Schaubergwerk Hofergraben


Useful Information

Location: From the parking lot at the Hopfgarten limits 30 min walk.
Open: No restrictions.
[2011]
Fee: free.
[2011]
Classification: MineGold Mine MineCopper Mine
Light: LightLED Lighting
Dimension: A=1,200 m asl.
Guided tours: self guided, D=10 min.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Schaubergwerk Hofergraben, Tourismusverband Hopfgarten im Defreggental, A-9961 Hopfgarten in Defreggen, Tel: +43-4872-5356, Fax: +43-4872-5356. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

15th century begin of mining.
1442 mine in the nearby Grünalmtal mentioned.
17th century end of mining.

Geology


Description

The Schaubergwerk Hofergraben or Hofer-Graben is located in the Grünalmtal. The area was inhabited by the Slavic peoples during the 6th and 7th century, and they called the mountain slope Rudnig (ore mountain). So they knew already about the local ores. But mining started actually in the 15th century and was abandoned in the 17th century. There is a ore body of about 4 m, mainly copper but also some gold. The ruins of the ore processing can be seen opposite the entrance. The ore was of poor quality and so the mining was not very rentable.

The mine is reached on a 30 minutes walk from the village Hopfgarten into the gorge Hofergraben, after which it was named. The mine has electric light and is easily visitable on self guided tours. The floor is covered with at least 10 cm of water, but the trail is elevated on wooden planks. Nevertheless, good shoes are advisable.

The mine is mentioned on many pages, but there is no current information. There is some chance it is closed now. Please send us an email if you know more.