaller-Haus
- Bridge to the Schaller-Halde (slag heap)
- Blick in die Vergangenheit (Glimpse into the Past)
- Hutmannshaus and Badehäusl
- Schachtröstöfen (Mine roasting furnaces)
- Grubenhaus (Mining House)
- Kaserne (Barracks)
- Flaschenschank-Haus
- Kohlboden-Haus
- Knappenwohnhäuser (Miners' Residences)
- Pinge (Mining pit)
- Bergwerksstollen (Mine Tunnels)
- Bergwerks-Schmiede (Mining Forge)
- Pulverturm (Powder Tower)
These stations lead hikers through a variety of relics, including historical buildings, slag heaps, old mining pits, and equipment, giving a unique insight into the mining heritage of Altenberg and the region's industrial past.
The circular trail is accessible year-round. Brochures can be picked up at the first station, the Groschenlochbrunnen, or obtained at the Nature Park Office. Guided tours of the Montanrundweg are recommended and can be arranged with Mag. Susanne Baimuradowa, who can be reached at T: +43 664/4228131.
ÖBB: www.oebb.at
Verbundlinie: www.verbundlinie.at
Alternatively, you can use the Naturpark Taxi, reachable at 03857/20170.
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Neuberg an der Mürz (734m)
