Mines of Rammelsberg and Historic Town of Goslar

Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar were once the world’s largest interconnected copper, lead and zinc ore repositories.

The ensemble of mining structures and manmade landscape have been preserved. After mining stopped in 1988, the ore mines became one of Germany’s largest, most unusual museums. It provides insights into 850 years of mining and includes a visitor mine. Goslar’s historical town centre is also part of the World Heritage, featuring architectural monuments such as the Town Hall and Hall of Homage, numerous churches and town houses. The Upper Harz Water Management System, the world’s largest and most important system of lakes and streams, gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010. Built in the Middle Ages, it was the major source of energy for mining for over 800 years. Today, 107 ponds, 310km of water courses and 31km of underground channels remain – many still containing water. With walking trails, mines and the Cistercian Museum at Walkenried Abbey, this special World Heritage offers visitors nature and culture in perfect harmony.