Erzberg defines Eisenerz: it is the largest open-pit mine in Central Europe, the most significant ore deposit in the Alps, a symbol of industrialization and a central part of the Iron Road. Its mining history can be explored from different perspectives: on rides through the open pit, on an underground tour and at places that tell the story of miners’ lives. There are also historic buildings, museums and the unspoiled Leopoldsteiner See.
Erzberg: Open-pit mining and mining history
On Hauly rides, visitors explore Erzberg in a converted heavy-duty truck with 1,217 hp; the ride goes right through the open pit. The tour of the show mine, by contrast, takes visitors into Erzberg’s underground labyrinth and the working world of miners, past and present. When comparing these experiences, the difference lies in their focus: the Hauly ride goes through the open pit, while the show-mine tour goes underground and explores the stories of the miners.
The OswaldirĂĽcken open-air exhibition is also located right at Erzberg. Its grounds lie at an altitude of 878 metres and invite visitors to take a walk. The Kaiser Franz Josef via ferrata runs through the 860-metre-high Seemauer and ends at a rope bridge.
Old Town, Schichtturm and fortified church
The old town is characterised by the houses of former Radmeister mine owners, with arcaded courtyards and sgraffito decorations. One specific historical milestone is the year 1581: that was when the Radmeister decided to build the watchtower; the elaborate Renaissance-style Schichtturm was subsequently built.
The history of the fortified church of St. Oswald dates back to 1190. Together with the surrounding Tabor fortifications, it is the largest and most significant fortified church complex in Styria, as well as one of the few fully preserved fortified church complexes in Austria. Its exhibition is devoted to the lives, work and traditions of miners.
Museums covering mining, crafts and local history
Awarded the Austrian Museum Quality Seal, the Eisenerz Town Museum is located in the historic centre of the mining town. It documents the changing relationship between Erzberg and Eisenerz. The Museum in the Old Town Hall focuses, among other things, on precious iron blooms and minerals, the Eisenerz Wunderstufe mineral specimen, and rarities from mining and local cultural history; this also includes the Tendler puppet theatre.
The Austrian Postal and Telegraph Museum is housed in the historic rooms of the Kammerhof, a former hunting lodge of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Its exhibition traces the development of postal and telegraph services from the imperial era to the present day. At the Gerberei Salzer Tannery Museum, original, working tannery machines from the 1930s illustrate leather production. The museum also features a waterwheel that has been brought back into operation: it was once used in leather production and is now used to generate electricity.
The Nativity Scene Museum connects the story of the birth of Jesus with the region’s mining tradition. The panoramic nativity scene, created in 1987, depicts scenes from public life and local history.
Leopoldsteiner See and surroundings
Leopoldsteiner See is an unspoiled Styrian mountain lake with no development along its shores. The rock face of the Hochschwab massif is reflected in its emerald-green waters, and the lake is fed by spring water from the surrounding mountains. A four-kilometre circular trail goes around the lake and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
There is a public bathing area on the west shore. Seasonal conditions and operating details may change, so check them before your visit. The lake and Erzberg offer different experiences: Leopoldsteiner See is all about the landscape and lakeside trail, while Erzberg focuses on open-pit mining, mining and the history of the miners.
Discover more destinations: Proleb, Vordernberg, Rannach, Kraubath An Der Mur, Gai, Sankt Peter-Freienstein, Radmer, Trofaiach
Return to the main travel overview: Leoben.
