“Glück auf” and welcome to the Gand mining experience – where the past comes alive and long-buried secrets are uncovered. Come with us on a journey through the past and into a mystical world, and learn more about the life and work of ore miners at this historical site. The centuries-long history of the Gand mining site reveals a great deal about the region’s geology, the search for ore, the actual mining process including separation techniques, and the use of ore. The newly installed circular walk provides a unique adventure for the entire family.
On the trail of
ore in Gand
Located in the Gand district just a little above St. Jakob am Arlberg and stretching from 1,280 to 1,500 metres above sea level, the Gand mining site has been brought back to life. Recent research found that ore was mined here as early as the 15th and 16th centuries. The old mining tunnels, rediscovered by an amateur archaeologist, have been restored to their original state, allowing visitors to journey through time and discover a world of unexpected wonder. Once worksites of busy miners, the Miners’ Tunnel and Markus Tunnel are now open to the public. The Miners’ Tunnel takes you 20 metres deep into the mountain and the Markus Tunnel, situated a little lower on the mountain, permits access up to 50 metres underground. It can be accessed as part of our guided tours. Three buildings have been erected to revive the past and give valuable insights into the legacy of hard work and life during Gand’s mining past.
The history of mining in St. Anton am Arlberg
Gand trail map
Starting point
Station 1: The history of mining in Gand
Station 2: The search for ore
Station 3: Geology
Station 4: Mining & the art of timbering
Station 5: Mineralisation
Station 6: Ore processing
Station 7: The Markus Tunnel
Station 8: Housing & facilities
Station 9: Ore storage & trading
Station 10: The smelters
St. Jakober Dorfstrasse
St. Jakober Dorfstrasse
Jakobusweg
Jakobusweg
Oberganderweg
old miners’ path
old miners’ path
info board
info board
Line 2, St. Jakob – Bus stop Gand
Line 4242, St. Anton – Landeck:
Bus stop St. Jakob
Untergand/B197
Why are there mines in Gand? Learn more about how a small place like Gand became a prosperous mining area as you embark on your search for ore on the circular walk. In the course of 750 metres, this walk takes you to three recreated miners’ buildings and into two tunnels. Combined with several detailed information displays, the circular walk offers a unique journey of discovery into the past. Explore the old path that miners took to work in the mines; learn how ore was searched for; and get to know the challenges and dangers miners faced.
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
General information
Guided tours
Directions
The Gand Mines are open from spring to autumn. The circular walk takes you along an easily accessible one-kilometre journey along a one-metre wide footpath. With a gradient of 12 % at its steepest part, the path ensures fun for the entire family; unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible. Admission is free for Summer Card and Premium Card holders. Please collect your ticket from the ticket machine at the entrance to the circular walk. Spot checks of tickets are carried out.
For English version please scan the QR-code, which can be found on every information board
Guided tours into the Markus Tunnel are offered beginning spring 2022! Do you want to gain deeper insights into the Gand mining history and experience what life as a miner was like? Or would you prefer to learn more about the geology and mineralisation of the St. Anton region? Does travelling 50 metres deep into the mountain through the Markus Tunnel sound like fun to you? Then book your tour at +43 5446 22690.
By bus: Route 2 from St. Jakob to the Gand Bus Stop
Route 4242 from Landeck via St. Anton to the St. Jakob Untergand/B197 Bus Stop
By car: Exit A – St. Jakob; parking opposite the fire station. Please use the visitor parking area.
Please follow the signs and directions provided to reach the entrance to the Gand Mines.