Gold and mining
On the paths of times gone by
The "Tauerngold", an extraordinary precious metal that has given rise to a wealth of myths, legends and speculation, both then and now. Regardless of the myths, it is a fact that precious metals were sought in the Hohe Tauern many centuries before Christ. Numerous finds and traditions prove this fact to this day. However, the life of the gold seekers in the Hohe Tauern was extremely arduous and dangerous, and ultimately the search for gold simply became unprofitable. So the gold rush finally came to an end ...
Danielsberg steeped in history
A 6,000-year-old cult site on the Danielsberg proves that gold, silver and iron were mined on this 962-metre-high mountain as early as 500 BC. The mountain seems destined to tell us about its history, as it has repeatedly released stone tools over the course of time. The history of the Mölltal valley is closely linked to mining until the 18th century. Experts even agree that the Illyrian Venetians were already searching for iron in the Tauern region around 1,000 BC.
St. Martin's parish church - Jan van Scorel altar
Gold, silver and iron around 1480
The oldest mining register in Obervellach that still exists today clearly proves that there were silver mines in the "Teuchl" around 1480. The Teuchl, a side valley in the municipality of Reißeck, is known today above all for its picturesque hiking trails. At that time of mining, these undertakings were associated with considerable difficulties due to the alpine location, as recorded in the records. A charming paraphrase for the hardships faced by the miners in this remote and inhospitable area.
The arduous life of the miners
The hard life of the miners was anything but easy. The ore mines, silver and gold mines, which were often scattered throughout the heights of the Mölltal valley, made their daily lives an arduous challenge. The paths to the tunnels and workplaces were steep and arduous, especially when heavy equipment had to be transported. At the beginning of each working week, the miners had to carry their own provisions up the mountain for six hard days and then toil underground for up to twelve hours a day.
Success does not last long
Despite the considerable effort involved, up to 80 "trades" were registered in the Teuchl area around 1535. However, this does not hide the fact that mining in the region did not experience a long-lasting heyday. Due to the high costs and the resulting low profitability, mining in the Teuchl began to decline from 1600 onwards. Instead, the focus shifted to the mining district of Steinfeld in the upper Drau Valley. The remains of houses, so-called "Tagverhaue" and slagheaps, can still be seen today in the Teuchl and are silent witnesses to this turbulent era.
