Graphitbergwerk Kropfmühl

Useful Information

Location:	Langheinrichstraße 1, 94051 Hauzenberg. A3 exit Passau Nord, St2125 and B388 to Untergriesbach, turn left to Kropfmühl. (48.6220225, 13.6595062)
Open:	29-MAR to OCT Thu-Sun, Hol 10:30-15. Tours 11, 13. [2026]
Fee:	Adults EUR 12, Children (4-16) EUR 7, Families (2+1) EUR 25. [2026]
Classification:	Graphite Mine
Light:	Electric Light
Dimension:	T=10-12 °C.
Guided tours:	D=1.5 h, St=220, VR=45 m.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	Museum yes, show mine no
Bibliography:
Address:	Graphit Kropfmühl Besucherbergwerk gemeinnützige GmbH, Langheinrichstraße 1, 94051 Hauzenberg, Tel: +49-8586-609-147. E-mail:
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

1870	begin of graphite mining.
1983	show mine opened.
2012	graphite mining resumed.
2014/2015	headframe and show mine renovated.
2016	Graphiteum opened.

Geology

Graphite is crystalline carbon, i.e. the end result of carbonisation, and consists almost entirely of carbon. Unlike coal, it has unique and versatile properties; it is a thermal and electrical conductor and can be used as a lubricant.

Description

The Besucherbergwerk Graphit Kropfmühl (Graphit Kropfmühl Show Mine) is the only graphite mine in Germany, and is therefore, of course, also the only graphite show mine in Germany. Generally speaking, all coal-related show mines are difficult to establish because mining operations are usually deliberately caving in; in other words, there are no abandoned mine workings, as these collapse after extraction. Consequently, it is not possible to create a show mine. Lignite, just like hard coal, is usually the focus of mining museums, where a replica adit may be on display. There is also a very interesting museum here, the Graphiteum, which opened in 2016. It can be visited free of charge during opening hours. In addition, there are two guided tours daily, which include a film in the museum and an underground tour.

Graphite has probably been mined here since Celtic times, 2,500 years ago. The exhibition explores all aspects of graphite, including its geology, economic importance and the history of its mining. The main focus is, of course, on mining in the 19th and 20th centuries. A spectacular feature of the exhibition is the mine’s headframe.