Several mining periods in the following decades did not repeat the initial success under Hauzeur, so that mining operations have now been stopped for good.
In 1986, work began on exposing the tunnels, creating visitor-friendly paths above and below ground and sinking the Hütten, Sello and Hauzeur shafts in order to convert the old copper mine into a visitor mine, and in 1995 the first visitors were able to be guided through the mine.
The New Barbara Shaft was completed in 1999. 80 comfortable steps now make it easier for mine visitors to enter and exit the approximately 20-meter-deep underground world, accompanied by "Mystallica". The light and sound installation uses lighting, music, sounds and text to build a bridge between traditional mine tours and cultural or tourist leisure activities with an emphasis on experience and entertainment.
During the tour, you will not only learn interesting things about the geology and the formation of copper ore, but also about the working conditions of miners in times gone by. You will immerse yourself in the darkness of the 800 m long tunnels and feel the pulse of history as you explore the narrow passages and marvel at the relics of past mining times.
These were uncovered by hand over the course of more than 30 years through painstaking manual work. The tunnel profile is usually precisely carved and has a width of 0.80 m and a height of up to 2.00 m. However, according to the main operating plan, visitors are not allowed to enter the mine without a helmet, as there are also numerous places in the tunnel system where you have to bend down.
You can also visit the new copper smelter with stamping mill, smelting works and the associated water technology as well as the rest of the above-ground area with the Barbara Chapel, the shaft structures and excavation sites. The over 12 m high miner's pyramid is a special eye-catcher in the mining ensemble, which is unique in its form in all of southwest Germany.
After visiting the mine, you can enjoy a real miner's snack in the hut house and marvel at many originals from excavations in the old village (medieval pottery) and in the copper mine in an exhibition.
Opening times are: Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
with guided tours at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Guided tours outside of regular opening times are only possible in groups (up to 15 people per group) and after prior registration with the Beckingen municipal administration (TEL. 06835/550).
