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Though it’s no longer quite so packed with precious metal, the Copper Mine of Fischbach contains something even better: Adventure.
Unexpected fun and adventure
I can’t even begin to describe how awesome it was to take a day trip to the Copper Mine of Fischbach (or Kupferbergwerk Fischbach, in German). My friends and I had so much fun, which was a bit unexpected. Because, you know, it’s a copper mine. I know I should be more open to these experiences, but I have just never had an interest in copper mines.
Well, that was until I met our wonderfully energetic tour guide who loves to practice speaking English. He was so excited to have an American writing about his copper mine that he took us on a very detailed 90-minute tour!
War, ghosts, and mining taken seriously
I won’t give you the full list of everything we learned, because I don’t want to spoil the surprises. Let’s just say that you’ll get a colorful education when it comes to the Fischbach copper mines and (at a minimum) the following subjects:
- The French Revolution and the 30-Year War
- Stalactites, which are the pointy tapering structures that hang like icicles from the roof of a cave
- How to prospect a mine
- Why mineworkers actually did look like Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs
- What a 12-hour day in the life of a mineworker was like
- Why you would never want to be an old-time German copper miner — did you know that if a mineworker showed up late for work two times in his lifetime, he could be put to death?
- Miners’ beliefs in ghosts and fairy dust (we saw both!)
What to expect
Our tour started with a quick hike of about 400 meters uphill. This might be a good time to recommend that you wear comfy walking shoes. I did not. Nevertheless, the walk was easy enough and we arrived at the mine entrance where we were told that we would be required to wear hard hats. Wait, what? Oh, only for safety in case of falling rocks. Our guide reassured us that no one has been injured from falling rocks.
As you might imagine, the mine is damp and cold inside. However, it is very well lighted and we did get to see a lot of fun stuff, including things like Malachite and Azurite, which are apparently signs that let miners know that copper ore is below. We even got to see and touch a beautiful blue-green “baby gemstone” that was being formed. The color seemed out of place among the plain rocks, but it was breathtakingly beautiful. We were encouraged to touch it — then our guide told us it would be worth about 15,000 Euros if they mined it.
Tours and special events
Opportunities abound for further learning during the tour. Check out the Copper Hut, where you can see a a great demonstration of how potential copper was removed from the mine, crushed, melted and then became actual copper.
Also, as long as you’re taking a tour later than April 1, your tour can get a bit…batty. That’s when bats wake up and fly out of the mine. Yes, that’s right. BATS! We were allowed to go into this part of the mine for about 10 minutes to see them as they slept. I tried to take pictures, but was too worried that my flash would wake one, which would have made me freak out. Thanks to our intrepid guide, we also got a quick lesson on bats and their hibernation.
General Information
The Fischbach Copper Mine hosts a variety of special events for parties of 15 or more, including birthday parties, weddings, catered dinners, wine tastings, etc. Concerts occur here, as well, along with dungeon-themed tours during Halloween and a religious ceremony during the Christmas season.
From November through February, guided tours are normally offered at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. From March through October, the mine is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour leaving at 4:15 p.m. The tour takes about one hour. Check the mine’s website for specific opening information.
Prices are 7.50 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for children ages 5-16. Family and group rates are also available. The telephone number is +49 (0) 678 5 7 9103. The address is Hosenbachstrasse 17, Fischbach 55743.
