The imperial city of Goslar has a history stretching back for over a thousand years. The discovery of the first veins of silver led the Saxon and Salian emperors to build their largest and safest palace complex on this spot. For many centuries it remained the preferred seat of government in the North of Germany. At the same time a centre of Christian worship also arose here. The town has been called the “Rome of the North”. 47 churches and chapels with their numerous towers and steeples make up the town’s unique skyline.

The view from the elevated imperial palace, with the steeples of five parish churches visible, is still very impressive. The many narrow cobbled alleys in the old town are an adventure where every house tells a story. Secluded corners wait to be discovered. Visitors should drive to the large car park at the imperial palace. Visitors arriving here are offered a fantastic view over the mighty Romanesque style palace complex. The 600 metre high Rammelsberg mountain with its ore mine, still in operation right up to 1988, forms a wonderful natural backdrop immediately behind the palace. This and the mediaeval old town have been on the ”UNESCO world heritage list“ since 1992.

Rammelsberg Ore Mine – a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

The ore mine at Rammelsberg, which closed in 1988, has been designated a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. The tunnels and facilities tell the story of over 100 years of uninterrupted mining in the Harz mountains. A monument to industry has been created here, which is unique in its conception and is worth a visit for more than just mining fans. There's plenty to discover, from both the mining and the quarrying perspectives. Visitors can find out about mining and industrial culture in four museum buildings. The exhibitions show the influence of work on human existence in a lively and creative way.

According to the latest discoveries, ore was being mined here as early as the 3rd or 4th century. It was silver above all that bewitched the mediaeval German emperors and made Goslar an imperial city. After the mine was closed in 1988, it was converted into a visitors' centre and mining museum. Guided walking tours through the 200 year old Roeder tunnel or a pit car trip offer exciting insights into work underground. The mining museum is one of the most original institutions for industrial cultural in Europe. On the actual site, the fascinating world of hundreds of years of work opens up before your eyes. Discover Rammelsberg on an adventure tour, a cable car trip in the mine cage and guided tours of the ore processing area. During the pre-Christmas period, the Roeder tunnel will be open for underground concerts in "Rammelsberg at Christmas“ - let yourself be enchanted by this amazing atmosphere.

Opening hours:
every day 9 am to 6 pm, except 24th and 31st of December.

• http://www.rammelsberg.de/home_english/home_english.htm

Highlights

• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Rammelsberg ore mines and Goslar’s historic centre
• The Imperial Palace with St. Ulrich’s chapel
• The Huldigungssaal in the historic Town Hall
• The Goslar museum
• Mönchehaus Museum of Modern Art
• Tin figure museum
• Musical instrument and doll museum
• Museum of the late middle ages in the Zwinger
• Großes Heiliges Kreuz hospital
• Ornamental bell ringing
• Churches, chapels and seminaries

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