Imsbach offers English-guided tour to mine

The mining village of Imsbach, delightfully set in the foothills of Donnersberg mountain, was shaped in its development throughout the centuries by the naturally occurring resources in the ground. In the two exhibition mines White Pit and Maria and in the Palatine Mining Museum, visitors can experience the local mining tradition and follow in the footsteps of former miners.

To make the Mining World Imsbach attractive for the many fellow Americans in this region, mine tours in English have been an integral part of the annual program for several years. In addition to this, a guided hike held in English will be offered for the first time on Sunday.

The hiking tour will lead participants through the Imsbach mining district on the iron trail to the mine Maria and deals thematically with the emergence of ore veins and the excavation of iron ores. The picturesque route runs along narrow, sometimes-steep paths and tracks up to striking cliffs that offer magnificent views.

The tour concludes with a guided tour in English of the mine Maria. Its tunnels and shafts offer impressive insights into the hard work underground. Today, hikers can take a rest stop at the mining cabin and relax from the exertion.

The hike starts at 11 a.m. at the mining cabin entrance of the White Pit, or “Weisse Grube,” in 67817 Imsbach. The distance is approximately 5.5 km. Parking is available at the hikers parking lot in Langenthal.

Organizers recommend to wear ankle-supporting footwear and bring food in a backpack. Participation in the tour and the entrance to the visitor mine Maria costs €5 for adults and €3 for children.
A visit to the Palatine Mining Museum, which is included in fee, in the town center is also worthwhile and is open until 5 p.m. Sunday.

Preregistration for the guided hike is requested but not required. Contact the Winnweiler Tourist Office, Jakobstrasse 29, 67722 Winnweiler, at 06302-602-61 or email info@winnweiler-vg.de.

For more information on the Mining World Imsbach and guided tours in English, held Sunday and Sept. 25, visit www.bew-imsbach.de/index.php/us.