Iron ore was exploited and smelted in the Eisernhardt area for more than 2000 years. The traces of this mining can still be seen at the mountain (483m high). The first mines were located where the ore lodes appeared on the surface. Here, lumps of ore were collected from the surface or from shallow hollows. Gallery constructions had certainly been in use for a long time before they were first documented in 1672. Among the oldest gallery systems were the Einsturzer Gallery (of the pit Old Sinter) and the Rader Gallery (of the pit Old Wheel). As the fault pits grew deeper and deeper galleries were built to drain them and their winding shafts. It was not till the steam engine was invented in the mid-19th century that underground mining was possible with machine shafts and mine head frames. Mine names like ‘Eisernhardt Underground Mining’ and ‘Eisern Union’ are well known in the area to this very day. After more than 2000 years of mining, after more than 1000m of shaft the ore lodes inside Eisernhardt were exploited and the deposit was exhausted. The long-lasting history of mining ran out when the pit Eisernhardt Underground Mining closed down on June 29, 1957.

 
Reconstructed gallery mouths at Eisernhardt / Association of Siegerland Mining / 2005-2010

Members of the Association for Siegerland Mining uncovered some of the old galleries and installed new supports according to originals from the 19th century. Signposts provide information about the relics of Eisernhardt mining. At the parking ‘Faule Birke’ (flower market) a map shows galleries, signposts and the locations of several pits. Location plans and maps are available on our homepage or on 0271 387320 via phone. In case of questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact us. We hope you enjoy the traces of mining at Eisernhardt.

GOOD LUCK