Besucherbergwerk Grube Catharina Neufang

Useful Information

Location:	Sankt Andreasberg. A7 exit Seesen, B243 to Herzberg am Harz, turn left to St. Andreasberg. (51.7137103, 10.5149234)
Open:	All year Mon-Sat 13:45. [2007]
Fee:	Adults EUR 2.25, Children EUR 1.50. [2007]
Classification:	Silver Mine
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:	L=75 m, T=28 m.
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Jochen Klähn, Am Samson, Tel: +49-5582-1249. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1575	first written account.
1662	first mining reports.
1765	aquired by the government, united with Grube Samson als Vereinigte Gruben Samson weitergeführt.
1892	Neufanger Hangender Gang discovered.
1988	first proposal to add Grube Catharina Neufang to the show mine Grube Samson.
1990	show mine in Grube Catharina Neufang opened.

Geology

The typical Upper Harz vein mineralisation was mined in the Catharina Neufang mine. These are hydrothermal veins created by the heat of the Brocken granite. Polymetallic ores and various minerals were deposited in the veins. The most important metal was silver due to its value. A total of around 50 minerals are known from the mine.

Description

The Catharina Neufang mine is one of several show mines in the mining town of Sankt Andreasberg in the Upper Harz mountains. The neighbouring Samson mine, which also operates a show mine, is much better known. Both mines are now state-owned and are looked after by the same association. However, this mine was already in operation before 1575 and is a good example of mining in the early Middle Ages with its narrow, winding mine tunnels. You can clearly see how the miners drove the tunnels by hand using mallet and chisel. There is also an open, fully mined ore gangue about 240 metres deep.

The mine has been left mostly in its original state, so helmets are compulsory and there is no electric light. Lighting is provided with the helmet. The floor can be slippery, so comfortable shoes are recommended. It can also be a little cramped in places, definitely not suitable for people with claustrophobia. The mine is entered through the Neufanger Tagesstollen. This is the youngest part of the mine and was still used when most of the old mine had already been closed and filled in.

The mine is currently closed due to maintenance work. The renovation work is due to be completed in September 2025.