Ever wondered what secrets lie within the oldest building of the lower Hütterhof? That is Huthaus I. It stands before us, a testament to centuries of mining history.
Huthaus I dates back to the second half of the 17th century. Over time, it evolved into its present form through various renovations.
Originally, the “Junge Hohe Birke” mine received its first mining license in 1597. This happened in the Münzbach valley. The mine experienced its most prosperous period in the 18th century. Huthaus I is the only remnant of that era.
In 1788, mining expert J. Fr. Mende constructed a Kunst- und Kehrrad over the shaft. Its wheel chamber, along with the shaft building, created a striking ensemble. A dam made of rubble stone directed water to the wheels. You can still see it in the terrain today.
By 1870, steam-powered equipment replaced the water wheels. The mine reached a depth of 400 meters. It employed 270 workers. Despite substantial ore deposits, the mine closed in 1893. At that time its greatest depth was 564 meters. It was then completely dismantled.
Look at the building’s structure. The ground floor is solid, built with quarry stones. The upper floor features a timber frame construction. A brick-covered gable roof spans two stories. Notice that it has no dormers.
In 1998, Huthaus I was first converted into a boarding house. Later, it stood empty. René Leist, the current manager, has comprehensively restored it. Now, it is a unique venue for events, conferences, and collaborative work.
Notice the imposing stove and the striking chimney. These historical features still define the building’s special flair. Huthaus I has witnessed generations of miners. It has seen technological advancements and economic shifts. It now stands as a bridge between Freiberg’s rich past and its vibrant future.