Fischbach copper mine

Barrier-free guidance system
Safe stay underground
Europe's first barrier-free visitor mine

When people are on the move, they not only attach importance to safety, cleanliness and orientation, but also to being able to move as freely as possible. For historical sites this can be a challenge due to structural conditions, especially if the site is an underground tunnel.This is where the expertise of specialists for guidance and information systems is required.

Fischbach copper mine
From the early 15th century onwards, the Palatinate was an increasingly important supplier of copper, which was needed for the production of brass, among other things. Together with zinc, the metal was a much sought-after raw material for the production of boilers, chandeliers and many other practical or decorative appliances used in households, for example. While the volume of ore mined and smelted in the Nahe valley near Fischbach was far below the volumes of the large mines in Tyrol and Hungary, the quality of Palatinate copper was unequalled. The Fischbach mining industry experienced its heyday in the 16th century, when at times more than 200 miners were employed there, and in the 18th century. Regular operations were discontinued in 1792, also due to the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars, and - apart from later unprofitable attempts - were not resumed.

Barrier-free visitor mine
For a long time the widely ramified system of galleries, shafts and huge cavities remained closed. In order to give those interested in history and mining technology an impression of the mining estate which was once economically important for the region, the mine was opened as an exhibition mine in 1975 on the initiative of a development association. Since then, the range of offers for visitors has been gradually expanded, including the copper smelter reconstructed in 1986 and the mining circular path opened in 2004. special attention is paid to a barrier-free, safe and comfortable stay in the "Bergwerk im Hosenberg". This starts with the very good accessibility of the copper mine, whose entrance is in the immediate vicinity of the car park and cash desk building. Especially in the summer months, the former main service gallery, known as the "Erbstollen", is barrier-free, even for visitors with walking aids. The Erbstollen experience includes seeing, smelling and feeling. Everything can be touched during guided tours: tough (mining tools), wood or minerals such as lime and malachite. A completely continuous handrail provides support, safety and orientation. (here Fig. 1) Rest benches are available for breaks. For visually impaired guests, the complete signposting is underlaid with Braille. Finally, a tactile guidance system developed by the Birkenfeld-based company meng was installed, consisting of underride desk signs with high-contrast tactile plans and tactile handrail signs. (here fig. 2)

Accessibility benefits everyone
The principle of accessibility is still related to the target group of disabled people. This is incomprehensible, especially since Europe-wide expert reports emphasize that an obstacle-free environment is mandatory for about ten percent of the population, necessary for about 30 to 40% and comfortable for 100%. (Note 1) There are therefore good reasons for museums to make their services accessible to people with disabilities without making them more difficult. Older visitors as well as those with limited activity and mobility offer a large and growing market potential (demographic change). In addition, the legislator demands barrier-free access in public institutions. (Note 2) If this concerns museums, then not only the building itself must be accessible without difficulty, but also the exhibition must be usable without outside help. If, for example, the lettering on the exhibits is too small, the signs are placed too high or reflective glass has been used, many visitors will not be able to grasp the information. In terms of orientation design, this means that all information must be perceptible, including for people with visual impairments, blind people or people with reduced mobility, thus ensuring independent orientation and information both inside and outside a building. (here Fig. 3) Writing and symbols must not only be large and rich in contrast, but also tactile, i.e. haptically palpable using pyramid writing or relief representations. The use of Braille is not sufficient because it cannot be read by all blind people and even less often by visually impaired people. Materials with a reflective surface must not be used. Plans and signs should be placed at a suitable height and desk signs with tactile plans should be accessible to wheelchair users. The illumination of information boards also compensates for reduced eyesight. meng successfully implemented these requirements in the Fischbach copper mine. The so-called "Erbstollen" opens up the world of mining to all guests equally. Good luck!

Note 1: Cf. Peter Neumann and Paul Reuber (eds.): Ökonomische Impulse eines barrierefreien Tourismus für alle. A study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (Münstersche Geografische Arbeiten, H. 47), Münster 2004
Note 2: DIN 18040-1 Barrier-free building. Planning principles - Part 1: Publicly accessible buildings, edition 2010-10
Note 3: On the subject of accessibility in museums, libraries and archives and further literature see also KulturBetrieb, three 2014