Fischbach: Underground Copper Mining and Outdoor Trails

Fischbach brings together the history of copper mining, underground experiences and a mining trail through natural surroundings. At the Fischbach Copper Smelting Works, ore processing and historic blacksmithing take center stage; the copper mine and trail explore the history of mining both underground and outdoors. For your stay, you can decide whether you would most like to learn more about technical history, the outdoor stops or both perspectives.

Fischbach is close to the junction of federal highways B270 and B41. Check navigation conditions before setting off.

Copper Mining and Blacksmithing

The Fischbach Copper Smelting Works illustrates the ore processing and smelting methods practiced before 1800. A fully operational forge recalls the work of historic mining blacksmiths. It also features a specific ore-processing tool: wooden stamps weighing 70 kilograms are used to crush the ore. Copper was mined at Hosenberg until 1792. This lets you encounter the local history from different perspectives: the extraction of the raw material, its processing and the craft traditions surrounding it.

The museum is considered child-friendly. If the visitor program is important for your plans, check for the latest information before your trip.

Mine or Trail?

At the Fischbach copper mine, you can walk through a network of winding tunnels. The underground chambers are up to 30 meters high. A barrier-free tunnel offers a hands-on experience: visitors can and are encouraged to touch mining tools, minerals and historic wood.

The mining trail is about 4 kilometers long and has 17 stops. Along the route are old mine tunnels, open-cast mines and other remnants of copper mining; panoramic views and natural surroundings complement the historic traces. Underground, the focus is on the chambers and winding passages; on the trail, it is on the remnants and landscape. Check local route information before setting out.

More to Explore in the Wider Birkenfeld Destination

The wider Birkenfeld destination offers additional cultural and landscape highlights. The Birkenfeld State Museum features permanent exhibitions on the Celts and Romans, Birkenfeld and the Wittelsbachs, the iron industry in Birkenfeld district, a historic classroom from around 1930, and the Oldenburg period. This broadens the range of themes beyond Fischbach's mining history.

Another cultural stop is the 2.5-kilometer-long Götterallee (Avenue of the Gods) between the local municipalities of Schwollen and Leisel. Ten life-size, colorful figures of gods line the route. Nature lovers will also find the “In the Land of Kites, Storks and Co.” nature trail in the wider destination: it has 18 stops around Niederhambach, Schmißberg and Rimsberg. At Schmißberg, it includes an aviary with the stork pair Lotte and Bernie; the trail provides information about the habitats of red kites, black storks and other species.

The Upper Nahe Water Discovery Trail in Hoppstädten-Weiersbach is 1 kilometer long and has four access points. It introduces the diversity of aquatic life in the Upper Nahe, including barbel and gudgeon, as well as water birds and dragonflies. Its stated length is considerably shorter than that of the approximately 4-kilometer Fischbach Mining Trail. This makes it possible to compare routes of different lengths and themes without confusing their distinct experiences.

Choose the Right Location for Your Accommodation

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sensweiler, Niederhambach, Oberkirn, Idar-Oberstein, Frauenberg, Leisel, Herrstein, Abentheuer.

Back to the main travel overview: Birkenfeld.