Gemstone Factory Tours
Categories: Family and Kids, Sightseeing, Cultural and History
Idar-Oberstein is well-known for its gem mining culture; originally the mining of gemstones, bringing agates, rock crystals, amethysts and many other splendid stones to the Earths surface, was extremely influential for the culture and economy of Idar-Oberstein. Bringing agates, rock crystals, amethysts and other splendid stones to the daylight, was an important formative influence on the city. For 150 years cutting these stones and trading jewelery and gemstones has become the most important field in gemstone manufacturing and contributed to the city's world-wide reputation. There is not only an original preserved factory but the mines and mills that offer a lovely tour for people to experience what shaped Idar-Oberstein (Idar-Oberstein vacation rentals | Idar-Oberstein travel guide) in becoming a unique experience for anyone who visits.
First off is the Industriedenkmal Jakob Bengel (Factory Museum)
This is the only original factory that has been preserved. The factory represents over 130 years history of jewelery manufacturing in Idar-Oberstein. In former times over 100 people worked in the factory in production of necklaces, jewelery and accessories. Today, guided tours of the factory museum provide visitors insights into the manufacturing methods that had been used in these times. The antique machines are still working today and demonstrations show you the creativity of the gemstone and jewelery trade. Starting from design, engraving and tools that had been the prerequisites for a successful manufacturing. Since 2003, the antique machines are back in service for manufacturing Art Déco jewellery according to old designs (from the year 1920 - 1930), antique manufacturing methods and with original tools. The Art Déco jewelery is manufactured in a limited edition for special customers. The museum is open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Closed on holidays.
Gemstone Mines Steinkaulenberg
The only European gemstone mines which are open for visitors, the gemstone mines of Steinkaulenberg, welcome you for a journey through the fascinating realm of sparkling and precious stones. The existence of these mines is in fact the reason for the foundation of the Idar-Oberstein gemstone manufacturing in this spot. With commercial mining having come to a standstill in 1870, the mine has been completely dedicated to hobby mineralogists and gemstone lovers from all over the world. Besides the visitors’ gallery there is also a mining gallery. Here treasure hunters and collectors are free to experience the adventure of mining agates, amethysts, jasper and other quartzes, supervised by experts. For visits to the mining gallery it is only necessary to register in advance. The numerous tunnels and galleries are situated right in the middle of a nature reserve. The walk from the car park to the mines along a newly installed geological experience trail provides ten minutes of interesting information. The way to the mines as well as the mines themselves have been adapted to the needs of handicapped people. The gemstone mines are open daily in the period between 15th March and 15th November, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Historical Gemstone Mill Weiherschleife
The next station on the gemstone journey will take you to the place where gemstones are worked on. At the historical cutting mill Weiherschleife
from 1634, the last water-driven cutting mill on the Idarbach creek, experienced cutters will demonstrate you the methods applied in earlier centuries. The major part of their exhausting job was done while lying belly-down on so-called tilting cutting chairs
. Situated in a beautiful scenery, the park around the cutting mill with the idyllic Kallwiesweiher-pond and a pleasant restaurant invites you to stay and relax. The Weiherschleife cutting mill is open daily in the period between 15th March and 15th November, from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.. Also between 15th February and 14th March as well as between 16th November and 15th December Mondays to Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gemstone Adventure World (Edelstein-Erlebniswelt)
The Edelstein Erlebniswelt
(Gemstone Adventure World) is a unique attraction. Here you will have a chance to explore the mysterious world of precious stones. An extraordinary exhibit will fascinate you and take you on a journey through the beautiful world of gemstones, crystals and minerals. Light and color will captivate your senses. Caves and grottos invite you to explore every corner. Haze and pools contribute to the mystic atmosphere of the fairyland. Get inspired by this fascinating attraction and explore the intriguing secrets of precious stones and minerals. The Gemstone Adventure World is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
[ source: com/cities/idar-oberstein-travel-guide ]
Related Links
More Germany Travel Related Articles
- Enjoy Great Dining in Stuttgart
- Five Must-See Places In Freiburg
- Cologne Cathedral
- Travel Writing--Munich
- Once upon a time in Goslar
- Traveling Around Germany Using The Rail System
- Dresden, unthinkable without "Striezelmarkt and Christstollen"
- Biking through the Stillachtal (Stillach Valley)
- Heidelberg Autumn Fair - "Heidelberger Herbst"
- Youtube funniest Berlin videos
Nearby Destinations Where You Can Find Nice Germany Vacation Rentals
Ramstein
Ramstein-Miesenbach is a municipality in the district of Kaiserslautern in Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany. The beginning of Ramstein's modern industrial and business expansion began in the 1970s. The community had started developing a commercial area…
Related: Ramstein travel guide
Landstuhl
Landstuhl is a municipality of over 9,000 people in southwestern Germany. It is part of the district of Kaiserslautern, in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is situated on the north-western edge of the Palatinate forest, approx. 10 km west of Kaiserslautern.…
Related: Landstuhl travel guide
Baumholder
Baumholder is a town and a municipality in the district of Birkenfeld, in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is well-known as the location of the largest concentration of US combat soldiers outside the United. The city is greatly influenced economically…
Related: Baumholder travel guide
Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern is a city in southwest Germany, located in the Bundesland (State) of Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz) at the edge of the Palatinate forest (Pfälzer Wald). The historic center dates to the 9th century and is within easy reach of…
Related: Kaiserslautern travel guide
Trier
Trier, in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, is the country's oldest city, dating from Roman times. Trier is rich in ruins from the Roman Empire (protected by UNESCO), such as the Porta Nigra gate, the Roman baths (the Kaiserthermen), and a…
Related: Trier travel guide
Feedback, comments, questions?
If you have visited here please share your experiences with our readers on Facebook. Or, if you have other cool trip suggestions and would like to contribute a travel guide here, please drop me an email. We also are encouraging free-lancers, travel guide writers or publishers who have great Germany related content to send us an email and get in touch with us.
