Hütten: Mining History and Gothic Art

Hütten is a mining village whose buildings and museum show different aspects of mining history and Gothic art. St Anne’s Chapel preserves one of five mining altars surviving in Europe; the Thurnhaus combines medieval architectural history with its later use as a granary. There is also the Gewerkenhaus and the Hüttschmiede. If you are looking for accommodation in Hütten, these cultural themes can help shape your stay. When planning your visit, take into account the different highlights as well as the specific times for blacksmith demonstrations and guided tours.

Chapel, Tower and Mining History

St Anne’s Chapel is part of the mining village of Hütten and was built between 1769 and 1770 in honour of St Anne, the patron saint of miners. Its mining altar is one of five surviving examples in Europe. The chapel thus combines its religious dedication with a remarkable testament to mining history.

The Thurnhaus is a medieval residential and defensive tower dating from the 13th century. Its name reflects the building’s two functions: it served as a residence and as a defensive tower. Miners later used the tower as a granary; today, it houses internationally renowned medieval collections. The museum’s new main entrance is also located in the same building, on the south side. It is fully accessible via a lift.

Another glimpse into the past is offered by the Gewerkenhaus, built in 1593. Until the beginning of the 19th century, it served as the administrative building for the local mines. Together, the chapel, tower and Gewerkenhaus represent different aspects of history: religious worship, residential and defensive functions, and mining administration. The Hüttschmiede adds the perspective of metalworking.

Planning Your Museum and Hüttschmiede Visit

The Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum showcases mining masterpieces and sacred Gothic art of the highest European standard in the mining village of Hütten near Leogang. Guided tours of the museum are available at any time on request. Arrange your preferred date with the museum in advance so that your request can be factored into your plans.

From the 16th century, the Hüttschmiede was part of a smelting works in the mining village of Hütten near Leogang. Since 2012, volunteer blacksmiths have been demonstrating the art of metalworking to visitors. The forge is open from May to October every Wednesday from 10:00 to 17:00, as well as during special events. Check the date before you travel: the demonstrations and opening hours are a separate activity that you can plan around.

Natural Monument and Cycling Route

The Kaiserlinde is also one of the region’s notable historical and natural features. Planted in 1898, it is the first natural monument in Leogang. Its planting year provides a specific historical reference, while its status as a natural monument sets it apart from the buildings and collections.

For a cycling tour, the LE 01 Forsthofalm loop is another named option: it first follows the cycle path to Hütten and then continues into the Schwarzleotal valley. The route description therefore identifies Hütten as part of the route, but does not specify a duration or difficulty level. Plan the cycling tour as a separate activity and check the current route conditions in advance.

Hütten’s cultural history spans a medieval tower, mining administration and metalworking. It also includes the chapel with its rare altar, the museum collections and the Hüttschmiede’s seasonal opening hours. To plan specific dates, the key steps are to contact the museum and check the forge’s opening schedule.

Discover more destinations: Bucheben, Walchen, Enzingerboden, Berg, Leogang, Jochbergthurn, Lofer.

Return to the main travel overview: Zell am See District (Pinzgau).