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Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen: A Journey into Styrian Mining History

Discover the hidden history of nickel mining in the Austrian Alps at this unique museum in a beautifully restored smelting furnace.

4.5

Explore the Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen, housed in the only preserved historical nickel smelting furnace in the Eastern Alps. A unique museum showcasing the region's mining history from the 18th and 19th centuries, featuring a blend of historical structure and modern architecture.

A brief summary to Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen

Local tips

  • Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they are limited and vary depending on the season. It's typically open on Wednesdays during the summer months.
  • Combine your visit with a hike on the Smelting Furnace Tour ('Schmelzofenrundweg') to explore other historical sites and enjoy the scenic Obertal valley.
  • Consider purchasing the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard for free admission to the museum and other attractions in the region, as well as free use of public transportation.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Schladming, take the Line 973 bus towards Eschachalm. The closest bus stop to the museum is 'Schladming Hopfriesen'. From there, it's a short, approximately 3-minute walk to the Nickelmuseum. Bus schedules are available at www.planaibus.at. A single bus fare is approximately €3-5.

  • Driving

    From Schladming, head south on the B320 (Ennstal Straße) towards Rohrmoos-Untertal. After about 3 km, turn right onto Obertalstraße. Continue straight for approximately 1 km. The Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen will be on your left at Obertalstraße 23. Parking is available near the museum. Parking fees are around €7 per day, or €5 per day with the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard.

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Discover more about Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen

The Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen, nestled in the Obertal valley near Schladming, offers an immersive journey into the region's rich mining history. Housed within the only preserved historical nickel smelting furnace in the Eastern Alps, the museum stands as a unique testament to the area's past. The original structure is integrated with a modern prism of glass and steel, creating a striking architectural contrast symbolizing the fusion of past and present. Inside, exhibits showcase the tools, techniques, and conditions endured by miners who extracted valuable resources like nickel, silver, cobalt, and copper from the mountains. Visitors can learn about the ore refinement processes and the "dangerous day's work" of the miners during the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also highlights the importance of mining to the local economy and way of life during that era. The Nickelmuseum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's a living testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the people who shaped this region. The museum is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, with hiking trails leading to former mine sites and scenic overlooks. A short walk away, a children's mine adds to the family-friendly appeal. The museum is a stage within the smelter tour ("Schmelzofenrundweg"), which includes inns in the Obertal valley and the nearby mining gallery Annastollen at Bromriesen.

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