The St. Martin am Schneeberg settlement, in the Passiria valley in South Tyrol, is a former village for miners working at the Schneeberg Monteneve mine (2355 m) and can only be reached on foot.
In 1237, the Schneeberg was named for the first time. At an altitude of 2,000 to 2,500 metres above sea level, you will not only find Europe's highest located mine but also the most important lead and zinc mine of Tyrol.
More than 150 kilometres of tunnels and pits, which are in part still passable today, speak about the history of this mine which flourished in the 15th Century and had up to 1,000 miners employed.
The Schneeberg mountain outdoor conveyor system, with a length of 27 kilometres was at that time the longest in the world.
From the Middle Age to 1967 miners lived and worked here in unimaginably harsh conditions.
Today the shelter, exhibition and the mine itself document the history of one of the most important lead and zinc mines in Tyrol.
St. Martin am Schneeberg is the starting point for an informative tour and an adventure both above and below ground.
Half-day and full-day guided tours, trips on the mine train into the tunnels, a museum with show room and a refuge hut, all of these are fascinating possibilities below and above ground.
On foot from Passiria valley to Monteneve. Indications of kilometres: Strada Passo del Rombo from S. Leonardo
Schneebergbrücke: 1666 m, at km 15,4 and 15,7 (path 31), 1.45 hours.
Platterköfl: 1700 m, at km 17,3 (29B, forestpath), 2.15 hours.
Gasthaus Schönau: 1722 m, at km 18,4 (29A, forestpath), 2.30 hours.
Timmelsbrücke: 1759 m, at km 19,7 (path 29) 2.30 hours.
At 3,200 m, large ski slopes, cross-country trails and a challenging toboggan run
