The Philippstollen in Olsberg offers insights into the history of iron ore mining in the Sauerland region. The “Brilon Eisenberg” mine is part of the Sauerland iron ore district, situated on the northwestern flank of the “Ostsauerländer Hauptsattel” and near the “Altenbüren Störung.” The iron-bearing rocks, associated with the Upper Middle Devonian Hauptgrünsteinzug volcanism, date back approximately 380 million years. Their thickness varies between 1 and 20 meters, with a west-east extent of up to 800 meters and an iron content of up to 35%.
The ore’s mineability increases from west to east, with siliceous iron ores dominating in the western area and calcareous iron ores in the eastern area. The Philippstollen, approximately 1,000 meters long, is the accessible section of the tunnel. It guides visitors through an extensive series of diabases and tuffs from the “Hauptgrünstein volcanism” before reaching the red iron ore formations. The rocks of the Obergivet, particularly the diabase of the Givet Stage, document the transition from the Middle to the Upper Devonian period approximately 380 million years ago.
Philippstollen
Visitor Mine | Attractions
Address
Philippstollen
Am Eisenberg
59939 Olsberg
Telephone: 02962 97370
Fax: 02962/973737
Prices
Ticket Type: Price
Adults: €4.00
Children (ages 3–14): €2.00
School classes/groups (min. 6 people or €24.00 total): €1.50 per person
Adults: €4.00
Children (ages 3–14): €2.00
School classes/groups (min. 6 people or €24.00 total): €1.50 per person
Main opening times:
| Day | From | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 16:00 | 18:00 |
Directions
Directions by Car From the north: Take the A33 to the Wünnenberg-Haaren interchange, then take the B480 to Brilon and Olsberg. From the south: Take the A44 to the Marsberg exit, then take the B7 to Brilon and Olsberg. From the west: Take the A44 to the Werl interchange, then the A46 to Olsberg From the east: Take the A44 to the Marsberg exit, then take the B7 to Brilon and Olsberg Traveling by Train Brilon and Olsberg are located on the Sauerland Express route (RE 17 Hagen-Warburg/Kassel) and are therefore easily accessible from the Ruhrgebiet. In addition, the Dortmund-Sauerland Express (RE 57 Dortmund–Winterberg) offers a regular direct connection to Bigge-Olsberg. There is also a direct connection from Dortmund and Korbach to Brilon. Traveling couldn’t be more convenient! For more information, visit: www.bahn.de From downtown Olsberg, head toward Elleringhausen. In the Gierskopp neighborhood, follow the signs for the “Schinkenwirt.” At Eisenberg, above the railroad bridge—across from the Waldhotel Schinkenwirt—you’ll find the Philippstollen.