Underground Christmas Market – Fischbach Copper Mine

The Fischbach Visitor Mine is one of the oldest documented copper mines in Central Europe, with a history spanning over five hundred years. Today, it is a show mine offering visitors impressive insights into pre-industrial copper mining. Once a year, on the third Sunday of Advent, the mine transforms into a very special stage: the Underground Christmas Market brings the pre-Christmas atmosphere into the brick-lined tunnels of the facility.

The history of the market is intertwined with the tradition of the Peace Light ceremony. The Peace Light from Bethlehem has been passed on throughout Europe for decades; in Fischbach, the mine takes on this role for the region. Between 11 am and 12 pm, the sending-off ceremony takes place, where scouts and representatives of the church communities receive the light to carry it to the parishes of the Hunsrück and Nahe regions. Afterwards, the market opens from 12 pm to 6 pm: candles, waxed fir branches, handmade nativity figures, gemstones and minerals, honey, gingerbread, and mulled wine are offered in the tunnels. The atmosphere is unique – the semi-darkness of the tunnels, the sound of dripping water, the warmth of the candles, the scent of mulled wine and fir branches combine to create a memorable experience.

For safety reasons, only one hundred and fifty people are allowed in the tunnel at a time. Those wishing to attend should expect waiting times at the entrance, especially in the afternoon. Helmets are provided at the entrance and are mandatory throughout the underground area. The market is not accessible for people with disabilities; the path into the tunnels involves stairs and narrow passages. The event is well-suited for families with small children, but parents should note that the tunnels remain cool (around 8 to 10 degrees Celsius). Registration and information about the Fischbach Visitor Mine are available by calling 06784-2304.