Plan
visit
The tradition of gold mining in this area dates back at least to the 10th century, and the first written references appear in the 13th century, when Duke Henryk IV Probus granted the Cistercian monastery a mining privilege. During the golden period of the 16th century the mine was one of the most important mining centers in Europe, supplying up to 8% of Europe’s gold. In total around 16 tons of pure gold were extracted, making this site one of the largest in the region.
May 28, 1996, after decades of closure, the Gold Mine reopened its underground passages — continuing the tradition of a place that for centuries has fascinated people seeking gold and adventure.
2000 BCE
The earliest mentions of mining activities in the Złoty Stok area
approx. 10th–13th centuries
First primitive attempts at gold extraction
1273
Granting of a mining privilege to the Cistercian monastery by Henryk IV Probus
16th century (1500–1560)
The mine's golden age – supplying approx. 8% of Europe's gold; arsenic extraction
1507
Relocation of the ducal mint to Złoty Stok
1612
The world's first use of black powder for blasting in mining
18th–19th centuries
Shift to arsenic mining (arsenic as the main product)
1961
Closure of the mine for economic reasons
1996
Opening of the Underground Tourist Route (the old adit opened to the public)
Beginnings
The oldest known record of mining in Złoty Stok dates from 1273 — that was when Duke Henryk IV Probus granted the Cistercians from Kamieniec Ząbkowicki a privilege for mining exploration, formally beginning the documented history of this center.
In the following centuries the town grew with gold and arsenic mining, becoming a notable point on the route of the Silesian economy.
Mining operations
In the Middle Ages mining was labor-intensive and relied on simple tools, but over time processing and metallurgical methods developed. In the 16th century — the golden age of Złoty Stok — many smelters operated here, and annual gold production reached about 110 kg, placing this center among the region’s leaders.
Local tradition also links Złoty Stok to one of the world’s first documented uses of black powder for rock blasting (1612), which symbolically closes the era of older techniques and opens modern mining.
Key figures
The boom was driven by major investors of the era — the Fugger family from Augsburg and their partners (including the Welsers, Thurzos). They consolidated capital, introduced know‑how and built smelting infrastructure; their presence is documented in archival sources.
Importantly, recent studies indicate that the withdrawal of the Fugger–Thurzo company was gradual (including around 1570), and the infamous “Golden Donkey” disaster should now be interpreted more cautiously — the event is linked to a landslide, and the scale of casualties remains uncertain. At that time Wit Stwosz also held shares in the mining enterprise, which passed into local tradition and accounts.
Inventiveness and processing methods
After the period of wars and early modern crises, the recovery of arsenic gained importance — in part thanks to the work of Hans Schärffenberg, an apothecary‑alchemist who developed methods for recovering arsenic from arsenic-bearing deposits (mentioned in local accounts and compendia).
In the 19th century a breakthrough came with the chlorination method of roasted ore and leaching of chloride compounds; in Złoty Stok it was implemented by Wilhelm Güttler, whose family became linked to the site for decades, also investing in infrastructure and industrial facilities.
Significance for Lower Silesia
Złoty Stok was a driving force of the local economy: it powered crafts, trade and settlement.
The scale of the supporting infrastructure is evidenced by dozens of processing plants in the 16th century and later developments: the Kamieniec Ząbkowicki – Złoty Stok railway line (opened on November 3, 1900) and the mine’s internal electric railway (from 1907), which improved the transport of ore and people.
From closure to new life
After World War II extraction continued for a while, but in 1961–1962 the mine was closed (different sources give either date).
After decades of silence the underground regained life as an attraction: on May 28, 1996 the Underground Tourist Route “Kopalnia Złota” was opened, making available, among others, the Gertruda and Czarna adits, and later new sections.
Today the site combines mining technical heritage with modern guided tours, exhibitions and visitor programs.