Stollenanlagen am Stephansberg

Useful Information

Location:	Sternwartstr. 1/3, 96049 Bamberg. In front of the entrance to the schoolyard E.T.A Hoffmann Gymnasium on the left side. (49.886452, 10.887659)
Open:	After appointment. [2023]
Fee:
Classification:	Sand Mine Room and Pillar Mining World War II Bunker Factory
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	L=12 km, T=8-9 °C.
Guided tours:	D=90 min, L=1 km, Max=20.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	VHS Bamberg Stadt, Tränkgasse 4, 96052 Bamberg, Tel: +49-951-87-1108. E-mail: BAMBERG Tourismus und Kongress Service, Geyerswörthstr. 5, 96047 Bamberg, Tel: +49-951-2976330. 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

11th century	Beginning of sand extraction.
17th and 18th century	Use for wine, beer and malt storage.

Description

The Stollenanlagen am Stephansberg (Tunnels at Stephansberg) is actually a mine in which sandstone, or sand, was mined. Over almost 1,000 years, a tunnel system with a length of 12 km was created. The term tunnel is actually wrong, mining was done in the old room and pilar method, with rooms separated by stone pilars, which support the overlying rock and thus prevent collapses.

Of course, the galleries were also used for other purposes over time. For example, as cellars for storing beer and food. During World War II, tunnels were used as air-raid shelters and others served Bamberg companies as bombproof production facilities. Nowadays, however, only a few tunnels are still used for beer storage. In addition, about 2 km of the galleries have been propared so that guided tours can be conducted.

The galleries only have electric light in small areas when they are used as cellars. In the area of the guided tours, however, they are unlit. Visitors should bring sturdy shoes, a jacket and a torch. A construction helmet is provided, but if available we recommend to bring your own helmet with headlamp. There are no fixed opening hours, guided tours are possible by appointment all year round.