Abenteuer Erzberg
Ralf Roletschek, GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons
About this Site
Abenteuer Erzberg offers immersive access to Europe's largest open‑pit iron ore mine, operational for over 1,300 years. Today, approximately 12 million t of rock and 3.2 million t of iron ore are extracted annually. The site features a steep, terraced landscape where enormous hydraulic drilling rigs, wheel loaders, and “Hauly” 1,217 hp haul trucks operate. Engineering highlights include multi-stage slope design (each ~24 m high), high-capacity blasting operations, and modern mechanical excavation. The underground show‑mine (“Schaubergwerk”) runs 800 m through historical galleries, illustrating earlier extraction methods and geology. The combination of surface operations, subsurface heritage exhibits, and heavy‑vehicle mobility positions Abenteuer Erzberg as a unique living engineering laboratory.
Visitor Information
Open daily from May to October, the visitor centre operates 08:30–16:30. Free parking is available opposite the valley reception. Visitors choose from four main experiences: a one‑hour ride in a Hauly truck across the pit terraces; Thursday‑only live blasting tours with direct viewing of 70,000 t rock blasts; guided tours in the show‑mine via an underground staff train and walking path; and outdoor exhibitions showcasing old machinery. Tours are in German; English guides are available for groups by request. Admission varies: standard Hauly ~€22+, show mine extra. Group bookings (up to 19) can be made online, with tickets collected 30 minutes before departure. Warm clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended; tours are canceled in snow.
Key Info
Type:Mine
Visitability:Visitable
Address:Vordernberger Str. 55 8790 Eisenerz Austria
Website:Visit
Map
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