Copper mine at Prettau open to the public.
The copper was mined near Rötbach probably as early as the Bronze Age. Evidence is a bronze battle axe discovered there in 1864, though the mine was first mentioned in historical documents much later, in 1426, when the sovereign Friedrich IV (‘Freddy with the empty pockets’)ordered two cannons to be cast. However, the ore which was extracted served mainly peaceful purposes, such as the production of fine wire and brass objects. In medieval times the mine was of considerable economic importance in the area, though the ore which was extracted contained only small amounts of copper. In spite of what was then state-of-the-art technology for separating the copper from the ore, the mine suffered competition from the much larger one at Schwaz and was closed in 1479.In 1485 it was sold to the sovereign, changed hands several times, underwent periods of prosperity and misfortune until it was finally closed in 1893 after the smelting works at St. Johann had been devastated by a landslide.
Today the mine affords a fascinating insight into life below ground in former times and visitors can explore the galleries on the small miners’ train. The humidity is high and sufferers of respiratory ailments can take refuge here from pollen, dust and allergens.