History of the “
” In the 18th and 19th centuries, the iron industry flourished in the Olpe district. Charcoal from the Sauerland region and hydropower were key factors in the area’s development. Initially, smaller ore deposits found here were mined. This included the “Eiserne Hut” (Iron Cap) of the pyrite deposit in Meggen and Halberbracht. Later, horse-drawn carts hauled the higher-quality iron spar from the Soiegerland region and, in exchange, transported Sauerland charcoal there.
Operational sections of the Sicilia shaft complex
Today, visitors can tour the ticket office with its information center, the headframe with the shaft hall and the hoisting vessel, the two hoisting engines with the machinists’ workstations, the compressors, the mine control room, a tour tunnel, and mine vehicles. In the shaft hall, visitors can view the structure of the hoisting frame and the ore-hauling car. One of the two hoisting engines, which hauled 3,000 metric tons of ore to the surface daily, can be put into operation. A demonstration tunnel explains what the miners’ work was like.
Permanent exhibition
A glass model illustrates the ore deposit extending to a depth of 750 m between Meggen and Halberbracht (3.5 km away). It also shows how the Meggen ore deposit formed 370 million years ago during the Devonian Period and how mining methods have evolved over time. From the surface, a ramp with a 12% gradient led down to a depth of 650 m underground, accessible to the large loaders and trucks that can be seen in the outdoor area. The exhibition also provides information on the processing and further use of barite and pyrite in the chemical industry.
The People of Mining
The exhibition focuses on the hard work of generations of dedicated miners, their training, their use of the most advanced techniques of their time, and the dangers they faced underground. It also recognizes that women shared in the well-being of their husbands and sons working in the mines and played their part in ensuring their families’ survival.
A Walk Through Meggen’s Mining History
The 4.3-km-long trail, featuring 17 informational panels, takes visitors through Meggen’s mining history, while the 3.7-km-long trail, with 11 informational panels, explores Halberbracht’s mining history.
The hiking trails are open at any time. Flyers with hiking maps are available at the Mining Museum.
Programs for school groups
As part of the “Südwestfalen macht Schule” project, the Meggen Mining Museum offers two experiential learning programs on the topics “Of Mountains and Miners” and “Raw Materials in Rock.”
The Siciliaschacht Mining Museum is an attraction of WasserEisenLand – Industrial Culture of Südwestfalen
. Opening hours and prices can be found at www.bergbaumuseum-siciliaschacht.de.
Special tours (including weekdays) can be arranged by calling 02721/9539954 or 02721/80922.
