Wiesenschacht

Deep beneath the bustling streets of Freiberg, hidden from the modern world, lies the Wiesenschacht. It’s also known as the Thomas Kunstschacht, a name whispered among those who know the secrets of Freiberg’s mining past. The Wiesenschacht isn’t just a hole in the ground. It represents a time when silver flowed like water through the veins of this city. It was part of the “Neubeschert Glück in der Stadt” mine, a relatively unknown entity in Freiberg’s extensive mining history. The mine and the Wiesenschacht saw their heyday in the 18th century, a period of intense silver mining. In fact, up until 1874, a staggering 50,000 tons of silver had been extracted from 344 Freiberg mines. The Wiesenschacht played its part in this silver rush, though its operations ceased in 1799. What makes the Wiesenschacht truly special is its connection to a giant of scientific exploration, Alexander von Humboldt. He studied in Freiberg from June 1791 to February 1792, and the Wiesenschacht was one of the first mines he explored. Humboldt’s visit wasn’t mere coincidence. Carl Gottlob Friedrich Goldberg, the mine’s supervisor, had ensured the Wiesenschacht was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making it a prime learning site for the budding scientist. Humboldt’s visit is documented in an excursion report from July 5, 1791. His underground journey began at the Wiesenschacht and ended, quite remarkably, at the Familienschacht, another shaft within the city walls. This placed him near the home of his mentor, Johann Carl Freiersleben, perhaps a planned surprise. Rediscovered in 2018 during construction at the Untermarkt, the Familienschacht, now also called the Humboldt Shaft, adds another layer to the Wiesenschacht story. Both served the “Neubeschert Glück in der Stadt” mine, both witnessed the era of Freiberg’s silver boom, and both brushed against the brilliance of Alexander von Humboldt. While you can’t descend into the Wiesenschacht or the Familienschacht today, their story lives on. A 3D model, created with handheld laser scanning, allows you to experience their depths virtually, connecting you to the heartbeat of Freiberg’s mining legacy.