The shaft framework from 1876 is the oldest surviving iron conveyor framework in Europe—probably the world.

Ottiliae Shaft

Take the mining train to the oldest surviving steel conveyor framework in Germany. A day spent here will give your family a truly unique and fascinating example of industrial history.

Visitors will take the old mine train through a sunken valley to the Otiliae shaft. The scaffold of the shaft is the oldest in the world made of iron. At the beginning of the last century, the facilities at Ottiliae shaft were among the most modern in Europe. The shaft framework from 1876 is the oldest surviving iron conveyor framework in Europe—probably the world.

Ottiliae worked from 1878 to 1930. It was the central production shaft for silver, lead, and zinc of the Berginspektion Clausthal.

Until 1980, Pelton turbines produced energy for the PREUSSAG plants in Grund, Oker, and Goslar-Rammelsberg in the KRAWA (power and water management) operating department. Starting in 1985, the Ottiliae shaft, with the day conveyor track reconstructed in 1990, has been part of the Upper Harz Museum.

Visit

Ottiliae Shaft

Hours

Between the 1st of May and the 31st of October, the old mine train departs from Clausthal station to the Ottiliae shaft at the weekend.

Registration and booking as well as further information:
Upper Harz Mining Museum
Open daily 10:00 to 17:00 (except 24/12 and 31/12)
These and other offers can be booked at any time as a group tour.