Guided hike to the Pinge

Pinka owes its origin to intensive mining activities on the "Old Mountain" - "Alten Berg", as the mine was originally called. The mining industry, which had flourished since the first ore was found around 1440, stopped abruptly during the cold January morning of 1620. Huge underground dips destroyed large parts of the Altenberg mine, which had been until then completely riddled with a large number of mining areas. This created a large depression on the surface, which the miners called "Pinge".

Further extraction of the ore from the Pinge and the blasting of its edges caused its size to increase significantly in the following centuries.

Today, the Pinge is also one of the most important geotopes in Germany and in 2006 received the "National Geotope" award.

For security reasons, to enter directly into the Pinge is no longer allowed. During the tour with the guide, however, it is possible to look into the depths of the crater from the viewing platform near the edge of Pinge. Access to this viewing platform is possible only under professional supervision during the guided tour.

The educative mining trail around the Pinge will take you around the mining monuments, which are witnessing of the traditional 550-year mining activity in the mining town of Altenberg.

Guided tours from May to October

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 10:30

Meeting at the Altenberg Tourist Information Center

Advance reservations are not required.

Tours for groups by prior arrangement