Guided visit of a medieval silver mine that financed the Habsburgs, including a ride on the mine train and about 90 minutes underground. Adult tickets were listed at about EUR 23 for 2026.
The Schwazer Silberbergwerk is a medieval silver mine at Alte Landstrasse 3a in Schwaz, about 30 km east of Innsbruck in the Austrian state of Tyrol. In the 15th and 16th centuries Schwaz was one of the richest mining towns in Europe, and the silver extracted here helped finance the Habsburg dynasty, including the Fugger banking family's loans to the emperors. Today the mine is a guided attraction that lets visitors see the tunnels where miners worked by hand.
The trip from Innsbruck takes about 25-30 minutes by regional train to Schwaz, with departures roughly every 30 minutes and fares around EUR 5-7. From the station, the mine is a 10-minute walk or a short local bus ride. Visitors who prefer to drive can reach Schwaz on the A12 motorway in about the same time.
The visit begins with a ride on the mine train into the mountain, followed by a guided tour that totals about 90 minutes underground. Guides explain tunnelling techniques, ventilation, water drainage and the working conditions of the miners, with displays and demonstrations in the galleries. Adult tickets were listed at about EUR 23 for 2026. The temperature underground stays cool year-round, so a warm layer and sturdy shoes are advisable even in summer.
A good day arc is to catch an early train, join a late-morning tour, and have lunch in the old town of Schwaz, which has a Gothic parish church and several traditional inns. The afternoon can be spent walking the town centre before returning to Innsbruck. Opening hours run May to September from 8:45 to 17:00 and October to April from 9:45 to 16:00, though some listings note a closure from mid-November to early February, so verify before travelling.
The mine works as a rainy-day option and is popular with families and history-minded visitors. Tours may run in several languages, and visitors can ask at the ticket desk about the English-language departures. Combining the mine with a stop at Hall in Tirol on the return journey is a practical way to fill a full day.
| Distance | About 30 km east of Innsbruck |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 25-30 minutes by train plus a short walk or bus |
| Getting there | Regional train from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Schwaz, then a 10-minute walk or local bus to the mine |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Alte Landstrasse 3a, 6130 Schwaz (+43 5242 72372) |
How to get there
- Mode
- Regional train to Schwaz
- Cost
- about EUR 5-7 (~$6-8), verify at vvt.at
- Frequency
- roughly every 30 minutes
- Mode
- Local bus from Schwaz station
- Cost
- about EUR 2-3 (~$2.50-3.50)
- Frequency
- hourly or better
Location
Alte Landstrasse 3a, 6130 Schwaz (+43 5242 72372)
47.3537, 11.7275 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the mine train into the mountain
- About 90 minutes of guided exploration underground
- History of the silver that financed the Habsburgs
- Old town of Schwaz with its Gothic parish church
Tips for visiting
- Take the regional train from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, then walk about 10 minutes or use the local bus
- Wear a warm layer and sturdy shoes because the mine stays cool
- Verify seasonal closures, especially mid-November to early February
- Ask at the ticket desk about English-language tour times
- Combine with Hall in Tirol on the way back
When to visit
Open year-round with seasonal hours, and a good rainy-day choice. Mornings are less crowded; verify the winter closure window.
Accessibility
The underground route involves uneven ground and steps, and the mine train has limited access. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the mine in advance.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The guided visit includes the mine train ride and about 90 minutes underground.
How much does it cost?
Adult tickets were listed at about EUR 23 for 2026. Check silberbergwerk.at for current prices.
How do I reach the mine from Innsbruck?
Take the regional train to Schwaz in about 25-30 minutes, then walk 10 minutes or take a local bus.