South Tyrol Museum of Mining – Prettau / Predoi – An Adventure into Mining History

At the far end of the Ahrntal Valley lies a unique museum: the copper mine in Prettau is one of South Tyrol’s most important historical mining sites. For centuries, high-quality copper ore was extracted here. Today, the Saint Ignaz gallery, the lowest of many tunnels inside the mountain, is open to visitors.
A mine train takes you around one kilometre deep into the mountain. From there, an adventurous tour in the mine begins. Visitors learn about historic tools, machinery and mining techniques. Films and reconstructions illustrate the working conditions of the miners. A preserved copper vein is also part of the visit and allows hands-on experience.
The Prettau site is more than just a show mine. As part of the South Tyrol Museum of Mining, it combines authentic history with modern knowledge transfer.

In the former grain store of Steinhaus, once a central building for the mining economy, you will now find a permanent exhibition of the South Tyrol Museum of Mining. The focus here is not on machinery or technology, but on people: miners, tradesmen, smelters and their families. The exhibition explores everyday life underground, social structures, faith, and the lasting influence of mining on village life.
Original objects, historical documents, audio stations and interactive elements create an engaging space for reflection and discovery.
A guided village tour complements the exhibition. It highlights the architectural landmarks of Steinhaus’ mining history, including the Kornkasten, the Gassegg residence and the Maria Loreto church.