Presenting a cultural landscape

PRESENTING A

THE OCTAGONAL MINERS’ CHURCH IN SEIFFEN, based on the Frauenkirche in Dresden, is the town’s most famous landmark.

cultural landscape

The 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. 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”.

A GLIMPSE into the American hall of the “terra mineralia” in Freiberg reveals the exhibition’s concept of a “mineralogical world tour” displayed over 1,500 square meters.

Nature lovers rave about memorable experiences along the numerous hiking trails in the Erzgebirge. The Kammweg (Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridge Trail) meanders through beautiful undulating landscapes with breath-taking views, past the famous church in Seiffen and on to Olbernhau, the “town of seven valleys”. One section of it takes you to Saigerhütte Grünthal, an historic and uniquely preserved metallurgical works dating from 1537. Some of the most famous rooftops in Europe have their origin here. The roofs of both the Hofburg in Vienna and the cathedral in Berlin are covered in Grünthal copper. The complex houses more than 20 historic buildings, used today as museums, hotels and leisure facilities, and forms an official part of the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Close to Grünhainichen, the headquarters of Wendt & Kühn, stands another important monument of this mining region, visible from miles around: Schloss Augustusburg. The castle was built by Elector Augustus in 1568, and financed by silver from the Erzgebirge. Mining expertise made it possible for a 130-meter well to be sunk through the hard rock of the Schellenberg mountain. Its regular special exhibitions and legendary motorcycle museum have ensured that the castle’s fame has spread far beyond the borders of Germany.

A “CURIOSITY” FROM THE COLLECTION: The 30-centimeterhigh Miner designed by Grete Wendt before she founded Wendt & Kühn. UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

The title of World Heritage Site is awarded to unique witnesses to the history of mankind and nature. Included in the list are historic buildings, urban settlements, industrial monuments and cultural landscapes as well as geological sites, natural landscapes and protected reserves. The UNESCO World Heritage list currently comprises 1,121 sites in 167 countries.

AN OVERVIEW of UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found by visiting www.whc.unesco.org

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on the Erzgebirge/ Krušnohoří Mining Region UNESCO World Heritage Site, please visit www.montanregion-erzgebirge.de