Glueck Auf! in
elect.-princely* and royal saxon Alum Factory by the Goeltzsch river on Reichenbach
We welcome you to our website in miners way with Glueck Auf (Good luck) − and also later here on site, in the settlement "Muehlwand" of the local community Rotschau, what is a part oft the town Reichenbach in the Vogtland (West Saxony, Germany). A mining that is unusual for Saxony and traces of an almost forgotten historical trade await you here: The mining of black shale and the boiling of alum. This sulfuric acid salt was once used for tanning, dyeing, pickling and for medicinal purposes.
Please click / tap on photos to enlarge them
The shale mine and the old alum boil factory were operated from 1691 to 1827. Unfortunately, (almost) nothing is left of the alum boiling plant. But the quarry and also the caves and manholes of the old mine still exist. They still look almost as they did when the miners had to do heavy manual labor. In the years that followed, lots of secondary minerals, stalactites and sintered stones formed. These and more can be viewed during a guided tour.
For this we offer regular opening times on weekends and public holidays. At other times we guide visitors by a prior arrangement. The mining area is a protected natural and cultural monument. There are footpaths with benches and explanatory boards. The area is freely accessible at all times. Near at our location are many other attractive destinations for enjoying nature and leisure − along the middle valley of the Goeltzsch river.
We would look forward to seeing you soon at us.
Our events are very popular and well attended: Mining festivals on Ascension Day or in autumn, 'Mettenschichten' in the mine on Cristmas and Light celebrations in winter. Live music and concepts for family-friendlyhood guarantee for well-being and comfort. A large festival area with kiosks, huts with seats and a small stage is available for this. These can also be booked by guest organizers for their celebration.
