It's often the hidden things that are most worth discovering. The Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region World Heritage Site has a number of hidden components, often with archaeological mining artefacts that enhanced the region's application for UNESCO World Heritage status.
The exhibition at MiBERZ - the Museum of Medieval Mining - in Dippoldiswalde shows what lies deep below visitors' feet. The 12th and 13th century silver mines are some of the most important and rarest sources of research into medieval mining. The rare exhibits, some over 800 years old, are extraordinarily well preserved.
Situated in the Hartmannsdorf, Langenweißbach and Kirchberg region, deep in the heart of the Hoher Forst forest, is one of the oldest and best-preserved mining landscapes in the Erzgebirge. Information boards along the nature and mining trails explain the remaining traces of mining in the landscape. A guided walk with the Kirchberg Nature Lovers and Local History Enthusiasts group is highly recommended.
The Erlahammer manor house in Schwarzenberg was recently restored and is one of very few ironworks still in existence in the Erzgebirge. Visitors can call in at the small but charming exhibition to discover all sorts of interesting facts about the history of mining in the town and the region.
