Times, directions, equipment and the questions we are asked most often on the phone.
Opening times
2027 season
We are open from Easter Monday to 8 November. For the St Elisabeth adit you can book online, but you don’t have to: anyone who turns up spontaneously comes along as long as there are places left. Just be there ten minutes before the start. For the long round (except Wednesdays in July and August), the special tours and larger groups we need advance booking.
Guided tour times
Day
Start
Tuesday
10:30 · 14:30
Wednesday (July and August only) — St Elisabeth and St Lorenz adits
10:30
Thursday
10:30 · 14:30
Sunday
10:30
Season: Easter Monday to 8 November. The long round without booking on Wednesdays in July and August at 10:30; otherwise, like the special tours, by advance booking only.
Getting here
Villanders, Eisack Valley
By car
Car park at the mine
In Klausen turn off towards Villanders; from the village drive about 7 km towards the Villanderer Alm to the Zilderer bend. Turn off there — after 500 metres you reach the visitor car park.
From the car park it is another 300 metres on foot to the adit.
The last few kilometres are narrow. With a camper van it is better to stop further down.
On foot
Three walking trails
To the mine — the direct ascent
Around the mine — circular route through the mining district
Goldenschön and the blue Norgg — themed trail with the legends of the mountain
By bus: line 345 from Klausen station, stop “Bergwerk” at the Zilderer bend. According to the last timetable we know of, it departed from Klausen at 9:38 and 13:00, from the village square in Villanders at 9:55 and 13:17. Check the timetable at südtirolmobil.info before you travel.
Guest cards: With the mySummercard and the KlausenCard you get a reduction on the guided tour. Ask at your accommodation which card you receive.
On foot? All the routes to and around the mine: Hiking.
What to wear
Equipment
Inside the mountain it is eight degrees all year round. That sounds like little, and it feels like less if you are not moving.
Warmly dressed, helmet on — we provide the equipmentThe path is uneven — sturdy shoes are essential
ShoesSturdy and non-slipThe ground is uneven and damp
JacketWarm8 °C, even in August
From usHelmet and lampYou get them at the entrance
Frequently asked questions
Asked on the phone
Do I have to book?
Not for the St Elisabeth adit. You can book online, but you don’t have to — just come ten minutes before the start. For the special tours and the long round we do need advance booking — except on Wednesdays in July and August at 10:30. For groups of fifteen or more please call us beforehand: the group rate then applies, and from 21 people on we assign a second guide.
Is it something for children?
Yes — the St Elisabeth adit is for anyone who is motivated, and most children think it is wonderful. Children under six pay nothing but should be held by the hand — it is dark. The long round takes about two hours, with 300 steps and 65 metres of ascent, and needs a little stamina.
How cold is it really?
Eight degrees, all year round. In August that is a shock, in November it is pleasant. A warm jacket is not a recommendation but a necessity — you stand still a lot during the tour.
Is the adit accessible?
The St Elisabeth adit is. The long round is not: it has 300 steps and places where you have to duck. If you come with a wheelchair or walker, give us a call beforehand — we will plan the visit together.
What if I am claustrophobic?
The St Elisabeth adit is comfortable to walk for long stretches and well lit — for many people with mild unease it is no trouble at all. The special tours are considerably narrower; those we would advise against. Tell the guide beforehand, then you walk at the front.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, gladly. Flash and tripod are no problem as long as you don’t hold anyone up. We are always happy to be tagged in pictures.
How do I pay?
On site, in cash or by card. You can book online, but you pay at the mine — that keeps things simple if something changes at short notice.
What about bad weather?
It never rains inside the mountain. The tours take place in any weather — only the walk up can become unpleasant in a thunderstorm. If a severe weather warning is out, give us a quick call.
