The old Styrian mining town of Eisernerz ("iron ore") is beautifully situated in the wooded valley of the Erzbach, surrounded by imposing mountains, among them the Pfaffenstein (1,871m/6,139ft) and the Kaiserschild (2,083m/6,834ft).
Southeast of Eisernerz lies the Präbichl, a mountain pass (1,227m/4,026ft) with fine views and facilities for winter sports. Nearby is the lower station of a chair lift to the Polster (1,911m/6,270ft). From the Präbichl a footpath ascends (2 hours) to the Eisernerzer Reichenstein (2,166m/7,107ft).
There are still some medieval buildings to be found in Eisernerz. On a hill to the east of the town stands the Gothic parish church of St Oswald (1279-1517), with well-preserved defensive walls.
In the west of the little town of Eisernerz stands the Schichtturm ("Shift Tower"; lookout terrace) with a bell (1581) which used to be rung to mark the change-over of shifts in the mines.
The Kammerhof at Schulstrasse 1 in Eisernerz, once a Habsburg hunting lodge, now houses the Eisernnerz Town Museum in 12 of its rooms. It covers the history of mining and also demonstrates the use of iron in various arts and crafts. The museum also has a collection of minerals and geological specimens, together with objects showing the history of Eisernerz.
The museum also hosts special exhibitions annually.
Address: Eisenerz Town Museum, Bergmannplatz 1, A-8790 Eisenerz, Austria
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