Dorfhain’s mining history stretches from the first documented reference in 1511 to the end of local mining: Neujahrswechsel Mine closed in 1892, and Silbersegen Mine in 1896. At the Aurora Erbstolln, you can explore the subject through the geology, guided underground visits and historic mining tools.
Underground mining
The tunnel was driven through gneiss and porphyry, more precisely microgranite. It is considered the only accessible silver mine along the section of the Silver Road between Freiberg and Dresden. Original mining tools are on display at the Aurora Erbstolln, dating from 1580 to the present day. Guided underground visits involve the use of protective coats, helmets and lamps. Children aged six and over can take part. Check seasonal visiting information before your trip.
A church with several building phases
The Baroque Protestant village church stands at the upper edge of the village. Its building history dates back to an early church around 1300. A late Gothic renovation was followed by reconstruction after a fire in 1632; a porch was added in 1724. This sequence shows that the present church building comprises several construction phases.
Hiking between the valley and mining sites
A circular hiking route from Dorfhain passes through the valley of the Wilde WeiĂźeritz and takes in former mills in the WeiĂźeritz Valley. Individual former mills may have their own access conditions. The Ritter Theler Tour first passes the Aurora Erbstolln and then continues on to Dorfhain. It is marked white-green-white and white-red-white, and is also designated as a mining educational trail and an ENSO trail. Check the current trail markers before setting out. As a guide to choosing: the circular route focuses on the valley and mills, while the Ritter Theler Tour focuses on mining and its trail markers.
Another attraction in the village
The municipal leisure pool offers a different focus: it has an adventure pool with a 65-metre slide and a wild-water channel, a sports pool, a children’s pool, play areas and a sunbathing lawn.
Getting to the Aurora Erbstolln
The Aurora Erbstolln can be reached by public transport on bus route 343. The route runs via Tharandt, Edle Krone, Dorfhain and Klingenberg; the relevant stop for the mine is Dorfhain Abzweig HosenmĂĽhle. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains District
The wider destination of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains District offers more to explore beyond Dorfhain. Saxon Switzerland National Park is Saxony’s only national park and Germany’s only rocky national park. The Altenberg Mining Museum provides a comprehensive overview of 550 years of tin mining in Altenberg; mining began around 1440 and ended with the closure of the mines in 1991. On the fortress plateau of Königstein Fortress, modern exhibitions and interactive stations bring the fortress’s history to life. Guided tours, hands-on activities and cultural events add to what is on offer. Some exhibitions may change, and individual programmes may vary. In the Ore Mountains part of the district, the “Speciality Weeks” are also held annually, celebrating the diversity of local cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Lohmen, Bannewitz, Struppen, Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna, Kesselsdorf, Geising, Rabenau, Kreischa
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Saxon Switzerland.
