Hütten: Mining History and Gothic Art

Hütten is a destination for anyone interested in mining history and sacred art. The Annakapelle, the Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum and the Hüttschmiede each offer a different focus: one features a special altar, another medieval collections, and another the art of metalworking. Older buildings also tell the story of the local mines. This makes it possible to plan your stay around specific places and topics rather than just a general interest in history.

Mining village with the Annakapelle and museum

The Annakapelle is part of the mining village of Hütten and houses one of the five mining altars preserved in Europe. It was built from 1769 to 1770 in honor of Saint Anne, the patron saint of miners. The altar gives the chapel a special connection to mining history; its construction date and dedication add a clear historical context.

The Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum showcases mining masterpieces as well as sacred Gothic art of outstanding European quality. The medieval Thurnhaus houses collections of international standing. The building itself is a residential and defensive tower dating from the 13th century, later used by miners as a grain store. Its designation combines the ideas of residence and protection; its later use as a store tells of another function. Visitors interested in buildings as well as art will find both perspectives in one named location. The museum’s new main entrance is on the south side of the Thurnhaus and is fully accessible via a lift.

Buildings for living, defense and administration

The Gewerkenhaus is also part of the history of local mining. It was built in 1593 and served as the administrative building for the local mines until the beginning of the 19th century. It is also known as the Administrator House. The Hüttwirt has been in existence since 1521 and is considered one of the oldest buildings in the region. Comparing the histories of the two buildings reveals a different emphasis: for the Gewerkenhaus, its former administrative role is a key focus alongside its age; for the Hüttwirt, it is its long history as a building.

Local craftsmanship: the Hüttschmiede

From the 16th century onward, the Hüttschmiede was part of a smelting works in the mining village of Hütten near Leogang. Since 2012, volunteer blacksmiths have been showing visitors the art of metalworking. This makes craftsmanship a distinct experience alongside the chapel, museum and historic buildings: instead of just reading about mining, you can focus on the metalwork demonstrated during a show.

The Hüttschmiede is open from May to October every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as during special events. Check the current schedule before your trip. Guided tours of the Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum are available at any time on request; please arrange your preferred date in advance. This allows you to plan your visits around the stated conditions.

Natural monument and cycling route

Alongside the evidence of mining, the Kaiserlinde represents another aspect of local history: planted in 1898, it is Leogang’s first natural monument. For cyclists, the LE 01 Forsthofalm loop offers another way to spend time in the area. It first follows the cycle path to Hütten and then continues into the Schwarzleotal. This offers a choice between cultural discoveries and a specific cycling route.

Hütten as a location for your holiday apartment search

If you would like to plan your stay mainly around mining history, the museum and blacksmithing, you can use Hütten as the location when searching for a holiday apartment. If you also want to go cycling, you can include the LE 01 Forsthofalm loop in your plans. The historic buildings, art collections and demonstrations offer different focuses, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one type of excursion. Compare specific accommodation offers according to your own requirements, and check the dates for the visitor experiences mentioned in good time.

Discover more destinations: Leogang, Enzingerboden, Reitlehen, Königsleiten, Igelsberg, Grubing, Kaprun, Maria Alm Am Steinernen Meer

For the main travel overview: Zell Am See.