Ehrenfriedersdorf tin mine

The Zinngrube Ehrenfriedersdorf is a visitor mine and mineralogical museum in the Erzgebirge region. Tin ore has been extracted here since the 13th century, first from surface deposits and later underground. The site also houses the oldest surviving mining brotherhood in Europe, founded in 1338.

The mine’s history reflects the region’s changing fortunes, from medieval prosperity to 19th‑century decline and 20th‑century revival. After the Second World War the focus shifted to a newly discovered deposit, and the mine supplied tin until German reunification. In 1995 it reopened as a visitor attraction, offering guided tours and displays of mining technology.

Visitors descend the Sauberger Haupt- und Richtschacht to a depth of about 100 metres on a historic winding cage. The tour shows working equipment such as air drills, loaders and an electric underground railway. A reconstructed water‑wheel pump described by Georgius Agricola stands near the Alexanderschacht. Above ground, the mineral museum explains local geology and hosts special exhibitions.