The German secretary of state and citizen of Goslar Sigmar Gabriel speaks at the 25th anniversary of the World Heritage in the Imperial Palace of Goslar.

Childhood memories and tips for visiting Goslar

German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sigmar Gabriel is a resident of Goslar and patron of the Rammelsberg mines. Here he shares his memories and reflections of his hometown.

What childhood memories do you associate with Rammelsberg?

My first childhood memories of Rammelsberg come from our local history lessons at primary school. The saga of "Ritter Ramm" at Rammelsberg and the related legends were taught to us in the first class. This was probably because the husband of my teacher Mrs Exner was a miner at Rammelsberg. He came into class and described the life and work underground. We learned the names of the mountains around Goslar by heart, we learned why there were so many artificial ponds in the Harz mountains and where the ruts at Rammelsberg came from. All this has been memorised by me and probably everyone else. I think it would be good if local history was still taught in our schools today. If you want to know where you go in life, it's not bad to know where you come from and who has created the prosperity of our country. And these weren't the emperors, but the miners and smelters.

Which is your favourite place in the UNESCO World Heritage of Goslar and Rammelsberg?

I like the Maltermeister Turm (which is a restaurant) where you have a breathtaking view of the historic old town of Goslar.

Do you have further insider-tips for our guests?

You should take your time to participate in a guided tour through the deepest part of the ore mine of Rammelsberg. There you can enjoy blue vitriol that shimmers uniquely.

What does the UNESCO World Heritage award of your hometown mean to you and for Goslar?

The city of Goslar is beautiful and gorgeous, and has an outstanding history. You even find the city of Goslar along with other important towns of the world in medieval maps. Being listed by UNESCO underlines what we, the citizens of Goslar, know well: that we live in a unique city. But at the same time, this also means responsibility. Not only for our World Heritage in Goslar but also in order to protect all the other UNESCO World Heritage sites that are located in countries that are more threatened than ours.

What would you prefer: Going high up or deep down? Would you prefer climbing up the tower of the market church or going into the underground of Rammelsberg?

You have to do both – otherwise you would miss out!

What would you say to a former miner if you would meet him?

Thank you!