Deep Underground – Discover the Copper Mining Heritage of Prettau/Predoi
In the remote village of Prettau/Predoi, nestled at the head of South Tyrol’s Ahrntal valley, copper ore was mined for over 500 years along the Rötbach river. Today, the St. Ignaz drainage adit has been transformed into an impressive visitor mine– part of the South Tyrolean Provincial Mining Museum.
Hop aboard the mine train and travel over a kilometre into the mountain, where you’ll enter a captivating world beneath the surface. Along two circular tours, realistic installations and immersive scenes bring the hard lives of miners from centuries past vividly to life.
But this is more than just a museum: copper is still extracted here today – in a sustainable, innovative way using bacteria to produce what’s known as cement copper.
Just outside the entrance tunnel, the historic Schinerhaus– once home to local miners – welcomes visitors as a silent witness to Prettau’s rich mining legacy.
Visitor Information
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Visits by advance booking only
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Last entry at 3:00 PM
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For groups of 15 or more: guided tours available after 3:00 PM upon request
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Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
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Closed in winter (until Easter)
👉 Click here for current opening times and prices
Step into the depths of history – authentic, educational, and unforgettable.