Erzbergwerk

The extraction of mineral resources in the Surselva dates back to the time of the Romans and ore was still mined in the Grisons Oberland in the 19th century. In 1818, local personalities operated the Platenga mine in conjunction with a Bregenz company. According to certain sources, however, iron ore (pale ore) was already exploited in Platenga between 1806 and 1813. In 1826, the mining rights were transferred to a French company. The ore had to be brought to Truns or Felsberg for smelting on several hours of poor transport routes. The companies were not successful, not least for this reason. The last time an attempt was made in 1870 to mine iron ore profitably in Platenga.

The mouth hole to the tunnels of the mine in the Platenga ravine, west of the hamlet of Platenga, which is now closed with a grid, is located in the gorge of the Valaterbach. Private initiators have made the entrance accessible to visitors in cooperation with the former Obersaxen Tourist Office.

In the summer and autumn months (July - mid-October), guided tours of the mine take place on Mondays at 4.30 p.m. as part of the guest programme. Special guided tours are organized for schools and groups.
Early registration at Surselva Tourismus Info Obersaxen is necessary.