Fischbach: Copper Mining and Mining Trail

Fischbach is a destination for travelers interested in copper mining. The main attractions are the Fischbach Copper Mine, the Fischbach Copper Smelter and a mining trail. Fischbach is located near the intersection of federal highways B270 and B41. Check navigation conditions before setting off.

Copper mining: extraction, processing and tunnels

The history of mining can be explored from several perspectives. Copper ore was mined at the Hosenberg mine in Fischbach until 1792; the Fischbach Copper Smelter reconstructs ore processing and smelting as they were carried out before 1800. The copper smelter also houses a fully operational forge, recalling the work of historic mining blacksmiths. The copper works uses wooden stamps weighing 70 kilograms to crush the ore. At the copper mine, visitors can walk through a network of branching tunnels. Underground cavities there reach heights of up to 30 meters.

The mining trail and its traces

The mining trail is around 4 kilometers long and has 17 stops. Along the route are old tunnels, open pits and other remnants of copper mining. Panoramic views and a natural setting are also features of the route. The trail showcases traces above ground, while the copper mine focuses on the accessible passages and cavities underground. Check route details locally before setting off.

Special ways to explore

In the accessible tunnel, you can touch mining tools, minerals and historic wood; these objects may and should be touched. The museum is considered child-friendly. If this feature is important for your visit, check the visitor program in advance.

More attractions in the wider Birkenfeld destination

The wider Birkenfeld destination offers other themed attractions for a range of interests. The Birkenfeld State Museum features permanent exhibitions on the Celts and Romans, Birkenfeld and the Wittelsbachs, the iron industry in Birkenfeld district, an old classroom from around 1930, and the Oldenburg era. A cultural outdoor route is the 2.5-kilometer Götterallee between the local communities of Schwollen and Leisel. Ten life-size, colorful figures of gods line the route.

The Obere Nahe Water Experience Trail in Hoppstädten-Weiersbach focuses on nature education: the trail is 1 kilometer long and has four access points. It introduces the diversity of aquatic life in the Obere Nahe, including barbel and gudgeon, as well as waterbirds such as the kingfisher and dipper, and dragonfly species such as the common damselfly and river dragonfly. Another nature-focused attraction is the “In the Land of Kites, Storks and Co.” nature trail, with 18 stops around Niederhambach, Schmißberg and Rimsberg. Near Schmißberg, it includes an aviary with the stork pair Lotte and Bernie, as well as information about the habitats of red kites, black storks and other species. The attractions have distinct themes: museum exhibitions, life-size figures of gods and the diversity of aquatic life each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Oberhambach, Heimbach, Neubrücke, Achtelsbach, Kempfeld, Abentheuer, Elchweiler, Idar-Oberstein

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Birkenfeld.