The Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark is home to several interesting museums that bring us closer to 6000 years of history in the Innergebirg—the Inner Mountains. Learn how locals lived in past centuries, how mining has been integrated into our culture and tradition, about the famous author Thomas Bernhard and what mining technologies were available before today’s advancements. You also have the opportunity to observe some of the best ore specimens collected in the region.
Museum "Ores, Gold and Minerals" in Hüttau
They belong together: The Larzenbach Show Mine and the Museum "Ores, Gold and Minerals" in Hüttau are located in the former trade house in the town's center. This was the house of the former operators of the copper mine dating back to 1594. The museum displays a large collection of minerals compiled by former miner Rainer Mrazek.
As a mineral collector and idealist, he was the founder of the museum and also the driving force behind the reclamation (restoration) and opening of the copper mine as a show mine.
Further information about opening times and prices can be found here: Museum "Ores, Gold and Minerals"
Mining Museum in Mühlbach am Hochkönig
The Mining Museum in Mühlbach am Hochkönig is located in the former "Knappenheim" which was home to the miners decades ago. The museum showcases 4.000 years of mining history, past mining technologies and equipment, geology and mineralogy, as well as culture—like the development of music bands, the history of ski jumping in the region and the accomplishments of “Bubi Bradl”. Visitors can also watch short films depicting the life and work of miners.
The large hands-on mineral displays, and the secured uranium-bearing rocks with a Geiger counter make for an exciting exhibit. If you want to experience what underground mining was like, you can head to the Johanna Stollen Show Mine, just a few minutes’ walk away from the museum.
Further information about opening times and prices can be found here: “Bergbaumuseum Mühlbach”
Seelackenmuseum in St. Veit im Pongau
The Seelackenmuseum in St. Veit im Pongau is located in the former "Wallnerbauernhaus" which used to be a traditional farmer's house. The Wallnerbauernhaus from Schwarzach, built in 1738, was demolished in 1988 and rebuilt true to the original at its current location. It is now used as a museum, meeting place and event venue. Together with the Troadkasten, baking oven and a school garden, the result is an ensemble well worth seeing.
Schwerpunkte der Ausstellung sind die Volkskultur, Bergbau und Archäologie, Literatur, Landwirtschaft und immer wieder wechselnde Sonderausstellungen.
In der Ausstellung zum Bergbau werden die verschiedenen Abbaumethoden und Fundstücke aus Bergwerken vorgestellt. Eine Sonderausstellung ist dem berühmten österreichischen Schriftsteller Thomas Bernhard gewidmet, der in St. Veit seine prägenden Jahre als Schriftsteller verbrachte. Jedes Jahr im Oktober veranstaltet das Museum die “Thomas-Bernhard-Tage”, um an sein Leben und Werk zu erinnern. Das Seelackenmusem ist auch Teil des Thomas-Bernhard-Wegs in der Gemeinde.
Further information about opening times and prices can be found here: “Seelackenmuseum”
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