U N E S C O W O R L D H E R I TA G E S I T E
T H E O C TA G O N A L M I N E R S ’
PRESENTING A
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cultural landscape
he landscape, its culture, economy, crafts and science have all been shaped by the region’s rich resources of silver, cobalt, iron, tin and uranium and the mining industry built on them. So it comes as no surprise that on the Saxony side alone some 400 artefacts survive today from more than 800 years of mining and guarantee a unique experience, embedded in a multifaceted wealth of culture and nature. This is what makes the Erzgebirge the most popular holiday region in the state of Saxony all year round. The attractive mining towns with their grand churches and historic town centers invite one to discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In their heyday they were centers of research and development, as well as art and culture. From here, silver, cobalt and tin were traded throughout Europe and indeed the world. The mining towns attracted scholars and artists alike. Impressively, the magnificent churches still represent the wealth of the past and the close connection between mining and faith. Originally, the designation of “mining town” was a privilege bestowed by the ruler and carried with it particular rights and tax advantages.
C H U R C H I N S E I F F E N , based on the Frauenkirche in Dresden, is the town’s most famous landmark.
Mines to visit, museums and exhibitions bring to life the history of the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, including the “terra mineralia” exhibition in the historic setting of Freudenstein Castle in Freiberg. More than 3,500 examples of minerals, gemstones and meteorites from five continents make this collection arguably the most beautiful and comprehensive in the world. Its permanent exhibition attracts discoverers, mineral collectors, scientists and cultural tourists as well as those on city breaks. In addition to the former mining sites, it is above all the unique evidence of living traditions that attracts visitors to the region. As in the spa town of Seiffen, for example, affectionately known as the “toy village”. Here many of the wooden toy makers have demonstration workshops that offer highly interesting insights into the craft. A visit to the Erzgebirge Toy Museum promises a journey into the childhood of previous generations. And whoever accepts the enticing invitation from the Wendt & Kühn Blossom Kinder and Grünhainichen Angels® will find themselves welcomed into the “World of Figures”, also known as the “Green House”.
