Samson Mine
Grube Samson
An old silver mine in St. Andreasberg that preserves the world's oldest surviving man-engine still in working order.
The Samson Mine was worked from 1521 to 1910 and was once one of the deepest mines in the world. It is part of the Rammelsberg–Upper Harz Water Management World Heritage Site. Its highlight is the Fahrkunst, a man-engine installed in 1837 that still works. Two reciprocating wooden rods let miners step up and down, and it is the oldest such device in the world. You can also see a giant waterwheel and a miners’ museum. Visits must be made with a guided tour, and tickets cost about €8. St. Andreasberg is about 30 km south of Goslar and requires a car to reach.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00; guided tours at set times
Nearby sights
- Torfhaus
- Oker Valley & Oker Dam
- Bad Harzburg Treetop Walk & Burgberg Cable Car
- Rammelsberg Mine
- Market Church of the Holy Spirit, Clausthal
- Upper Harz Water Management System
- Zwinger Goslar
- Goslar Cathedral Porch (Domvorhalle)