Living tradition
Erzberg - where history comes alive
Living tradition
Iron, ore, real miners and steadfast women miners – the heritage of the Styrian Eisenstraße (Iron Road) has shaped eastern Upper Styria for centuries. The mining culture lives on in customs, songs, clothing and festivals. Experience a world between tradition and the future.
St Barbara traditions
Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, is particularly commemorated on 4 December. Branches of apple, cherry or chestnut trees are cut and taken inside. If they blossom at Christmas, it is considered a sign of good luck. In many communities, clubs, miners’ associations and bands celebrate St Barbara’s Day with high mass, morning pints, parades, dances and the traditional leather jump. The Barbara barrel tapping and miners’ songs are also well-established traditions. Traditions explain the roots of regional identity and bring young and old together every year.
Mettenschicht
The Mettenschicht was once the last shift before Christmas and a moment of pause and camaraderie. In Eisenerz and Leoben, this tradition is still celebrated today, with music, remembrance and fellowship. Even without underground mining, the spirit remains alive.
Leather Jump
The leather jump is a living ritual for admission to the miners’ profession. After answering four questions – name, origin, status and motto – this ceremonial invitation is recited: “Leap now to assume your rank and always keep it in honour.” The new “miner of honour” is greeted with a strong swig of beer and a leap over the miner’s apron held up by two miners.
This title also honours personalities outside the mining industry who have rendered outstanding services to the profession. The leather jump is performed at Barbara celebrations in Eisenerz, Vordernberg and Leoben-Seegraben.
At the Technical University of Leoben, it takes place as a student ritual. The jump symbolises courage, honour and solidarity – values that are deeply rooted in the mining community.
Miners' dances and songs
Dances and songs are important parts of mining festivals. Associations such as the Reichenstoana, the Steirerherzen miner’s guild or the St. Stefan association cultivate the cultural heritage with great passion. The traditional songs range from festive to solemn tunes. Classics such as “Glück auf, der Steiger kommt” are part of the repertoire and are very popular.
Miner’s Smock & Miner’s Apron
The black mining smock with golden buttons and the miner’s apron are two of the most typical symbols of the miner’s profession. The smock embodies dignity and affiliation. The miner’s apron was once a practical piece of protective clothing against the cold and wet.
Today, they are proud traditional symbols. Both are made, for example, at Woschner in Leoben, meticulously handcrafted according to centuries-old models. Whether it’s a gugel, pit shirt, gala skirt or pit cap – traditional miners’ clothing is an expression of identity and pride. It is worn at celebrations, processions and tributes and thus keeps the history of the mining industry alive visually.
Mountain adventure
If you really want to get close to the mountain, just come here. Museums, show mines and impressive facilities display all about the world of mining.
Erzberg adventure
With the Hauly through the surface mining terrain, into the mountain or to a blast - a visit you will never forget.
Radmer copper show mine
Insights into the world of copper mining - underground, through tunnels and with stories from times long past.
Radwerk IV blast furnace museum
Once a workplace, now a museum - Radwerk IV impressively illustrates the history of blast furnace and iron processing.
Gußwerk mining and foundry museum
From the smelter to the mould, this museum impressively shows how ore was turned into art and tools.