Mines of Rammelsberg and Historic Town of Goslar

Goslar, a former centre of imperial power, has a history that goes back 1,000 years. The discovery of the first veins of silver in the town prompted the Saxon and Salian emperors to make it their main seat of power. Rammelsberg mines were once the largest interconnected repositories of metal ore in the world, yielding over 27 million tonnes of ore in their history. Metal trading secured Goslar a strong position within the Hanseatic League. Finally exhausted in 1988, the mines of Rammelsberg were in continuous operation for more than 1,000 years, an unprecedented feat. The silver ore mine is now open to the public, and houses a world-class museum that brings visitors face-to-face with Rammelsberg's fascinating mining heritage.

Goslar's historic old town, home to the impressive imperial palace, is also a world heritage site. The well-preserved medieval townscape is dominated by the venerable town hall, a variety of guildhalls and numerous town houses with supremely crafted timber-framed architecture.