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13,000,000 tons
Rock mined per year
3,300,000 tons
Shipping ore production per year
1,500 tons
Annual explosives consumption
80,000 meters
Drilling meters per year
24 / 7 / 52
16 heavy trucks around the clock -
In use all year round
The Erzberg is the largest open-cast mine in Central Europe, the most important ore deposit in the Alps, a symbol of Austria's industrialization and a central part of the Iron Road.
Rock has been mined at the Styrian Erzberg for over 1,300 years. The hard work of many men and women, starting in 1890, transformed it into its current form. Today, a total of approximately 13 million tons of rock is produced annually in the open-pit mine using state-of-the-art technology. The resulting processed iron ore, 3.3 million tons annually, is delivered to Voestalpine's two sites in Linz and Leoben-Donawitz. Significant investments in quality-enhancing measures and continuous cost improvements ensure that iron ore from the Erzberg remains competitive even internationally. And thanks to successful collaborations, such as with the University of Leoben and the "Zentrum am Berg" research project, VA Erzberg is positioning itself as a global player in a network of innovative companies.
The Erzberg, a place with an exciting present
The Erzberg and the town of Eisenerz boast a rich history and a unique treasure trove of natural and cultural landscapes. This is one of the reasons why the world's largest pyramid attracts countless tourists. Athletes have also discovered it for themselves! Gripping scenes from the world's toughest and most famous off-road motorcycle race – the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo – are broadcast on TV year after year, showing the world's best hard enduro riders tackling the iron mountain. The RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO MAIN RACE, in particular, is a truly exceptional spectacle for spectators. The alluring dominance and uniqueness of the Erzberg are also popular motifs in art. Numerous works from the fields of painting, photography, and film attest to this.
13,000,000 tons
Rock mined per year
3,300,000 tons of iron ore
Shipping ore production per year
1,500 tons
Annual explosives consumption
80,000 meters
Drilling meters per year
24 / 7 / 52
16 heavy-duty trucks in operation around the clock - all year round
Hard facts
The Styrian Erzberg is a unique sight in the world and is one of the top five tourist destinations in Styria. The incredible silhouette above ground, the exciting adventure tour into the underground show mine, and an adventure ride in the world's largest taxi, the 1,217 hp Hauly, all fall under the category of "must-sees and experiences!"
The Erzberg Adventure offers visitors from all over the world an authentic ore experience. The Erzberg Adventure combines history with the present, allowing guests to experience open-cast mining up close, providing insights into the daily work of the miners, and offering insights into the future.The "Erzberg Adventure" experience begins for all visitors in the valley station reception building. This historic building is not only a reception area for our guests, but also the starting point for the journey into Central Europe's largest open-cast mine. Upon entering the building, visitors experience the rapid development of mining: The valley station was once the starting point of the Hugo Stinnes Elevator, which, from 1924 to 1965, served as a feeder railway, transporting thousands of workers to their workplaces, families to the homes of the Erzberg settlements, and day-trippers to the mountain lodge at 1,220 m above sea level – the railway's terminus. After the railway was closed, the building was raised by one floor, but retained its original, functional character. Modernized and adapted, the valley station now welcomes numerous guests.
In addition to these first impressions of the world of mining, the valley station offers visitors many other opportunities. Guests can enjoy a refreshment in the Hauly restaurant before beginning their tours, browse our exquisite Hauly shop, attend the Erzberg exhibition opening by Dr. August Zölbl free of charge, or have a souvenir photo taken to take home.
Visitors ride the world's largest and most powerful taxi – the Hauly, a converted 1,217-horsepower giant with an observation deck – down the steps of the Erzberg and watch the other heavy-duty trucks and wheel loaders used in active ore mining at work. During the approximately one-hour ride, visitors learn fascinating facts about ore mining above ground and the daily work of the miners, as well as explore the natural surroundings and regional culture.
On Thursdays, visitors can experience ore mining up close! Guests are transported by haul truck directly to the blasting site and witness how up to 80,000 tons of ore and rock are blasted into the ground. At the same time, the tour guide will explain all the details of the blasting technique. The original blasting report is available as a souvenir to take home. (Please note: Due to high demand for live blasting demonstrations, advance registration is requested.)
On a roughly one-and-a-half-hour tour, guests explore the underground labyrinth of the Ore Mountain and learn about the miners' underground working world, past and present. They also learn about the Ore Mountain's origins, experience the legend of the Waterman, and witness an audiovisually staged blasting operation.
Open-air exhibition Oswaldi
In addition to the three existing attractions, the brand-new attraction "Erlebnis:Reich Oswaldirücken" will be added to the program in 2016. The expansive area at 878 meters above sea level invites visitors to enjoy an exciting walk and, at the same time, offers authentic ore mining life with the live cinema experience "Open-cast Mining Up Close."
Open daily from 1 May to 31 October,
Visitor Center: daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.Tours: daily in all weather conditions (except snowfall) between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.