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Pingen - Traces of Historic Mining (Mining Trail 12)
Information Center | Industrial Heritage
"Pingen" are hollow depressions in the terrain that result from the activities of mountain farmers. (Mountain Farming Trail Information Sign 12)
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Pingen - Traces of Historic Mining (Mining Trail 12)
Bastenberg
59909 Bestwig
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The term “pingen” refers to the process of open-pit mining. Before deep tunnels were driven into the mountain, mine workers used such open pits to bring silver, iron, and lead ores buried underground to the surface. This type of mining is one of the earliest and also very primitive forms of mining.
Many centuries ago, people in the Sauerland region discovered iron, lead, and silver ores and mined them. In places where ore veins emerged at the surface, so-called “Pingen” were created—simple, open-pit-style pits. The rock was heated by setting fires and then worked with simple tools. Tools such as rope winches, ladders, and pine shavings were used for hauling and lighting.
Later, the term “Pinge” came to be used generally to describe landforms created by mining. On the Bastenberg, numerous traces of this activity are still visible today, including Pinge trails, collapsed tunnels, and old paths. In some areas, the remains of a medieval smithy have even been found.