Silver Mine Villanders

The Villanders visitor mine is one of the most exciting attractions in the Eisack Valley, offering panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. In the Middle Ages, it was among Tyrol’s most important mining areas, but after its closure in the early 20th century it fell into obscurity. Today, thanks to the dedicated work of the Villanders Culture and Museum Association, it has been meticulously restored and is one of the few mines in South Tyrol open to the public.

In the Elisabeth adit, you descend into a 25 km network of tunnels—in the Thinne Valley alone, 16 adits were driven with an elevation difference of 750 metres. Two thirds were cut by hand, one third advanced with black powder; connecting shafts provided haulage, drainage, and fresh air. Among the minerals extracted were silver, copper, and lead. Daily life was brutal: 8–12 metres of advance per miner per year, often working on their knees or lying on their backs, with a life expectancy of only 35–40 years.

A place that doesn’t just tell history—it lets you feel it.

Guided tours from April to October:

TUNNEL ELISABETH
Guided tour
- Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday at 10:30
- Meeting point at the tunnel Elisabeth
- Duration: approx. 1,5 h

ELISABETH AND LORENZ TUNNELS
Guided tours
- in July & August on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Meeting point at the tunnel Elisabeth
- Duration: approx. 2,5 h
- In the months of July and August there is also a guidance on Wednesday at 10:30.

Private special tours by prior appointment (also in winter).
More information about the Silver Mine: https://bergwerk.it/

Line 345: Klausen – Villanders – Villanders Alm