There are several underground tours exploring the Rammelsberg Mine. I took the shortest one, which goes through the Roeder Gallery. On this tour, you follow the route of the water, channelled into the mine to set big water wheels in motion.
Following this route helps to understand how cleverly the miners used the power of water to drive their tools. Don’t be afraid about the photo above. It’s just an impression of another tunnel you will get while following the guided tour. The path itself is well-prepared and safe. Wearing sturdy shoes and clothes which don’t mind getting dirty is important, though.
An interesting follow-up of such a tour can be a visit to the Upper Harz Water Regale, which gives an impression of how the miners stored and diverted the water for their mines. By the way, Rammelsberg Mine and Upper Harz Water Regale are listed as World Heritage Sites.
Sources / More info
- Link Guided tour through the Roeder Stollen Gallery [ENG]