Silver mines of Schwaz

Formerly Europe’s most significant treasure chest, the historic Schwaz silver and copper mines near Innsbruck are attracting thrill seekers and mining fans from all over the world. A train ride down in the Tyrolean Falkenstein mining area, a mere 800 metres below the earth’s surface, brings visitors right into the heart of the heyday of medieval treasure hunting. Over 7,000 miners used to toil in the narrow tunnels under extreme working conditions. Around 1500, over 85% of the world’s silver supply came from mines in the Schwaz and Vienna areas. The miners from Schwaz were famous for their unparalleled expertise.