Minerals & gemstones in the Harz
Mountains full of mineral wealth
Mining went on in the Harz for more than a thousand years, above all for silver, lead, copper and iron. Tunnels, spoil heaps and museums still bear witness to it today.
Collectors find rock crystal and other quartzes, calcite, agate and ore minerals here, among others. With patience and luck, gold panning even turns up a little gold.
Collecting: what is allowed
Schierke is almost entirely surrounded by the Harz National Park. There, stones, minerals and plants stay where they are, and in many places you may not leave the paths.
If you want to search yourself, your chances are good outside the national park, for example on old mine spoil heaps or in quarries. Ask the owner for permission first and never enter old mine tunnels, as they are often at risk of collapse.
Mines & dripstone caves nearby
No hammer and chisel needed, just a guided tour: in these mines and caves you see ores, crystals and dripstones where they formed. Distances are from our houses in Schierke. Most websites are in German.
Collecting sites & further links
Directories of collecting sites, collectors’ websites and guided collecting tours (in German).
Staying in Schierke
Our BergwaldLodges and BergwaldChalets are in Schierke at the foot of the Brocken, about 15 km from the Rübeland dripstone caves and the Büchenberg show mine. After your trip, your own sauna awaits.