Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | The Rammelsberg Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the German city of Goslar, located in the Harz mountain range. We visited the mine this summer, and it turned out to be very interesting.
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The mine in Rammelsberg
The Rammelsberg mine is a place where people have been working to extract metals for a thousand years. Mining operations ceased in 1988 and in 1992 Rammelsberg and the historic city center of Goslar were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2010, the World Heritage List was expanded to include the Oberharz historical water supply system.
The Rammelsberg mine is located just south of the town of Goslar, in the German federal state of Lower Saxony.
A Unesco World Heritage Site
The Rammelsberg mine is a World Heritage Site because it has much to tell us about mining in Europe, including during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The mine, where silver, copper and lead were mined at different times, was in continuous operation from the 11th century until the 1980s.
The water management system was constructed in the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks, and then developed on a large scale between the 16th and 19th centuries. The complex system includes artificial dams, canals, tunnels and underground drains, which together enabled hydropower for use in mining and is considered an important innovation.
Visiting the mine in Rammelsberg
We drove to the mine in Rammelsberg with our camper van and parked just outside. We hadn't booked a tour in advance, but chose from the tours that were available when we arrived. If you want a tour in English or are visiting Rammelsberg during a popular period, it might be wise to check the availability and book in advance.
Guided tour of the mine in Rammelsberg
When we arrived there were several different tours to choose from. We chose the tour ”Fire and Water: The Roeder Gallery”, where you follow the path of water through the historic tunnel system. As an alternative, there is a tour where you ride carts down into the mine, and this tour is also suitable for those who have difficulty walking or use a wheelchair.
The tour was in German (since we didn't even try to book anything else in advance), but the guide could speak good English and turned to us when he had time and translated some parts. We were of course very grateful for that!
The tour started outdoors, and we passed a lake whose water was once used to power the big wheels underground.
The guide then let us into the corridors of the mine in Rammelsberg. Here you really got the feeling of the hard work that went on in the past! It is about 10 degrees Celsius down in the mine all year round, so feel free to bring an extra sweater even if you visit Rammelsberg in the middle of summer. Sturdy shoes are also recommended.
Along the walls of the mine you can see different colours, which are due to minerals in the rock.
There are also large wooden wheels down in the mine. The wheel Peter is standing by is a reconstruction of the original wheel, but you can see how it once worked down in the mine.
The museum in Rammelsberg
There is also a museum at the mine in Rammelsberg. Visiting the museum is not at all the same experience as going down the mine, in our opinion, but it can still be a nice and interesting complement.
More to see and do in Goslar
After visiting the Rammelsberg mine, you'll want to visit the World Heritage town of Goslar. This town is incredibly charming, filled with beautiful half-timbered houses and old churches. You won't want to miss visiting the beautiful castle here either.
READ MORE: Things to do in Goslar -11 tips for a historic city
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
When we visited Goslar with a camper van, we parked at the Füllekuhle car park on Bertha-von-Suttner-Straße. From there, we had a good starting point for walking into the centre of Goslar. Check the current rules and parking options before your visit.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There are several other nice German towns near Goslar, which we highly recommend. Here you will find tips and inspiration:
- Things to do in Wernigerode
- Things to do in Quedlinburg
- Thale in the Harz
- Suspension bridge Titan RT
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the mine in Rammelsberg
What is Rammelsberg?
Rammelsberg is a historic mine just outside Goslar in the Harz Mountains. Mining was carried out here for around a thousand years, until 1988. Today the area is a museum and visitor mine.
Is Rammelsberg a World Heritage Site?
Yes. Rammelsberg and the historic city center of Goslar were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. In 2010, the World Heritage Site was expanded to include the Oberharz historic water supply system.
Can you go down into the mine in Rammelsberg?
Yes, there are several different guided tours that go underground. We chose a tour through the historic Roeder system, but there are also other options, including a tour where you go into the mountain on a mining train.
How cold is it in the mine in Rammelsberg?
The temperature in parts of the mine is around 10 degrees all year round, so it's a good idea to bring an extra sweater and sturdy shoes, even during the summer.
How long do you need at Rammelsberg?
Allow at least a couple of hours if you want to join a guided mine tour and also see parts of the museum. If you want to experience the area more thoroughly, you can spend a large part of the day here.
Is Rammelsberg suitable for those who have difficulty walking?
It depends on which tour you choose. The mine train tour is an option for those who don't want to walk long distances or climb stairs, and there is also the option for people who use wheelchairs to participate. Please check the availability of the tour before visiting.
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Jean-Pierre says:
WelcomeWelcome to Germany, I hope you had fun in Goslar and also visited the city with the Imperial Palace.
27 October 2022 - 16:01
Helena says:
Germany has a lot to offer! And yes, we checked out beautiful Goslar with the palace too. Report coming soon!
27 October 2022 - 18:33