Everything to know before you come
Times, directions, equipment and the questions we are asked most often on the phone.
Opening times
2026 seasonWe 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, the special tours and larger groups we need advance booking.
| Day | Start |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:30 · 14:30 |
| Wednesday (July and August only) | 10:30 |
| Thursday | 10:30 · 14:30 |
| Sunday | 10:30 |
Season: Easter Monday to 8 November. The long round and the special tours by advance booking only.
Getting here
Villanders, Eisack ValleyCar park at the mine
Up the mountain via Klausen or Villanders.
The visitor car park is 300 metres below the adit.
The last few kilometres are narrow. With a camper van it is better to stop further down.
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. It last ran 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
EquipmentInside the mountain it is eight degrees all year round. That sounds like little, and it feels like less if you are not moving.
Frequently asked questions
Asked on the phoneDo 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 long round and the special tours we do need advance booking. For groups of fifteen or more please call us beforehand: the group rate then applies, and from twenty people on we assign a second guide.
Is it something for children?
From the age of six yes, and most of them think it is wonderful. Children under six pay nothing but should stay by the hand — the ground is uneven and it is dark. The same minimum age applies to the long round, but it takes twice as long.
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?
No. The ground is uneven, there are steps and places where you have to duck. If you are unsure whether it will work, give us a call — we will look at what is possible 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.
Can’t reach us?
ContactOberland 36, 39040 Villanders
Villanders Culture and Museum Association
Eisack Valley, South Tyrol