Is it possible that the Thelersberger Stolln is more than just an old mine? It’s a vital piece of Freiberg’s mining history. The Thelersberger Stolln is a selected site within the “Freiberg Mining Area”. It is a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Montanregion Erzgebirge”.
The Thelersberger Stolln, also known as Thelersberger Erbstolln, stretches over 50 km. It drains the Brand-Erbisdorf district into the Striegis valley. Its mouth lies at 391.7 meters above sea level. This is about 500 meters north of Linda. The Stollnhuthaus in Erbisdorf still stands.
First mentioned in 1526, the Thelersberger Stolln likely existed earlier. It was built to replace the Brandstolln. The Brandstolln was about 24 meters higher. It could no longer handle the increasing amounts of mine water. Simon Bogner and Martin Planer advanced the Thelersberger Stolln rapidly. Between 1557 and 1570, they added 14.5 km. Elector August even inspected 3.2 km of this state-owned adit in 1556.
All major mines in the Brand district were connected by the 16th century. Numerous shafts were sunk for this purpose. They connected to the Thelersberger Stolln. These included the Hohe Schacht, Endigschacht, Trost Israel/Steinschacht, Erasmusschacht, and Frankenschacht.
A general inspection in 1804 measured its length at 47.8 km. Considering inaccessible sections and side tunnels, the system likely spanned over 50 to 60 km. It reached the Alte Mordgrube in the north. In the south, it extended beyond the Pochwerksteiche east of Langenau. Primarily, the Thelersberger Stolln drained the Himmelfahrt Fundgrube. The last general inspection occurred on August 25, 1850.
As mining deepened, groundwater was diverted through other adits. The water flowed via the New Segen Gottes Erbstolln into the Striegis. This adit was 21 meters lower. It also flowed via the Moritzstolln into the Freiberger Mulde. This adit was 54 meters lower. Finally, from 1882, it used the Rothschönberger Stolln. This adit was 250 meters below ground. The Thelersberger Stolln lost its function when silver mining in Freiberg ceased in 1913. Even today, 50 to 100 liters per minute still drain through it.
Starting at its mouth, the Thelersberger Stolln follows the Stolln Spat geological fault. Ore veins along fault zones enabled rapid initial progress. Later, extensive support became necessary. Unstable areas near shafts and mining sites were permanently reinforced. The Thelersberger Stolln showcases exemplary mine masonry. It uses rubble stone, clinker, and profile iron. It also serves as winter quarters for about 3,000 bats. The Thelersberger Stolln stands as a testament to Freiberg’s rich mining past.